Karuna

The KARUNA Sozialgenossenschaft eG, founded in June 2016 in Berlin, is a solidarity-based and non-profit organization dedicated to addressing crises and promoting a sustainable and just future. Evolving from the sister organization KARUNA - Hilfe für Kinder und Jugendliche in Not e.V., KARUNA eG has developed into a laboratory for socio-ecological and socio-economic solutions.

Our main mission is to build a vibrant community where people with experiences of exclusion are actively involved in shaping society. We see these individuals as experts of their life situations and integrate them as members and owners in our cooperative. Our values are based on solidarity, sustainability, and commitment to social change to prevent future crises and create a just future.

• Crisis Management and Socio-Ecological Solutions: We develop and test innovative solutions to tackle social and ecological challenges.
• Tiny Forests and Urban Climate Protection: Initiatives such as the establishment of mini-forests and other urban climate protection projects contribute to a sustainable environment[4].
• Activism and Education: Through the Voluntary Activist Year and various educational programs, we promote participation and self-determination of disadvantaged groups[4][5].
• Social Projects: We support homeless individuals through the solidarity basic income and operate the participation café KARUNA at Boxi to promote social integration[4].

• Sustainable Livelihoods: We help marginalized individuals break free from degrading jobs and build a dignified existence.
• Health and Education: In cooperation with other organizations and authorities, we improve access to health services and education for marginalized groups, particularly in South Asia, through our sister organization Karuna Deutschland[2].
• Climate Protection and Environment: Through projects like the establishment of Tiny Forests and other eco-friendly initiatives, we contribute to environmental preservation and combat climate change[4].

Our work is made possible through a mixed funding model that includes grants from the state of Berlin and federal funds, as well as donations from companies, foundations, and individuals. We work closely with networks, innovative alliances from science, art, politics, and business, as well as institutions like the Hochschule für Nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde and GLS Bank[3].

KARUNA eG is a non-profit and charitable recognized social cooperative that acts neutrally and promotes dialogue and democracy. Our community consists of over 120 members, including many individuals with experiences of exclusion, who are actively involved in shaping our projects and goals. Together, we work towards a solidarity-based, sustainable, and just future.

• 1 - https://www.betterplace.org/de/organisations/44932-karuna-sozialgenossenschaft-eg
• 2 - https://www.karunadeutschland.org
• 3 - https://karuna.family/faq/
• 4 - https://karuna.family
• 5 - https://vostel.de/de/volunteering/organisations/1993_Karuna-e-G