In a world grappling with the urgent need for climate action, the HERO Circle platform is a sign that there is hope and innovative thinking will create the change we need. Mauricio Porras and his co-founders, Sylvain Ferrière and Mohamed Mnif, are at the helm of this transformative initiative. All three had a vision to impact society and the environment positively. Their research recognised the need to support climate leaders financially. Porras, inspired by his country's commitment to sustainability and the legacy of Cristiana Figueres, the architect of the Paris Agreement, sought to create a platform that would empower grassroots leaders. The HERO Circle platform was born from this vision, providing a stable income to climate mobilisers through a subscription model funded by everyday citizens and organisations. We were excited to chat to Mauricio for the Creating Change series.

Bold Studio: How did HERO come to be? Where did it come from?

Mauricio Porras: Technically speaking, HERO was born from a very simple yet powerful insight: the right people can change the world if they're correctly supported and backed. We saw that many of the world's best climate leaders, whom we call mobilisers, were already driving impactful change. Yet, they lacked the financial stability to sustain their efforts in the long run. Changing policy is not something that happens overnight. So, we created HERO to fill that gap by providing a basic stable income to these leaders, funded by everyday citizens and organisations through a subscription model."

Any citizen worldwide can go to www.herocircle.app and subscribe for just 6 EUR a month, just like you would to Netflix or Spotify. Organisations can also help them accelerate their work. Our leading theory of change is that if mobilisers have the right resources, they can be more agile, flexible and resilient, making the movement stronger. It's a movement built on the collective power of people backing the mobilisers shaping a better future for all of us.

"The right people can change the world if they're correctly supported and backed "

Bold Studio: This isn't on the pre-approved questions, so don't answer if you don't want to. How do you find doing the subscription model to fund an individual? Most people understand funding an organisation, but to fund an individual to do these activities. How have you found marketing and getting people to adopt that model?

Mauricio Porras: It's one of the challenges we've seen while building HERO and democratising climate action. Raising awareness about the importance of funding grassroots leaders to drive systemic change and how that connects to everyday people is crucial. I often compare it to a gym subscription. You need to put in the work and show up regularly to see mid- to long-term results. Marketing involves storytelling, showcasing how people on the ground are driving solutions and how that work benefits everyday citizens.

Mauricio Porras speaks at TEDxLondon (Link in Below)

Bold Studio: How do you support the mobilisers to ensure their advocacy and activism produce tangible results?

Mauricio Porras: Our theory of change relies on creating an ecosystem that supports them with financial backing, strategic tools, training, and access to global networks. We partner with over 50 organisations worldwide, providing policy, research, wellbeing, and coaching support. We see ourselves as connectors and enablers of the incredible work happening out there.

Melati Wijsen - Indonesian climate activist who founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags speaking at the World Economic Forum. Suported by HERO Circle.

Bold Studio: How do you identify and verify your mobilisers? How do you know these people are who they say they are and what they do?

Mauricio Porras: Every mobiliser on HERO has a proven track record of non-violent advocacy, endorsed by trusted organisations such as NGOs, think tanks, and grassroots leaders. We have an application process that we open twice a year. Their work needs to be linked to policy and have a track record of moving that policy forward. An independent board of experts reviews the applications to ensure transparency and decentralisation. Our goal is to fund 10,000 mobilisers by 2030. Currently, we're supporting 100 mobilisers in 30 different countries, with 60% from the global south and 80% women.

Elizabeth Wathuti is a Kenyan environment and climate activist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative.

Bold Studio: How did you end up in this role and creating this network?

Mauricio Porras: I'm from Costa Rica, a country where nature and sustainability are central. My background is in communications, and I've always been curious about using existing systems for the common good. I created one of the first communication agencies in Costa Rica focused on impact and mobilisation. In 2020, I decided to go all-in on HERO, an idea that has been in my head since 2016. I started with a podcast interviewing mobilisers, which connected me to my co-founder, Silvan. Together with our third co-founder, Mohammed, we built HERO with a vision of decentralised funding and support for mobilisers.

Bold Studio: What have been some of the biggest challenges in the journey of HERO?

Mauricio Porras: Apart from raising awareness and connecting with citizens, being a counterforce to powerful lobbies and corporate forces is challenging. Building resilience and staying hopeful amidst the political landscape is crucial. The power of community and acting from a place of love and care keeps us going. Our attitude is, 'It's not game over, it's game on.'

Bold Studio: How can people get involved with HERO?

Mauricio Porras: The easiest way is to subscribe to HERO at www.herocircle.app. It's as simple as three clicks and starts at six euros per month. Consider trading two coffees a month to support more than 100 verified leaders around the world. The return on investment is huge. Once you subscribe, tell your friends and invite others to join.

Bold Studio: Are there any books, films, or podcasts readers should pay attention to to help them in their journey to be part of the systemic change?

Mauricio Porras: I recommend,

• Climate Humans Podcast
• Interview on Outrage + Optimism with Christiana Figueres
• Interview on TEDx London's Climate Curious Podcast
• TEDx Talk

‘The Future We Choose' by Cristiana Figueres and 'It's Not Just You' by Tori Tsui are also great reads. Also, HERO mobiliser Melati Wijsen's new book 'Change Starts Now' is a must-read.