Newsletter #22
Storyselling | Culturenomics | Limitarianism
Hi folks
Hope you’re well,
Plenty to share this week, including several enticing events towards the end of the month.
We also have our collective intelligence session on Gaza coming up, details below if you missed the earlier post.
A quick reminder that we have a searchable archive of everything that has been shared here on our website, which includes shares from our previous life as Reset Narratives (57 newsletters total). You can search by the type of narrative work and also by theme.
Shared in solidarity
Session
Collective Intelligence: Gaza | Apr 25th | 13.00-14.00 GMT | Online
We invite you to join our next reflective session, which we’ve programmed to help us all meet this moment. This will be a place to try and do some sense-making on what is happening in Gaza. Together we’ll explore questions such as:
What are the ongoing atrocities in Gaza & the wider region bringing up for you?
If you are communicating on the situation directly, what are you learning?
If not, how is it impacting your narrative work on other issues?
How do you think it’s affecting the narrative landscape more widely?
Would you like to be doing more to bring about an immediate ceasefire and justice, and if so what resource and support do you need?
Don’t worry if you lack clarity, this is a space for us to explore uncertainty together; the session won’t be recorded.
Shares
Key: 📝 Article | 📋 Report | ⚙️ Tool
Seeking the Re-enchantment of The World
Heather Blakely; The Conversation
A reflection on ‘The Crisis of Narration’ by Byung-Chul Han, in which “Han contends that genuine narratives inscribe the world with meaning in a ‘close network of relations’, where ‘nothing remains isolated’ and ‘everything remains meaningful.’ His provocation is that narratives used to ‘validate the interests of corporate entities and demand our submission’ – usually by exploiting individualistic ideologies and appealing to the idea of self-expression – are not really narratives at all. They are, rather, something he calls ‘storyselling’…(which) cannot perform narration’s important task of imagining the future… The greatest threat to capitalist storyselling is the formation of genuine narrative communities.” This coverage includes a critique of Han’s perspective, which seems to miss the chance to draw on queer, indigenous and other perspectives. Also see.
#deepnarrative #narrativestrategy
Philanthropy 4.0: What Form of Giving Enables Transformative Change?
Otto Scharmer; Field Of The Future
“Traditional forms of charity and donor-defined problem-solving can provide effective solutions to straightforward challenges, but the new complexities of the polycrisis require new approaches from all sectors… Philanthropy 4.0 is an emerging form of philanthropic activity that focuses on transformative systems change… to address the root causes of a challenge by taking a whole-system perspective… seek(ing) transformations that generate flourishing and prosperity for all. These sorts of transformations — e.g,. reducing structural violence, institutional racism, or environmental destruction — require the constructive input from the entire system in devising solutions.”
#tactics
What Would Society Look Like if Extreme Wealth Were Impossible?
Christine Emba; The Atlantic
A reflection on Ingrid Robeyns’ book ‘Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth’, which argues for a cap on wealth. Quoting Robeyns: “we don’t just need institutional design and fiscal choices; we also need to develop a set of public values that are culturally embedded, where material gain is not the leading incentive… We must rebalance our view of society, and our view of ourselves as human beings.” As Emba points out this would require new aspirations and ambitions, away from individualistic wealth accumulation, and that “now is as good a time as any to begin dreaming new dreams.” Also see.
#deepnarrative #tactics
The Ministry Of Imagination Manifesto
Rob Hopkins
A response to Wendy Brown’s suggestion that “only a compelling vision of a less frightening and insecure future will recruit anyone to a progressive or revolutionary alternative future” a vision that is “seductive and exciting” and “hopefully oriented by an ethic of responsibility.” This report gathers over 600 radical policy ideas, which guests of the podcast ‘From What If to What Next’ suggested during its 100 episodes, covering 35 categories from ‘Business and The World of Work’ through to ‘A Society of Play’.
#tactics
‘Culturenomics’ Will Define New Political Era
James Kanagasooriam; The Times (archived)
“There’s good evidence now that the next phase of our politics is going to involve an uncomfortable fusion of Britain’s cultural and economic clashes… And that this will have a stronger influence on how we vote than purely economic or social issues in isolation… The sheer dislocation of discussing flags, identity and history while seven million UK households struggle with their bills has led to economic issues asserting themselves… Labour risks misreading its inheritance of voters who increasingly feel the economic costs of Britain’s cultural clashes.”
#tactics
Framing Adversity, Trauma and Resilience
Julie Sweetland; FrameWorks UK
“The science of adversity, trauma, and resilience is a powerful tool in any effort to improve health and wellbeing. But science – no matter how strong its findings – does not speak for itself… This brief offers framing guidance for researchers, advocates, and practitioners advancing systems change on child abuse and neglect, family violence, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), early trauma and trauma informed care, and toxic stress.” One of the framing suggestions: “Think about showing a panorama, not painting a portrait.”
#framing #tactics
Everyday, Everywhere Girls Are Resisting
Stories Of Girls’ Resistance
“The largest ever collection of oral and narrative history of adolescent girls’ activism, offering a window into girls’ lives and their resistance in all of its messiness, pain, and power.” An invitation to “discover the multiple ways girls are resisting – and transforming their homes, communities and the world. From the smallest, most invisible acts of defiance in the home, to the role of girls in shaping some of the most powerful revolutions and social justice movements of the last century. These are stories for the ages and the stories the world didn’t want you to hear.”
#stories #tactics
⚙️ See here
People Power for Palestine: Growing Global Solidarity
Ani Hao; Mobilisation Lab
“People from all corners of the world are being invited to learn about and mobilize for Palestine, which is a historical turning point and significant narrative change in the long struggle to end apartheid and occupation in this region… Campaigning for government policy change can only go so far when powerful interests are vested and weapons companies are profiting from genocide; this is a moment where a return to direct action and grassroots organizing is having much more impact. Palestine is a litmus test for humanity, and an open invitation for all of us who claim to care about human rights and social justice: how are we getting involved and organized to end this genocide today?”
#issuenarrative #tactics
Behind the Voting Intention
More In Common
“Based on deep dive polling of voter priorities and testing of ‘mock manifestos’, the report looks at what the most important voter groups want to hear during the election campaign - including the ‘Don’t Knows’, voters who have switched from Conservative to Labour, and those who are backing Reform UK. The report dives deep into the nuances of the views held by the British public that might not be captured through headline voting intention and dives deep into the eight key groups that will shape the outcome of the next general election.”
#insight
Events
Britain Talks Climate 2024
Climate Outreach, More In Common | Apr 23rd | 14:00 GMT | Online
“Please join us at the launch webinar of our updated flagship project - Britain Talks Climate. What do British people think and feel about climate change and climate policy? And how do we involve and engage everyone when we talk about it? In the run up to the next General Election, Climate Outreach and More in Common have carried out new research exploring people's feelings and concerns around climate issues and policy.”
AI In The Non-Profit Sector
Geneva Innovation Movement | Apr 24th | 16:30 GMT | Hybrid
Organised by The Geneva Innovation Movement, the Center for Innovation & Partnerships at the University of Geneva, WWF Switzerland and the Innovation for Impact Network. “We believe improving the way NGOs work with technology will enable increased efficiency and effectiveness at solving our shared goals. Generative AI is shaking up how organizations operate around the world. The non-profit sector needs to start grasping, influencing, and leveraging Gen AI technologies. Instead of organization by organization efforts, we see a true need for faster collaborative exploration.”
Dreaming Together
Dancing With Mountains | Apr 28th | 15:00 GMT | Online
“We are thinking together, in seditious monthly free-to-attend gatherings about how to convene carnivals around the world as sites of strange inquiry and experimentation. These monthly exercises are open to the alumni of We Will Dance with Mountains as well as members of the public.”
Examining The Narrative Landscape For Cultural Evolution
Culture Hack Labs, Transition Resource Circle | Apr 29th | 17:00 GMT | Online
“Collaborative narrative landscape research on philanthropy and wealth– exploring how philanthropy could transition from neoliberal paradigms of extraction and control to visions that heal and liberate wealth in service to Life. We will share potential narrative reframes that point to a new/ancient/emerging horizon - wealth as a transition pathway - where wealth is alchemized through philanthropy to usher in post capitalist realities worth living.”
Welcome To The Great Unraveling: An Orientation To The Polycrisis
Resilience | May 14th | 18:00 GMT | Online
“From Dr. Lyla June Johnston and Kumi Naidoo, you’ll learn: How humanity’s pursuit of endless growth got us into this mess; Why climate change, biodiversity loss, and other issues are symptoms of a larger systemic problem; A framework for understanding the converging crises of the 21st century; Ways you can get involved in being part of the solution. These are uncertain times. But with understanding comes power. Join us for this enlightening session that will equip you to face the future with knowledge, purpose, and hope.”
Jobs
Senior Community Organiser
Act Build Change | Deadline: TODAY! (18th Apr)
“You will ensure we are building new partnerships, growing our membership and recruiting new leaders to our community. You will support teams and collectives on the ground to shape their strategy and win local and national victories across the country. You will work closely with the team to ensure our training and events are well attended, of quality and that we continue to work closely with communities experiencing oppression.”
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Collective Care Trainer
Act Build Change | Deadline: TODAY! (18th Apr)
“You will work closely with the Head of Collective Care, fellow Collective Care Trainer, Director and wider team to develop and manage our care training programmes with a trauma informed and anti-racist approach; primarily for those working in the migration sector and to dismantle the hostile environment.”
UK Strategic Communications Manager (maternity cover)
European Climate Foundation | Deadline: Apr 24th
“The ECF’s UK Programme exists to help broaden and deepen the political and social consensus for decarbonisation while securing actions to put Britain on track for net zero. As the next phase of emission cuts involve front of house decisions about how we heat our home and what kind of car we drive, we aim to strengthen and improve the diversity of the debate to ensure a fair transition that continues to enjoy strong public support. The UK Strategic Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategic thinking, planning, and grant-making, reporting to the UK Director.”
Executive Director
Force Of Nature | Deadline: May 7th
“We’re creating the conditions for a regenerative culture to emerge; built on fairness, reciprocity, and connectedness to all life. We are serious about change; driven, determined and hard-working while playful and imaginative. We build relationships that are reciprocal and work from a place of trust, modelled through transparency and integrity.”
Quotes
(This selection of quotes is intended as a resource, in the hope that they may be useful for your own communications.)
“Be careful of those who demand you remain neutral in the face of oppression. Do not shackle your soul to the middle when you know which way is freedom.” – Cole Arthur Riley
“Perhaps now is the time that we must join the awesome, the unexpected, already present in the world.” – Jayna Brown
“Our task is to make trouble, to stir up potent response to devastating events, as well as to settle troubled waters and rebuild quiet places.” – Donna Haraway
“Keeping people in a constant state of lack, in perpetual desire, strengthens the marketplace economy. Lovelessness is a boon to consumerism.” – Bell Hooks
“It may be advisable for us to get ahead of the game and begin creating cultures of transition, to lessen the impacts of this calamity on our communities and potentially avoid post-apocalyptic stress altogether.” – Tyson Yunkaporta
Thanks for joining us, see you here again in two weeks.
A reminder that if you have something that you’d love to see in these newsletters, or work you’d like to share in the community sessions, or if you have any feedback, please reach out at inter-narratives@greenfunders.org
Very best,
Paddy & Ella