How to Build Connected Resilience in Crises

TL;DR

Connected resilience is crucial in navigating polycrises, which are multiple, simultaneous existential events. Five principles—local sensemaking, distributed intelligence, parallax, penumbra, and story and ritual—help communities adapt and thrive. By leveraging collective insights and diverse perspectives, groups can create sustainable solutions and foster resilience.

Transcript

For centuries, Maui astronomers called Tunga would rise before dawn, climb a hillside, and in the early dawn of June would welcome a cluster of stars called the Matariki. The Dhunga had trained to make meticulous calculations and observations of their position, their brilliance in the sky in order to predict the weather for the coming year. They'd ... Read More

Key Insights

• Polycrisis refers to multiple simultaneous existential events that can combine unpredictably.
• Individual resilience is insufficient in the face of polycrisis; connected resilience is needed.
• Local sensemaking involves adapting plans based on local conditions, as seen with NASA's space missions.
• Distributed intelligence emphasizes the importance of spreading knowledge across networks, not centralized control.
• Parallax is the principle of viewing problems from multiple perspectives to gain a clearer understanding.
• The penumbra is the learning space between known and unknown, crucial for innovation and adaptation.
• Story and ritual are powerful tools for passing knowledge and fostering resilience across generations.
• Connected resilience leverages community insights to create sustainable solutions in times of crisis.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is polycrisis?

Polycrisis refers to the occurrence of multiple simultaneous existential events that are complex and interconnected, making them difficult to predict and manage. These events often combine in unpredictable ways, creating challenges that require collective and adaptive strategies to address effectively.

Q: How does local sensemaking contribute to resilience?

Local sensemaking contributes to resilience by allowing communities to adapt plans based on specific local conditions. This approach ensures that strategies are relevant and effective for the unique challenges faced in different areas, much like how NASA prepares for crises during space missions by enabling crews to solve problems locally.

Q: Why is distributed intelligence important in crises?

Distributed intelligence is crucial in crises because it spreads knowledge and decision-making across networks, reducing the risk of failure if one part of the system is compromised. This decentralized approach ensures that information is coordinated and accessible, allowing for more flexible and robust responses to complex challenges.

Q: What role does parallax play in understanding problems?

Parallax plays a critical role in understanding problems by encouraging the examination of issues from multiple perspectives. This approach provides a more comprehensive view, revealing insights that may be missed when relying on a single viewpoint. By seeing in parallax, communities can better navigate uncertainty and develop effective solutions.

Q: How does the penumbra foster innovation?

The penumbra fosters innovation by occupying the space between what is known and unknown, serving as a fertile ground for learning and creativity. In this space, individuals and communities can explore new ideas, test hypotheses, and develop novel solutions that address the complexities of polycrises.

Q: What is the significance of story and ritual in resilience?

Story and ritual are significant in resilience as they serve as powerful tools for passing knowledge and maintaining cultural continuity. These practices help communities remember past lessons, reinforce shared values, and adapt traditions to current challenges, ensuring resilience across generations.

Q: How can communities leverage connected resilience?

Communities can leverage connected resilience by adopting the five principles: local sensemaking, distributed intelligence, parallax, penumbra, and story and ritual. By integrating these strategies, communities can harness collective wisdom, adapt to changing conditions, and develop sustainable responses to complex crises.

Q: What is the main message of the video?

The main message of the video is that in the face of polycrisis, individual resilience is insufficient, and communities must adopt connected resilience. By following the five principles—local sensemaking, distributed intelligence, parallax, penumbra, and story and ritual—groups can effectively navigate complex challenges and foster sustainable solutions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Connected resilience involves five principles: local sensemaking, distributed intelligence, parallax, penumbra, and story and ritual. These principles help communities adapt to polycrises, which are multiple simultaneous existential events. By leveraging collective insights and diverse perspectives, groups can create sustainable solutions and foster resilience.

• Local sensemaking and distributed intelligence are foundational to connected resilience. Local sensemaking involves adapting plans based on local conditions, while distributed intelligence spreads knowledge across networks. These strategies ensure that no single point of failure exists and empower communities to respond effectively to crises.

• Parallax and penumbra enhance understanding and innovation. Parallax involves viewing problems from multiple perspectives, while the penumbra is the learning space between known and unknown. Story and ritual help pass knowledge and foster resilience across generations, ensuring communities can adapt and thrive.