We believe fundamental change requires:

• The transformation of society based on democracy, equality, and justice.
• The transformation of ourselves and our relationships based on authenticity, compassion, and interdependence.

Transformative Organizing asks us to deeply explore the interdependence of these levels of transformation.  How is personal transformation related to social transformation?

And how is social transformation related to personal transformation?

We believe that pursuing both levels of transformation simultaneously through the integrated approach of Transformative Organizing creates tremendous potential for change.  We have a bold vision for what the social justice movement will become as it explores, develops, and adapts TO.  Over 20 years we envision...

• A visible change in the culture of social justice work through which our organizing and campaigns deeply transform people towards greater compassion and interdependence as much as they transform social structures towards democracy and justice.
• Organizations growing in scale and gaining power in all corners of the country - shedding old forms and taking on new shapes that match the needs of this era.
• Leadership Circles that provide communities of practice where social change activists - grassroots members to executive directors - can master the craft of transformative change.
• The formation of larger national alliances based in real strength at the local and regional level.
• Through these various forms, millions of people engaged in intentionally transforming themselves, their relationships, and the broader society.

In order to achieve this vision, all of SJL's work is grounded in a Theory of Change that operates at three levels: individual, organizational and societal.

Individual Transformation. We help individuals pursue a path of personal transformation that enables them to reach a level of honesty and fearlessness toward internal and external organizational issues.  Bringing about such deep personal change at all levels of an organization is a critical component of transforming an organization into one that actually lives its values.  Without this personal transformation, organization transformations are unlikely to be deep and lasting.

Organizational Transformation.  Many social change organizations need to increase their skills and capacities to have greater impact through their movement-building work.  Our focus is on supporting organizations to develop organizational cultures consistent with the social change values they believe in and struggle for, and at the same time to greatly enhance organizational performance.  Organizational transformation is intimately related to the individual, as individual transformation can greatly increase the quality and impact of leadership in the organizational change process.

Renewed Social Justice Movement.  We support organizations and alliances to form strong, deep and authentic relationships built on trust and interdependence, which is a foundational component of movement-building work.  Because our programs encourage a shared vision and collective political analysis among individuals, their organizations and alliances, it equips them with the tools to win more concrete policy and system changes, thus moving towards community and societal transformation on a larger scale.

To gain a deeper understanding of our approach, we encourage you to read "Transformative Organizing: Towards Liberation of Self and Society."