Sociocracy Now with Adrian Zarif, founder Sociocracy.Academy®

 ✓ Sociocracy as a Living Practice

Sociocracy Now: Where Are We? At Sociocracy.Academy®, sociocracy is not just a theoretical framework—it's a living, breathing practice. As more organizations, communities, and NGOs seek alternatives to rigid hierarchies, sociocracy emerges as a human-centered system of governance built on consent, clarity, and collaboration. In this interview-style reflection, Adrian Zarif, founder of Sociocracy Academy, offers a fresh perspective on how sociocracy is evolving to meet the needs of our time.

✓ Sociocracy for the Modern World

Sociocracy is often seen as complex or niche, but at its core, it’s a deeply intuitive system.

“What we do,”

Adrian explains, 

“is bring sociocracy into real-life organizations, in a way that feels natural, respectful, and empowering.” 

Through hands-on tools, custom sociocracy training, and real-time sociocracy practice, Sociocracy.Academy® helps teams experience transformation from the inside out and succeed in real life sociocracy implementation.

✓ Sociocracy Through Real Experience

What makes the Sociocracy.Academy® approach unique is its emphasis on learning by doing. Unlike theory-heavy workshops, the Academy’s programs are immersive and experiential. Adrian describes the approach as 

“co-creating a culture where everyone learns to govern themselves together.”

Programs like Sociocracy Support Services offer mentoring, facilitation, and personalized guidance tailored to each organization. Find more real world examples on our Books on Sociocracy by Adrian Zarif, Founder Sociocracy.Academy®

✓ Sociocracy Starts with You

“Sociocracy starts with inner work,” Adrian emphasizes. At Sociocracy.Academy®, one of the foundational practices is the Personal Sociocracy Journal, a tool for self-reflection and personal alignment. Adrian Zarif recommendation is:

“Before we govern together, we must learn to govern ourselves.”

This approach is rooted in a combination of Sociocratic Tools , Personal Development, Personal Optimization and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), helping individuals align values with actions.

✓ Sociocracy in the Nonprofit Sector

One area where sociocracy is gaining traction is the nonprofit world. NGOs, associations, and mission-driven groups are discovering how sociocracy can reduce burnout, improve participation, and align teams around shared purpose. In the blog post How to Use Sociocracy in NGOs, the Sociocracy Academy explores practical applications that resonate with purpose-led organizations.

✓ Sociocracy with Purpose-Driven Teams

Adrian Zarif shares that many people come to sociocracy during moments of organizational change. “Teams that feel stuck or disillusioned often realize they need a different way to collaborate,” he says. Sociocracy.Academy® provides a structured pathway for teams to rediscover trust, clarity, and shared leadership—all core values embedded in the sociocratic model.

✓ Sociocracy and the Power of Consent

At the heart of sociocracy is the principle of consent. It’s not about getting unanimous agreement, but about finding a decision that is “good enough for now and safe enough to try.” Adrian notes, “The moment people realize they don’t have to agree on everything to move forward is the moment energy flows again.” This is a shift the Academy teaches in depth in its Sociocracy Customized Training programs.

✓ Sociocracy and Facilitator Development

Facilitation is key to making sociocracy work. Sociocracy.Academy® places special focus on the art of facilitation, helping individuals become competent in leading group decisions. Adrian explains, 

“A facilitator is not a moderator. They’re a process guide, trained to hear objections and transform them into opportunities.” 

Through practical exercises, the Sociocracy Academy trains facilitators to create inclusive, efficient, and consent-driven meetings.

✓ Sociocracy Made Easy

“Sociocracy should not feel hard,”

Adrian laughs.

“It should feel like relief.”

The Academy’s section Sociocracy Made Easy breaks down key concepts in plain language, inviting readers into the world of sociocracy without jargon or overwhelm. With free sociocracy resources and step-by-step sociocracy guidance, the Sociocracy Academy® is committed to making sociocracy work for you by making it easy.

✓ Sociocracy Now, Your Turn to Begin

Whether you’re an individual looking to explore personal alignment, a nonprofit seeking better governance, or a team ready to transform your collaboration model, the invitation is open. As Adrian puts it,

“Sociocracy is not the future. Sociocracy is now.”

To begin your journey, explore our free introduction to sociocracy and connect with a growing community of practitioners around the world.


Adrian Zarif – Author & Sociocracy Expert
Founder Sociocracy.Academy®
Making Sociocracy Work for You by Making It Easy

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