My Vision

Bees are captivating creatures, offering us poetic, metaphorical and awe-inspiring wisdom in times of chaos, strife, and animosity.

Just like bees, I am committed to harnessing the power of both small individual and larger collective efforts to bring about significant change in our world. In a world that often feels overwhelming, I aim to embody the bee that overcomes the physically impossible. A bee's wings are too small to lift it off the ground, yet it can still fly, demonstrating the possibility that we, too, can rise above external challenges, self-doubt, and adversity. We can also overcome the ways oppressive systems inhibit us and find gentle and tender ways to dismantle these systems both inside and outside of us.

Drawing wisdom from the delicate yet powerful ecosystem of bee swarms, I am dedicated to strengthening the principles of collectivity in decision-making, open communication, shared knowledge, and consensus-building.

The reenchantment with the world can be a powerful force to build and envision a more beautiful future, whether it's within the microcosm of an enchanting bee with its heart that has five openings or through the waggle dance, or in the macrocosm of the entire Earth, all of which depends on this small creature. Honey used to be spread on the lips of poets so that they may become honey-tongued and speak words of love and pleasure. I aspire for us to spread honey on our lips and eyes, to dream, speak, and reimagine our individual selves and our collective creative potential.

My most cherished metaphor is that of a honey-producing beehive. I aspire to bring about the harmonious work of a beehive, where I, along with others, contribute to gathering the nectar of knowledge, skills, and resources. Our collective efforts can yield the sweet reward of cooperation and unity, just as the bees create honey.

My Story

I was born in the northeastern region of Poland to working-class parents. I grew up in close proximity to nature, particularly the Białowieża Forest. Here's an interesting fact: straddling the border between Poland and Belarus, the Białowieża Forest is Europe's last remaining lowland ancient forest. The region I grew up in used to be a bustling multicultural place and the birthplace of the Esperanto language.

All of my grandparents were children when World War II broke out. The legacy of that trauma continues to affect both my family and my country of origin. My parents and grandparents were immigrant remitters, a term that indicates their frequent absence during my childhood as they sought to make a living abroad. It's worth noting that there are beekeepers in my family, which is likely why I feel a strong connection to the image of a bee.

My family emmigrated to the USA shortly after I finished high school. Within six months, I became the first person in my family to attend university. After six years of living in New York City, I moved to Berlin to pursue my master's degree, and I have been residing there ever since.

I believe it's important to provide insight into my background because it has significantly shaped my perspective. Understanding my roots can offer context for how I analyze the world, relate to others, and envision the future. It might be due to my Polish sense of humor, but I've always enjoyed contemplating the various absurdities of life. Perhaps that's why I also engage in clowning during my free time and firmly believe in the power of play, humor, and trickery

Trainings and Credentials

The Politics of Trauma: Embodied Transformation, Social Action and Love
Various Grant Writing Workshops
Digital Leadership: Activating and Holding Transformative Change Online at Presencing Institute
Internal Family Systems Training
Transformative Collaboration for a Better World at ULEX
Humanitarian Clowning (embodying authenticity, vulnerability, playfulness & kindness)
Smart Body Smart Mind (somatic and nervous system healing)
The Activist Clown Toolkit: Political Clown Co-lab Series
Non Violent Communication
Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate Program
Systemic & Family Constellations
We Will Dance with the Mountains
Systemic Constellations for Social Change
Decentralized Organizing
Regenerative Renaissance: Shifting to Regenerative Practices
Deep Democracy (Level 1 and Level 2)
Warm Data Lab
Social Innovation Hosting
Design Thinking
Coaching Certification

The Credential Bio:

I hold a Master's in Social Science with a concentration in Democracy Studies from Humboldt University in Berlin. My academic research focused on the crisis of democracy, direct democracy, and social democracy.

I am an enthusiastic learner and have continued to educate myself since completing my master's degree. My focus has been on shifting our approach to knowledge and systems and restoring the human being as a relational, imaginative and playful creature.

While I do not consider myself a trauma specialist in the traditional sense, my diverse background has equipped me with skills related to working with the nervous system and the politics of trauma.

My Degrees:

M.A.

Humboldt Universtität

B.A.

New York University

High School

Sozialwissenschaften (Social Sciences)

Politics

Liceum in Poland

Mathematics-Physics Profile

My Core Commitments (Values & Belives)

SOLIDARITY: I stand in solidarity with all struggles that uphold collective liberation and cooperation.
RESPECT: I honor the contributions of future generations along with those of our elders, political ancestors, and contemporaries.
COLLECTIVE CARE: I want all our human endeavours to be we centered around care for self, others, and community.
TRUST: Building trust is the most important step, it helps us to balance autonomy and collective responsibility.
JOY: it is crucial to nourish our souls, and to make room for joy in our work and lives.
HEALING AND REPAIR: I believe in naming and repairing past trauma and harm in ways that center the strengths and healing of survivors of trauma and harm

aleks@nyu.edu

My Vision

My Story

Trainings and Credentials

M.A.

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My Core Commitments (Values & Belives)