The author of Sacred Instructions discusses the increasing acceptance of indigenous wisdom by modern science, the essential role of the sacred feminine, the 80-10-10 rule for distributing our energy across transformation efforts, and shares prophecies and stories to encourage reflection and action.

A discussion about “relational dynamics, metaphor theory, knowledge creation, governance, meaning and obfuscation” along with “other forms of signification and communication being explored in the systems community, and how we can participate with language to deframe the world as we see it and reveal its true complexities.”

“When today's stories of crushing greed and endless growth have come to an end, what, then, will be the new stories?…a documentary film portraying five remarkable stories of people and places transforming the world. Narrated by Penobscot elder, Sherri Mitchell (Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset), we are introduced to the Penobscot mythology of the cannibal giant: a creature awakened by the destruction of mother earth. The film is told through the lens of this powerful prophecy: only if people can awaken to their own destruction, and the need for change, will the cannibal giant be put back to sleep.”

“Young feminist movements are pushing back against autocracy. They’re not toeing the line anymore. Young feminist movements are holding the line. This year’s State of the Youth Civil Society report developed under the theme, Young. Feminist. Fearless: Holding the Line, focuses on feminist movements and their critical role in making the world more equitable, safe and accessible for everyone.”

“To dismantle GDP, different social movements will need to coalesce around key metrics that prioritise far greater equality, and align with feminist and decolonial values while challenging the systems of power and narratives that are holding GDP in its dominant place. Only in this way are alternatives likely to deliver the economic transformation needed to put people and planet first.”

Vanessa discusses her book Hospicing Modernity as part of JRF’s series ‘Next Frontiers in Funding, Philanthropy and Investment: Unlocking resources in this time of crisis and possibility’. Vanessa explores the four “socially sanctioned forms of denial“, the “House that Modernity Built,” and the need to go “Beyond Reform” because “more modernity is not an option, given the violence required to keep modernity in place, in the limits of the planet”, inviting us to take “7 steps back” and “7 steps forward/aside”.

“Without ways of organising and governing that devolve agency and embrace interconnectivity, we don’t believe we have a pathway to a future of dignity, safety and joy. We think this means alternative governance capabilities and rules to the current norm, via a boringly bureaucratic revolution that can underpin radical possibility. Beyond the Rules exists to collaboratively and openly build operational structures, tools, practices, networks and crafts that can make this systemic governance possible in the everyday - this portal seeks to share & invite them widely.”

Re-upping this research from last year as the guidance is very relevant to this government’s latest energy strategy announcements re: oil and gas licenses etc. Crucially the research shows that it is unhelpful to even engage with the idea of ‘trade-offs’, even if we intend to debunk and discredit. Evidence suggests we’ll be more effective if we root our messages in shared values, which this guide offers an example of.

“Without well funded healthcare, water, energy, care, education, transport, our economy can't function. This guide will help you advocate for the services we all rely on. We will be co-hosting a session about how to best campaign for public services in a moment of interlocking crises.” (Thanks for sharing Funmibi Ogunlesi)

On the difference between “liberal” and “radical” antiracist traditions, the danger of the limiting our focus to “beliefs and attitudes”, and the need for active approaches to achieving real structural change. Which means “working collectively to dismantle racist infrastructures…organising in the community…taking direct action…confronting corporations…build(ing) an economy of care, not killing – uplifting all working classes of whatever colour.”

“We live in a violent world, one in which profiteering infrastructure kills millions, threatens billions, and is tipping our planet over the edge. In the face of such violence, would sabotaging fossil fuel infrastructure really be an equivalent act of violence? Or would it be a necessary act of sabotage to protect life on earth?” A discussion on “how to view taking action as a science experiment, the different kinds of action around the world, and the ethics of property destruction.”

“Sometimes we have to keep planting the seeds and tending the soil, not knowing how long it will take for the plants to grow and bear fruit, or even whether anything will germinate. Funders and grantees may need to accept that ultimately only so much is knowable, and this is an inherent part of the sort of emergent strategic work that many narrative change actors are engaged in. What we do know for certain though is that if we don’t do the work, we can’t expect anything to change at all.” (Thanks for sharing with us Akira Nakahara)