Transforming our systems to be more just and equitable for all will require new ways of working together. It demands practices that cultivate collective wisdom and give rise to evolved levels of thinking and action addressing systemic injustice. At a systems level, transformation involves a radical shift in system culture (mindsets, relationships, power) and system structure (policies, practices, resource flows).

To create more radical outcomes we need radical containers (intentional ways of working together that transform connection, learning and collective potential). Being more “radical” doesn’t require inventing something new. Practices—most from non-dominant cultures—such as peacemaking circles, truth and reconciliation, spiritual rituals and other restorative justice approaches can help guide us. These practices, which come from many different cultures, tend to have five qualities in common that support the work of transformational change.