Who We Are

Robert Gilman provides the vision and foundational stewardship for Context Institute, as he has since its founding in 1979. He does so in collaboration with a volunteer Core Team, with the help of many additional volunteers and the input from many members of our Bright Future Network – all of whom are rooted in a deep caring for the planet and all its inhabitants.

Joining Robert on the Core Team are Chuck Peters, Judith Forrest, Josie Straka and Lianna Gilman.

Chuck and Judith, along with Robert, make up the CI Board of Trustees.  From their backgrounds in business, education and organizational development, they provide wise counsel and active support.

Josie and Lianna are CI’s most involved volunteers.

Josie contributes a wealth of experience and skill to online facilitation, organizational development, tech support and administration.  Along with her background in intentional relationship/community, permaculture and natural building, she brings her warmth, compassion and commitment to authentic communication.

As Robert’s wife, Lianna brings a special sense of relationship to her involvement with Context Institute. With a deep and abiding commitment to CI’s mission and approach, she contributes her sensitive understanding of people and her background as an editor and artist.

Diane Gilman was a cofounder of Context Institute and shared its leadership with Robert until her untimely death in 1998.

To see what we accomplished and who was involved prior to the emergence of the Bright Future program in 2016, please look at the CI history timeline.