we don't believe in quick fixes.

we believe in transformation.

we were founded on a simple but demanding belief: that the conflicts tearing through our organisations, communities, and institutions are not accidents. they are symptoms of power imbalances, structural harm, and systems built without the people they most affect.

our work begins where others often stop. we don't offer quick facilitation and walk away. we go to the root. we ask the harder questions about who designed these systems, whose interests they serve, and what it would take to build something more just in their place.

we work with civil society organisations, community groups, grassroots movements, and private sector institutions: wherever there is a genuine commitment to equity and a willingness to do the real work. we focus on community, where we harness the power of people coming together to listen, learn, and facilitate change; containers, where we shape spaces, platforms, and networks by embedding human-centric principles and values; and constellations, where we build knowledge repositories to guide communities and shape containers for engagement.

“we don't want to be stars but parts of constellations”
-gloria anzaldua

how we work

our approach is grounded in the belief that sustainable community building requires addressing three levels simultaneously:

  • the relational level: building individual and interpersonal capacity for healthy connection

  • collective level: creating group dynamics and cultures that support thriving relationships

  • structural level: developing systems and policies that enable rather than obstruct community formation

we bring expertise in conflict transformation, policy advisory, tech governance, research, and collective work. we work with an understanding of power dynamics, inclusive practices, and the interconnected nature of personal and systemic change.

our core values

connection over division: we believe in people's fundamental capacity to find common ground and build meaningful relationships across difference.

transformation over quick fixes: we focus on addressing root causes and building lasting capacity rather than applying temporary solutions.

inclusion and equity: we ensure all voices are heard and valued, recognizing that true community requires justice and fairness for all members.

systemic thinking: we understand that individual, relational, and structural changes are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.

integrity in process: How we work matters as much as what we achieve—our methods model the collaborative, respectful relationships we seek to foster.

the civitatem team

we’re a small team, but we work with a big heart.
a note on our “designations:” we’ve decided to move away from capitalistic frames that tell you our roles in relation to productivity standards we don’t subscribe to. instead, we leaned in on deepa iyer’s social change map and identified our roles.

  • experimenter, disruptor, builder

    kirthi jayakumar is a lawyer, facilitator, and mediator, specialised in ai law, policy, and governance, as well as data protection and privacy.

  • experimenter, disruptor, builder

    aparnaa nagesh is an interdisciplinary performer, writer, and art-maker blending dance, theatre, and storytelling with social impact, education, and gender advocacy across platforms.
    she champions purpose-driven creativity and community through artistic expression and transformative facilitation.