Pathways to Repair
Engagement : Level 3 – Participation & Practice
Pathway: Bridging Across Difference
Sub-pathway: Dialogue & Deliberation for Understanding
Mission:
To empower individuals and communities to heal divides, foster connection, and engage in courageous conversations that lead to cultural repair and collective transformation.
Why It Matters:
Pathways to Repair offers a dynamic, accessible model for transforming division into dialogue. Through story-based engagements and facilitated discussions, they equip participants to engage with empathy and accountability across lines of difference—including political, racial, and generational divides. In a time of increasing polarization, their work helps build the social cohesion and trust needed to create resilient, equitable communities.
Alignment with The Change Lab:
Pathways to Repair deeply aligns with The Change Lab’s vision of civic engagement rooted in belonging, shared understanding, and systems transformation. Their commitment to bridging divides through story and dialogue supports our core themes of social cohesion, civic imagination, and healing-centered practices. The work uplifts neighbors as civic actors and creates pathways for moving from reflection to action.
Key Programs & Tools:
Story Circles & Repair Dialogues
Facilitated gatherings to process conflict, examine bias, and build understanding.
Link: https://pathwaystorepair.org/story-circlesRepair Toolkit
A downloadable, step-by-step guide to facilitate your own repair conversations in communities or organizations. Link: https://pathwaystorepair.org/toolkitWorkshops & Trainings
Learn how to hold space, navigate difficult conversations, and lead with empathy. Offered for organizations, schools, and networks. Link: https://pathwaystorepair.org/trainings
Strategic Alignment with The Change Lab:
Thematic DomainRelevanceCommunity, Culture & BelongingCore focus on relational healing and inclusionSystems Change & Structural PowerPromotes civic repair as a counter to systemic harmGovernance, Rights & DemocracySupports democratic culture through dialogue
Engagement Level: Informed → Activated
Visitors begin with story and dialogue, and are invited to host their own gatherings, engage local leaders, or adapt the toolkit for deeper community practice.
Role in the Ecosystem:
Pathways to Repair serves as a bridge-builder and toolkit provider, amplifying the power of personal stories and structured conversation to heal civic rifts. It acts as a resource hub for those working at the intersection of healing and justice, and a model of participatory, grassroots reconciliation.
