“Together, for the good of all!”

About Us

Consciousness Collective at Berkeley (CoCo) is a peer-directed, registered student organization—a grassroots community of shared contemplative practice, mutual support, and collaborative action towards ecological and social benefit.

We aim to promote a culture of true flourishing on our campus and beyond—wellness for students, faculty, staff, and community, and wellness in our broader shared world.

CoCo offers a variety of events, such as multiple wilderness meditation retreats for students per year (offered at low cost or free); weekly yoga classes, gardening sessions, and various movement activities; and other educational happenings for the campus community. We have an active research team, and teach two undergraduate-facilitated university classes each semester.

Consciousness Collective was born from one of these courses, our core offering: a novel peer-led class for university students based on meditation, traditional wisdom, ecology, and neuroscience. 

The course is unique for its combination of substantial applied contemplative practices, authentic study of traditional teachings, and cutting-edge modern scientific content that supports the efficacy of these methods.

After the first iteration of the class at UC Berkeley, students expressed strong interest in continuing to learn and practice in community, while helping the teachings to continue. As a result, it has evolved to be led by a thriving community of undergraduate facilitators—previous students who have developed their own contemplative practices and become committed to helping others.

Our class has now provided the space for hundreds of students to learn and practice meditation in community; explore traditional knowledges (contemplative philosophy, ecology, and ethics in particular); discuss modern research on consciousness; work together on projects for social and ecological benefit; and cultivate resilient well-being for self and other.

Each semester, a research team conducts an experimental study on the effects of the course, which has consistently reflected profound efficacy for increased well-being, altruistic and compassionate behaviors, feelings of purpose and meaning, and a sense of connectedness to the broader world.

CoCo is sponsored and supported by Kila Collective: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on ecological stewardship, innovative contemplative education, and community well-being.

May this work be of service to all!

Our Partners

  • Kila Collective

    Kila Collective is a nonprofit organization focused on three pillars: ecological stewardship, innovative education, and community well-being.

    Kila Collective is a nonprofit sponsor and partner of CoCo—working in collaboration to create a future of symbiotic interconnectedness, environmental care, and a deep spirit of shared responsibility for our precious planet.

  • Berkeley Student Farms

    The Berkeley Student Farms coalition is a transparent and democratic student-led and community-based organization that prioritizes movement building, meaningful inclusion, and equitable distribution of food, land, and knowledge through collective action and resistance.

    The coalition utilizes ecological land management to create a network of sites dedicated to anti-oppression and student basic needs, in order to produce thriving safe spaces for experiential education and food justice. CoCo is grateful to BSF for protecting and stewarding these important spaces, and seeks to support their efforts through ongoing collaboration.

  • ASUC Mental Health Commission

    The Associated Students of the University of California is an autonomous and officially recognized students' association of the University. The Mental Health Commission within the ASUC serves as a representative for undergraduate mental health, acting as the central liaison between mental health stakeholders in the Berkeley community.

    Through the ASUC Mental Health Coalition, CoCo collaborates with other student organizations that support mental health initiatives on campus.

  • Berkeley Student Cooperative

    The BSC (Berkeley Student Cooperative) provides a quality, low-cost, cooperative housing community to university students who might not otherwise be able to afford a university education.

    Coco supports the BSC by building gardens at a few of their locations, providing the inhabitants with a consistent source of fresh produce.

  • Berkeley Scientific Journal

    The BSJ provides an official forum in which Berkeley undergraduates can publish their independent research. The focus of the journal is broad, spanning scientific disciplines from ecology to engineering, from astronomy to biochemistry.

    BSJ is currently collaborating with the CoCo research team to develop content for the Berkeley community.

  • Psychedelic Science at Berkeley

    Psychedelic Science at Berkeley (PsySci) is an educational organization wherein students work to develop an understanding of the place that the careful use of psychedelics may have in medical, legal, and cultural contexts.

    CoCo and PsySci collaborate to provide harm-reduction education; honor traditional perspectives and histories; and explore the relationship between psychedelic science and environmental wellness, social justice, and individual consciousness.

  • CHAOS at Berkeley

    CHAOS (Cal Hiking & Outdoor Society) is a registered student organization at UC Berkeley. CoCo and CHAOS partner in delivering outdoor yoga and meditation practices to the Berkeley community.

  • Averroes High School

    Averroes is a college preparatory high school that highlights student development under the Islamic faith. Consciousness Collective at Berkeley has hosted events that include meditation, campus tours, and college courses for the high school students of Averroes to immerse themselves in a college lifestyle.