How to Find Community as a Changemaker (in 2026)

    

You care deeply about creating change, but you’re not a fan of going at it solo. You may be working on climate justice, social equity, regenerative businesses, education reform, community wellbeing, or another type of changeworking. And you may also feel, at times, like you’re missing deeper, more meaningful human connections and support in your journey.

Finding community as a changeworker isn’t a luxury, and it doesn’t make you “weaker” than others. It’s fundamental. Without it, even the most committed systems change leaders can drift into isolation, disillusionment, hopelessness, or burnout.

At Parayma, we often speak about combining the inner and outer work. The outer work is strategy, systems change, advocacy, and implementation. The inner work is resilience, purpose, reflection, and connection. Community sits at the intersection of both.

This guide is here to help you find community as a changeworker in a way that’s aligned, sustainable, and nourishing.

 

 

 

 

Steps to Finding Community as a Changemaker

 

As a changeworker looking for community, you’re probably wondering these 3 things:

• “Where do I find people like me?”
• “How do I know if a community is right for me?”
• “Why does it still feel lonely, even when I’m in rooms full of change leaders?”

If you’re feeling this way, I don’t recommend throwing yourself into more groups. Because you’re not lacking opportunities - you’re more so lacking intention and depth.

  

1. Clarify What You Are Seeking

First, before you start searching, pause. Ask yourself:

• Do I want emotional support?
• Do I want strategic collaboration?
• Do I want accountability?
• Do I want inspiration?
• Do I want to learn systems change tools?
• Do I want to make friends or am I looking for more professional connections?

Different communities serve different needs. A climate activism collective is not the same as a reflective leadership circle. A professional network is not the same as a peer mentoring group.

A common mistake I’ve seen fellow changeworkers make is joining communities because they are prestigious or reputable, rather than because they meet their current needs.

In your journal or in a Google Doc, write down 3 challenges you’re currently facing in your change work. For each challenge, ask: “could or would community help with this? If so, how?”

Research in social psychology consistently shows that feeling a distinct sense of belonging significantly increases resilience and persistence in difficult tasks. Changework is difficult. As you likely know already, it requires sustained effort over time. Community helps regulate stress and normalise setbacks.

 

2. Start With Existing Ecosystems

You may not need to start from scratch. In fact, starting from scratch is often the hardest way to go about finding community. So unless you already have a large network, I highly don’t recommend trying to create community from nothing. If you are fortunate enough to have a large network and you’re feeling driven to create something with full ownership, then absolutely go ahead and put out some feelers to see who would be interested in participating.

To start with existing ecosystems, look at:

• Local initiatives in your city or region
• Alumni networks from universities or programmes
• Professional associations
• Thematic communities (e.g. regenerative agriculture, youth participation, circular economy)
• Online platforms centred around systems change and social innovation

Often, the first layer of finding community as a changeworker is overarchingly mapping the ecosystem you’re already part of.

In systems thinking, we always highlight seeing the web of relationships. Apply that lens to yourself. Who are you already connected to? Who do they know?

For example, many systems leaders or changeworkers describe their first meaningful community as something they “stumbled into” through a conference, fellowship, or collaborative project. The key was not the event itself, but the follow-up conversations and shared reflection that continued afterwards. Building things with others brings shared values to the forefront, which in turn makes it easier to connect.

Instead of attending events as a passive participant, approach them as planting seeds. Have many conversations - you never know where something may lead. Don’t be afraid to ask one or two people for a deeper conversation afterwards by inviting them to a small follow-up call. Nowadays, effort is relatively rare so by showing that you’re interested in continuing the conversation, you’re making it known that you care to strengthen that connection. And the right people will reciprocate that effort and want to connect further with you too.

  

3. Engage Before You Expect Belonging

Belonging is co-created. True familiarity and connection forms after finding connection points, which only happens when two or more people are vulnerable and freely express themselves (as much as possible, of course, especially if you’re shy or more reserved).

I’ve personally found the most success (i.e. the best communities for me) by putting myself out there without expecting anything in return. I highly recommend having this mindset because it’s the easiest way to attract positive, friendly people to you.

When entering a new community:

• Observe the culture
• Contribute thoughtfully
• Offer support without expecting anything in return
• Share resources you love
• Ask open questions

To reiterate (because it’s so important), try to avoid the common trap of treating communities as transactional spaces. If you enter with “what can I get?”, it will likely feel like networking. If you enter with “what could we possibly build together or learn from each other?”, it becomes something truly valuable.

From a behavioural science perspective, reciprocity is a strong driver of trust. Small acts of generosity compound over time and deepen bonds.

  

4. Consider Starting Something Small

If you just can’t seem to find the right space no matter how much you try, create a small one.

You don’t need a large gathering - even the largest gatherings once started small. In fact, it’s better to start small so that you can learn, gather feedback, iterate, and improve. Your commitment to fostering community will show participants that you genuinely care.

You may not even want a large community actually. Research shows that you only need 3 to 5 strong, meaningful relationships in order to feel fulfilled socially and relationally. Success to you may even look like having a smaller, deeper community rather than a larger, more superficial one - and that’s completely valid. Whatever your community goals are, they’re good.

To help you get started, you can start with:

• A monthly peer reflection circle
• A quarterly strategy session with 3 to 4 other changeworkers
• A monthly book club on systems change
• A shared co-working day once a month

In order to find participants, try different methods. Post on LinkedIn. Send emails. Post on Instagram. Attach a flyer to a coffee shop’s bulletin board. Many thriving communities began as small experiments.

This approach also aligns with systems change principles. Instead of waiting for the perfect structure, you prototype. You learn. You iterate.

 

 

Ready to connect with friendly, supportive, and like-minded folks? Join the upcoming cohort of our live 10-week group programme Changework Compass! Not only will you find community with fellow changeworkers, but you’ll also clarify and deepen your purpose and life’s work - it couldn’t be any better if you've been feeling lost or uncertain.

 

 

 

 

What to Consider When Trying to Find Community

 

If you’ve already tried finding community and nothing’s worked out, then you know it can be hit-and-miss. There are key aspects of a community that you should look out for. And your time is valuable - you shouldn’t spend it investing in a wrong-for-you community.

That’s why I highly recommend considering the below dimensions before committing your time and energy.

 

 

• Communication Styles

 

Communication shapes culture. And it shapes your nervous system. Do the community leaders communicate in a timely and effective way? Do you like their method of communication (e.g. email, social media, SMS texts, etc.)?

Also ask yourself:

• Is communication direct or indirect? Is it active or passive?
• Is there space for reflection?
• Are disagreements handled constructively?
• Do people listen deeply, or speak over each other?

Research on high-performing teams (such as work by Amy Edmondson on psychological safety) shows that groups thrive when people feel safe to express uncertainty and dissent.

Expert Tip:

Attend a few community sessions before committing long-term. Notice how people respond when someone shares a vulnerability or a different perspective.

 

 

• Leadership

 

Every community has leadership, even if informal.

Consider:

• Is leadership transparent?
• Are decisions explained?
• Is power shared?
• Are there opportunities for others to step into responsibility?

In changework, we often critique highly authoritative, extractive hierarchies. Yet some communities in our space replicate them unconsciously.

A common mistake I’ve seen others make when searching for community is confusing charismatic leadership with healthy leadership.

Healthy leadership:

• Welcomes feedback
• Encourages distributed ownership
• Is aligned with the stated values
• Encourages accountability

 

 

• Aligned Values

 

Shared values that act as the backbone of decisions, culture, and actions are the backbone of a well-built, non-toxic community. When communities veer away from their stated values, that’s when stress, anxiety, and disconnection tend to happen. I can’t tell you how important it is for communities to honor their values at all times, especially during difficult times or when making difficult decisions. That’s when it matters most and when you see if leaders actually believe in what they advocate for or not.

Ask yourself:

• Do we share a vision of justice, collaboration, and regeneration?
• Do we agree on core principles (e.g. equity, inclusion, accountability)?
• Is there clarity about the community’s purpose and vision?

Misalignment may not show immediately. It may be something that you see over time, such as budding feelings of friction without addressing it or conflict without satisfactory repair.

For example, changeworkers focusing on sustainability may align on environmental goals, but diverge on best approaches to capitalism, policy, or activism. Without explicit dialogue, these tensions can erode trust and connection.

Even though it may feel difficult, I highly recommend having clear conversations about values early. Even informal communities can benefit greatly from clarity early on. Don’t underestimate the power of everyone being on the same page from the beginning stages.

 

 

• Culture

 

Community culture is essentially “how we do things here”. Some may be a good fit for you, and others may not - it depends on your own personal values, preferences, and priorities.

In general, look for:

• Warmth and welcome
• Space for different personalities
• Respect for time and boundaries
• Recognition of all forms of labour
• Written code of conduct

If the culture feels rushed, competitive, or performative, it may not be regenerative.

Studies on belonging suggest that micro-signals (e.g. eye contact, tone, inclusion in conversation) strongly influence whether people feel included or not.

I recommend trusting your body (and more specifically, your gut). If you consistently leave a space feeling drained or tense, pay attention to that (don’t ignore it or you’ll end up suffering).

 

 

• Proximity

 

Do you want:

• Local, in-person community?
• Global, online connection?
• A hybrid?

Proximity shapes depth and connection. In-person spaces can build relational trust quickly. Online spaces can offer diversity and accessibility. There’s pros and cons to both.

Neither is superior. The key is: what are you looking for? 

 

 

• Frequency of Gatherings

 

Consistency matters. Monthly gatherings often build rhythm, trust, and reliability. Quarterly gatherings may feel too spaced out for relational depth, but may be the best option if your schedule is already extremely busy.

Ask:

• Is the cadence supportive for sustained connection?
• Does it fit your capacity?

Avoid overcommitting. Community should strengthen your contribution, not overwhelm it to the point where you don’t want to go to meetups anymore.

 

 

• Types of Gatherings

 

Different formats serve different purposes:

• Workshops (learning-focused)
• Circles (reflection-focused)
• Strategy sessions (action-focused)
• Social gatherings (relationship-focused)
• Retreats (deep immersion)

A balanced community often includes multiple formats, but of course it’s ok if a community you like only has one or two types of gatherings.

If everything is a high-intensity strategy, there may be little room for processing. If everything is reflective, there may be limited external impact, and so on.

 

 

• Transparency

 

As you probably already know, repeated transparency builds trust over time. It signals that a community values accountability, integrity, and honesty.

Look for clarity around:

• Funding
• Decision-making
• Roles and expectations
• Boundaries and confidentiality

 

 

• Authenticity

 

Do people show up as whole humans? Do they honor their human-ness?

Or does it feel curated? Does it feel performative? Is it all for the “clout”?

Authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing, trauma-dumping, or things of the like. It means congruence between values and behaviour. It doesn’t feel fake.

When leaders acknowledge mistakes, it sets a tone. When people can speak honestly about doubt, it normalises understanding and growth.

 

 

• Commitment

 

The best communities exemplify commitment and dedication. They regularly stay active in their communications and demonstrate how they’re upholding their values.

Consider:

• Are members engaged consistently?
• Do people follow through?
• Is there shared responsibility?

If a community is loosely attended and inconsistently held, it may struggle to build trust. And it may feel unsafe to your nervous system.

At the same time, beware of rigid expectations. Healthy commitment respects sovereignty and life’s realities.

 

 

 

 

Community Red Flags to Look For

Unfortunately, not every space is healthy. Being discerning and trusting your intuiiont (I know, harder said than done sometimes!) is part of finding community as a changeworker.

 

 

• Others Look Down On You

 

If you feel patronised or intellectually diminished, pause.

Changeworking attracts intelligent, driven people. But expertise shouldn’t become elitism, exclusionary, or degrading.

Red flag behaviours:

• Dismissing questions
• Using jargon to exclude
• Mocking less experienced members
• Gossoping behind people’s backs

Community should stretch you, not shrink you.

 

 

• You Don’t Feel a Sense of Belonging

 

Belonging isn’t instant of course, but persistent alienation is a signal that something’s off.

Ask:

• Have I given this enough time?
• Or is there a deeper misalignment?

Research shows that chronic lack of belonging increases stress and reduces motivation.

Never forget: it isn’t a personal failure if a space doesn’t fit. It’s simply a misalignment.

 

 

• Your Opinions Aren’t Heard or Valued

 

Healthy communities invite input from all, rotate (or offer the option to rotate) speaking opportunities, and encourage quieter voices.

If the same few individuals continually dominate and dissent is subtly (or blatantly) discouraged, growth is limited and that community is probably not for you.

 

 

• It Feels Like Networking

 

Professional connections are valuable, but if every interaction feels transactional or superficial, something key is missing.

Networking-focused spaces often:

• Centre status and visibility
• Prioritise personal branding
• Emphasise self-promotion

If you leave feeling evaluated rather than connected, consider whether it meets your deeper community needs.

 

 

• It Feels Performative

 

In some changeworking circles, language about justice and regeneration is abundant. Embodiment is scarce, or at the very least, harder to find.

Signs of performativity:

• Strong rhetoric, limited action
• Public virtue signalling, private inconsistency
• Avoidance of uncomfortable conversations

Systems change requires courage to show up as your true self, to acknowledge your gaps of knowledge, and to be held accountable even when it’s difficult. A community unwilling to examine its own patterns may struggle to create meaningful impact.

 

 

 

 

The Top 3 Online Changemaker Communities

If you’re specifically looking for online spaces, here are three widely recognised communities that many changeworkers explore. Each has a distinct focus and culture.

 

1. Ashoka

Ashoka is one of the most established global networks for changeworkers, social entrepreneurs, disruptors, social change leaders, and innovators.

What it offers:

• Fellowship programmes
• Global visibility
• Peer networks
• Thematic collaborations
• Strong credibility and global reach

However, entry can be competitive. It may better suit those already leading established initiatives or significantly into their changeworking journeys already.

 

2. Parayma

Parayma is a one-of-a-kind hub for changeworkers, social entrepreneurs, and systems change leaders. Led by a UNESCO Young Leader and a Dalai Lama Fellow (hi, hello!), this community fosters connections between like-minded individuals and supports changeworkers at ALL levels with ALL the things they might need.

What it offers:

• Expert changework guidance
• Comprehensive programming
• A community of like-minded people with shared values and goals 

 

3. Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship

The Schwab Foundation works closely with the World Economic Forum ecosystem.

What it offers:

• High-level convenings
• Cross-sector dialogue
• Global exposure
• Access to influential governmtnal and organizational networks

Of course, these aren’t the only options! There are also much smaller, more intimate communities that may better fit your needs. To find these, I’d recommend looking on Discord, Reddit, and in Facebook or LinkedIn groups.

Remember, bigger is not always better. Sometimes the most transformative communities are those with 5 to 15 committed members.

 

We’re very much living in a time of profound transition. Systems are shifting. Power dynamics are being questioned and reshaped. Old paradigms are cracking, even if new ones aren’t yet fully visible.

In such times, isolation fuels maintaining the status quo. Connection is regenerative, and necessary to advance meaningful social change.

Finding community as a changemaker supports:

• Mental resilience
• Strategic clarity
• Courage
• Hope
• Optimism

 

If you’re seeking a space that combines:

• Systems change thinking
• Honest dialogue
• Meaninful depth
• Doing the inner and outer work
• Peer connection

 

Start by watching our free 101 workshops on personal branding, systems change, ecosystem mapping, or finding your purpose.

 

Your contribution matters. And it becomes stronger when it’s interwoven with a community committed to a more just and regenerative future.