The Network Catalyzers Program is a 12-month program by UC Berkeley's Democracy & Belonging Forum that helps people build stronger communities. Eight selected leaders from around the world work on projects that bring different groups together and solve problems as neighbors. The 2025 group includes people working on healthcare listening, racial unity in Chicago, helping adopted families, and bridging Jewish and Muslim communities.
Participants get monthly meetings, mentorship, money to support their work, and tools to grow their communities. The program shows how democracy works better when people from different backgrounds learn to trust each other and work together. Each person focuses on 'bridging' - finding ways to connect people who might not usually talk to each other.
Projects range from helping newcomers start businesses to using storytelling to bring generations together. This program proves that anyone can start building belonging in their own community, making democracy stronger from the ground up.