
An introduction to Earth Based Governance
Earth-Based Governance offers an alternative to conventional, top-down, win/lose right/wrong binary systems. It reframes governance as a living, relational process—one that aligns with the rhythms of the Earth and the time-honored wisdom lived and upheld by elder cultures.
Rather than focusing on control or majority rule, Earth-Based Governance emphasizes connection, care, and shared stewardship. It is a framework that encourages thoughtful engagement, supports collaborative leadership, and creates space for diverse voices and perspectives.
This campaign supports the development of a toolkit that brings this model to life—accessible, open-source, and designed to empower youth and communities around the world.
Our mission is to equip youth leaders with a unique and powerful approach to collective decision-making—one that values every voice and reflects the deep wisdom of the natural world.


Why it matters
We are living in a time of profound transformation. We are stepping into a world marked by climate crisis, social fragmentation, and outdated systems of governance. Too often, these systems rely on binary thinking and competitive processes that leave many voices out.
But what if there was another way?
We believe there is. Our work is rooted in Earth-Based Governance—a framework inspired by nature’s balance and decades of experience in community facilitation. It centers on consent-based, non-hierarchical decision-making, and builds a culture of unity, reflection, and inclusion. It is a practical and transformative method that can be used to guide communities or project initiatives with wisdom, care, and collaborative power.
This approach is rooted in:
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Whole-systems thinking and recognizing the interconnectedness of people, ecosystems, and the decisions that shape them.
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Consent-based processes which draw inspiration from Dynamic Governance and Sociocracy, where dialogue, reflection, and shared agreement are central to collective action.
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Earth-centered wisdom and Natural Law, as practiced by Indigenous and elder cultures, where governance arises from relationship, reciprocity, and responsibility to life.
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A commitment to inclusive participation, ensuring that decisions are made not only efficiently, but ethically—honoring the well-being of all members of a group or community.
Rather than focusing on control or majority rule, Earth-Based Governance emphasizes connection, care, and shared stewardship. It is a framework that encourages thoughtful engagement, supports collaborative leadership, and creates space for diverse voices and perspectives.
Introducing the open-source digital EBG Toolkit
We are launching a working group that collaborates with youth in the development and roll-out of a digital framework for learning and implementing Earth-based decision making.
Help us make this a reality!
This is a rare chance to support a project that doesn’t just empower one group of young leaders—it plants a seed for generations to come. By contributing, you’re helping co-create a free, open-source toolkit that equips youth with inclusive, Earth-aligned decision-making tools. Designed by youth, for youth, this toolkit will ripple outward—shared in schools, communities, and movements around the world—nurturing a culture of consent, collaboration, and care far into the future. Your support becomes part of that legacy.
Meet the People Behind the EBG Initaitive
EBG Founder, Ho-e Ryan Brandenburg has been a dedicated student of governance since 1970. Ordained as a priest in Chino Roshi’s lineage and as a ceremonial leader in Native American traditions, he has led ceremonies and sesshins across Europe, India, Japan, and North America. Ho-e continues to teach and guide communities and organizations in the practice of consent-based decision-making..
Christiane Pedros is a Co-Founding Partner and facilitator with Earth-Based Governance (EBG), passionate about empowering Youth Leaders. She is the founder of Rooted Wisdom, a center for ritual arts and ancestral healing in Southern Germany, and leads the Earth Stewards Alliance, promoting biocultural regeneration. A former Executive Director of the Fountain Organization (2019–2022), Christiane continues to steward earth-based traditions and ancestral knowledge in service to regenerative futures.

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