the civitatem story

our story

we created civitatem to facilitate networked feminisms. we want to do this through a dedicated focus on community, containers, and constellations.

we want to address problems we see repeating in sites of civil society engagement - be that organisations, collectives, or networks. we function within the master's container and are forced to use the master's tools. transformation remains a dream.

we need more communities, not cycles of unending conflict. we need healing, not punishment. we need justice, not retribution.

civitatem was born out of acknowledging, recognizing, and committing to take action to change this reality. we see our roles as bridge-building spacefarers. we bring radical imagination alive in your spaces through our work.

in the words of gloria anzaldua, in her poem the new speakers:
“we don't want to be stars but parts of constellations”

why we exist

we envision a world where communities thrive through connection rather than division—where people have the skills, spaces, and systems they need to navigate differences constructively, grow together meaningfully, and create lasting bonds that strengthen both individuals and the collective whole. we do this through:

  • conflict transformation: we help people move beyond conflict to find common ground through mediation that addresses underlying needs and builds understanding between parties. our approach transforms conflicts from destructive forces into opportunities for deeper connection and growth.

  • community growth facilitation: we create spaces where people can grow in relationship with each other through carefully designed workshops and facilitated sessions. these experiences build the relational skills, shared understanding, and collective capacity that strong communities require.

  • infrastructure development: we help shape the digital and offline policies, systems, and structures that either support or hinder community formation. from ethical technology frameworks to inclusive policy design, we ensure that the infrastructures around us actually foster connection and belonging.

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 mediation, facilitation, policy advisory, and organizational development, always working with an understanding of power dynamics, inclusive practices, and the interconnected nature of personal and systemic change. through this work, we support:

  1. organizations seeking to build more cohesive, collaborative cultures

  2. communities experiencing division who want to find pathways forward together

  3. policymakers and institutions developing frameworks that impact how people connect

  4. leaders who want to create environments where authentic relationships can flourish

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

it all begins with an idea. maybe you want to have a difficult conversation. maybe you want to interrogate power. maybe you want to resolve a conflict and preserve a relationship. maybe you want to learn something new! these people are happy to help you get started.

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, working with a special focus on areas of feminist facilitation, conflict transformation, and peace mediation.

  • 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.  

  • healer, guide, caregiver

    gita jayakumar is a mediator and energy therapy practitioner, working with a special focus on trauma release, root cause analysis, and mind-body energy work.