Cultivating Connections: Reflections from the 2024 Regenerative Communities Cohort

Fostering collaborative, community-driven approaches is a key aspect to building more regenerative futures—which are not extractive, go beyond sustainability, and build potential for adaptation and resilience. That’s why we were thrilled to have hosted the culminating session of the Regenerative Communities Program (RCP) 2024 Cohort at Build It Green in November.

For six months, this cohort of changemakers worked together virtually, exploring regenerative principles and applying them to their unique community projects. Cohort members hailed from diverse communities across California, from fire-impacted rural areas like Greenville, to urban neighborhoods striving for equity and resilience in the Bay Area, Sacramento and Fresno, each bringing their own deep connections to the places they call home. The program emphasized the idea that the people most suited to create meaningful change are those deeply rooted in their communities, whether long-time residents or passionate newcomers.

The final session brought a powerful shift—a chance to connect face-to-face, deepen relationships, and reflect on shared progress. It was an opportunity to turn virtual collaboration into tangible connection and for participants to collectively envision next steps for their work. By bridging the gap between where these communities are and where they aspire to be, this cohort is helping to sow the seeds for a more regenerative future.

Strengthening Bonds in Person

The energy in the room was palpable as participants gathered for the first time. While the virtual sessions laid the foundation, meeting in person created opportunities for organic and meaningful exchanges. A cohort member, shared their appreciation:

“I’ve been able to connect with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Being in the same space with them helped me see new sides of my collaborators, deepening our relationships and how we work together.”

Throughout the day, participants reflected on their collective journey, celebrating successes while acknowledging the work ahead. One reflection stood out, capturing the urgency many feel in addressing challenges in their communities:

“The bubble is burst—there’s no time for anger or sadness. We’re already organizing to fight for our communities.”

This sentiment resonated with many in the room, emphasizing the real-world stakes of their work and the need for immediate, focused action.

Seasonal Reflections: Learning from Nature

A highlight of the session was a seasonal exercise that invited participants to consider how cycles of nature can inform their work.

One of the participants, posed an insightful question:

“How do we bring the quiet, reflective energy of winter into the relentless ‘summer mode’ of doing and moving things forward?”

This exercise encouraged participants to think about balancing action with moments of pause and renewal—a crucial practice for leaders navigating high-stakes challenges. The discussion reminded everyone that regeneration is as much about rest and reflection as it is about progress and growth.

Moving Toward Regenerative Communities

As the session progressed, participants explored how to apply these insights to their community projects. Through candid conversations and collaborative exercises, they developed actionable strategies for navigating complex issues, from displacement to equitable development.

By the end of the day, the cohort left with more than just tools—they carried a renewed sense of purpose and connection. One participant reflected that they initially entered the program expecting a straightforward roadmap or toolkit for applying regenerative principles in their work. Instead, they experienced a profound shift, gaining a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be regenerative. Even amidst uncertainties about their organization’s future, they felt inspired and confident, knowing they were part of a supportive community and that their expertise could contribute to numerous impactful projects and movements. The in-person session underscored the power of collaboration, demonstrating that meaningful relationships are at the heart of regenerative change.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey

The 2024 RCP cohort has experienced profound shifts in thinking over the past six months, sparking deep reflection and growth. While their journey is far from over, the insights gained and connections formed during this transformative program will continue to inspire their efforts, nurturing resilient and thriving communities across California.

As we reflect on this final session, we’re reminded of the importance of creating spaces for intentional connection and collective reflection. Together, we’re building the foundation for a future that’s not just sustainable but regenerative—one relationship, one project, and one community at a time.

We’re excited to see how these changemakers will continue to lead in their communities, and we’re committed to supporting their efforts every step of the way. While these internal sessions have been invaluable for building a community of changemakers and fostering personal growth, an important lesson has emerged: the real challenge lies in applying these learnings on the ground and with the communities they aim to serve. This critical question drives our next steps as we develop the Core Communities offering of RCP, launching in 2025. Stay tuned for updates as our first cohort group brings their visions to life and helps shape the future of regenerative practice—and don’t miss the chance to hear directly from them at our upcoming event, Regenerative Communities: Reflections on Building Resilience on January 9, 2025!

For more information about the Regenerative Communities Program or to explore participation opportunities, please reach out to our programs team at [email protected].