2025 Network Catalyzers Program

SYSTEMS CHANGE & STRUCTURAL POWERNEWS
Written By THECHANGELAB
2025 Catalyzers Program — Profile
🚀 Network Catalyzers Program
Democracy & Belonging Forum • UC Berkeley OBI

This 12-month program helps members build and sustain their own communities. Cohorts meet monthly, get mentorship, receive program support, and a stipend to strengthen their projects.

Want to see what bridging looks like in action? Meet the 2025 Catalyzers.

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Why This Matters

Across the U.S., many people feel divided and disconnected. The Catalyzers Program shows that democracy grows stronger when neighbors, teachers, and organizers build trust and solve problems together. This work turns “belonging” into everyday practice — something any American can start in their own community.

Meet the 2025 Cohort
Edwin Zhao — Coming Home through Adopted Families
Coach and facilitator co-founding Ode; focuses on listening practices in healthcare.
Agnes Meneses & Mat Cotton Jr. — Democracy and Belonging in Cities
Agnes: strategist and circle facilitator. Mat: organizer building racial unity in Chicago.
Hilda Landrove — Escaping Authoritarianism
Cuban researcher and professor studying political action in closed contexts.
David A. Brown — The Change Lab
Founder of The Change Lab; nonprofit leader bridging arts, food, and civic engagement.
Alexandra Georges-Picot & Xavier Arrateig — The Historical Gatherings
Researchers blending rural life, embodied learning, and intergenerational storytelling.
Sam Hathroubi — Les Aristides: A Table
Activist bridging Jewish and Muslim communities in France and Germany.
Sen Zhan — Community Stewards
Co-director of SINGA Deutschland; designs programs helping newcomers start businesses.
What You Get

Participants receive mentorship, peer learning, a stipend, and practical tools to grow member-run communities — online or in person.

See the full list
  • Monthly practice sessions and peer learning
  • Mentorship and program support
  • Program stipend to support community activities
  • Member-run communities (virtual or in-person)
  • 12-month engagement with visibility and tools
Wayfinder
Engagement Levels
Get Started Informed Involved Activated
Focus Areas
🏛️ Democracy 🤝 Community 🎓 Education
Action Approaches
📚 Read and Research 🌐 Meet and Network 🛠️ Build Skills 🚀 Organize and Start
Last updated: September 4, 2025
Source: https://www.democracyandbelongingforum.org/2025-catalyzers-program
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https://www.thechangelab.net/
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