We strengthen bonds to harness our collective potential to transform realities.
more than 60 countries, more than 25 years, more than 1,000 communities
Instituto Elos is a social education organisation which, for over 25 years, has been fostering potential, a sense of belonging and a sense of agency through the Elos Methodology.
Vulnerability arises where bonds are broken. This happens in favelas, schools, businesses and governments, across all income brackets.
With the people, not for the people
Transformation happens when people change as a community.
A place changes when the community finds a way to work together. That is why we start with the individual, before looking at the local area.
01
Person
A person who believes in their own ability changes what is within their power to change. That is where every process we undertake begins.
02
Community
People who trust one another achieve what none of them could achieve on their own. It is that bond that keeps change on track.
03
Society
A square, a house, a community centre. What is built is the result of what people dreamed of and achieved together.
Change lasts because the people leading it live there.
Every person who has been trained goes on to train others. That is how the work spreads.
Training · Consulting · Territorial development
What we do
We train people to become transformative leaders. We work alongside organisations and local communities.
Training
We train those who will drive change in their local communities, building bridges across differences through relational intelligence. Teenagers taking their first steps, through Geração GSA. Leaders who are already bringing about change, through Warriors Without Weapons. And those who lead organisations, through Elos Leadership.
Consultancy
We work at the intersection of corporate interests and community interests, building relationships and initiatives that are legitimate for both sides.
Territorial development
Elos works within local communities to ensure that people’s individual capabilities are transformed into collective capabilities: recognised assets, strengthened ties, jointly developed plans and sustainable initiatives led by those who live there.
Does your community want to work with Elos? Get in touch with us
The Elos Methodology
We develop potential, a sense of belonging and a sense of agency through the Elos Methodology.
It’s the same approach in any context, from the neighbourhood to the local council.
Potential
Recognising what already exists: the capabilities, leadership and resources that the local area possesses before any project is launched.
Belonging
Enough trust to work together. To listen to, disagree with and cooperate with those who are different.
Agency
To turn intention into collective action, led by those who live in the area.
Our reach
How far we’ve come in over 25 years.
+60
countries where the methodology has been adopted
Instituto Elos, September 2026
- +1,000communitiesInstituto Elos
- 37territories reached in 2025Elos Report 2025
- 233community agents trained in 2025Elos Report 2025
- 19,850people reached indirectly in 2025Elos Report 2025
Acknowledgements
Eliasson Global Leadership Award, Tällberg Foundation
‘Best NGOs 2023’ Award
The Zumbi dos Palmares Award
ATP Prize
G5 Partners Award
Partners
Natura
Vivo
ADM
Compass Gas & Energy
Rumo
Stories of transformation
The method, where it has already taken place.
Each case identifies the mechanism at work in that instance, as well as the outcome.
1 of 4
Dique da Vila Gilda
Mechanism: training and technical advice, in two phases separated by 26 years.
The nursery, the Arte no Dique Institute and the prevention scheme, all run by the community itself.
2 of 4
Priscilla Pereira
Mechanism: training with Warriors Without Weapons and support for her work as a facilitator.
Eco-munidade: one tonne of plastic a month and a network of over 100 families.
3 of 4
Jardim São Manoel
Mechanism: technical advice and a partnership lasting fifteen years.
The award-winning vegetable garden, the museum’s collection and the guided tours, all created and led by local residents.
4 of 4
HASCO, Lynnwood, United States
Approach: The Oasis Experience and facilitating meetings with residents, the local community and public authorities.
The zoning plan was approved by 6 votes to 1, paving the way for the renewal and expansion of social housing.
Support
It’s worth dreaming together.
Every month, you help show what people can change when they act together. Your donation supports the training of Warriors Without Weapons and our work on the ground.
Choose how much per monthUS$ 420 per year – cancel whenever you like – other amounts