2022: 5 Truths of Sustainable Change
One seed and bead at a time…
We live in a noisy world where everyone is competing to be — or create — the next big thing. However, as the old saying goes, ‘mighty oaks from little acorns grow’, and so grows community from the actions large and small of its stakeholders.
This message is especially important now. The problems of the modern world can seem overwhelmingly large in the face of any human-scale action. However, with the advent of technology, even the smallest action can be amplified and resonate far beyond the individual’s immediate circle of influence. It is the seeds, beads and trim tabs of truth that inspire us to action, helping us imagine and produce the story of our shared present and future. ~ Beads, Seeds & Trim Tabs, 04/29/2018
Truth: Organic Joy is Stronger than Manufactured Fear
Truth: The Power of a Shared Mission — The 3.5% Rule
Working for something is more powerful than working against something
Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, Erica Chenoweth found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns. And although the exact dynamics will depend on many factors, she has shown it takes around 3.5% of the population actively participating in the protests to ensure serious political change.
Overall, nonviolent campaigns were twice as likely to succeed as violent campaigns: they led to political change 53% of the time compared to 26% for the violent protests.
This was partly the result of strength in numbers. Chenoweth argues that nonviolent campaigns are more likely to succeed because they can recruit many more participants from a much broader demographic, which can cause severe disruption that paralyses normal urban life and the functioning of society. ~ The ‘3.5% rule’: How a small minority can change the world
Truth: Focus on Those Who Care
If 2% of a population takes coordinated action, it makes a difference. If 5% do, it can change everything.
This simple math also means that most people rarely do anything. Perhaps they don’t care. Perhaps they’re afraid to speak up and commit. And perhaps it’s simply easier to go along for a free ride.
Of course it hurts when friends and colleagues we thought we could count on shirk and hide. But everyone has their own narrative, their own issues, their own fears. We can say, “if I were you,” but we’re not them, they are.
When we focus on the ones who didn’t help, we’re undermining our work. It’s a distraction and a disservice.
Shun the non-believers. Ignore the well-meaning but unmoved. Instead, we have the chance to find and connect and celebrate the people who care enough to make a difference. ~ The ones who didn’t help, Seth Godin 5/9/2022
Truth: Every Bead and Seed Counts
One day I had a conversation with the Senior Executive Officer of Tribal Relations about a pin covered in seed pearls. There was one seed missing and it immediately brought to mind the thought that the pattern was incomplete and, therefore, couldn’t fully communicate the value of the piece of jewelry. This then led to my development of The Bead & Seed Initiative to provide a framework in which individual members of the tribe could develop their personal economic pathway as part of the larger goal of shared tribal prosperity. Although the time wasn’t right for that project, it has become a useful framework for conversations with a wide range of stakeholders to demonstrate why one person’s contribution, no matter how small, is important to the future of the community, no matter how large. ~ Beads, Seeds & Trim Tabs, 04/29/2018
