http://transition-times.com/blog/2010/01/15/why-community-might-not-need-organizing/ Information, insight, and inspiration for The Long Emergency Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:42:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= http://transition-times.com/blog/2010/01/15/why-community-might-not-need-organizing/comment-page-1/#comment-42 Don Hall Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:03:52 +0000 http://transition-times.com/?p=1771#comment-42 This article raises some very interesting points. I agree with Rob that the view of community as a place in which everyone shares the same values and is actively involved in creating the Transition vision is unrealistic - at least in the short term - and actually really like his metaphor of crystallization. However, I think this metaphor can be taken even further. Those who have the passion for implementing a tiny part of the Transition vision at this point in time are indeed like the magic string, which acts as a catalyst for the crystallization process to begin. But from there, it is important to remember that those who are the nearest to us may not necessarily be the ones who are first attracted to what we are offering. We have to be flexible. We certainly have to reach out - especially to communities that might seem very different from us - speaking a different language, with different concerns and aspirations - but we also have to work with whatever happens to be showing up. A crystal comes out of nowhere and attaches to our string - if we are able to properly nurture that relationship, then there is the possibility that others will come too, building a critical mass. The culture changes gradually and eventually tips. We get there - not by forcing change where it is not ready to happen, but through a highly organic process of "letting it go where it wants to go." Throughout this process, our core community is those who have crystallized and are crystallizing. Nevertheless, we cannot completely forget about or disregard those who are still uncrystallized or undercrystallized. They may become crystallized in time too - and regardless, we all have to live with each other. The quality of relationships with all determines the strength of our community. We simply leave the door open and keep offering the invitation. That is how community will be built - through a network of ever-expanding relationships. At least I think so... At least I hope so. This article raises some very interesting points. I agree with Rob that the view of community as a place in which everyone shares the same values and is actively involved in creating the Transition vision is unrealistic – at least in the short term – and actually really like his metaphor of crystallization. However, I think this metaphor can be taken even further. Those who have the passion for implementing a tiny part of the Transition vision at this point in time are indeed like the magic string, which acts as a catalyst for the crystallization process to begin. But from there, it is important to remember that those who are the nearest to us may not necessarily be the ones who are first attracted to what we are offering. We have to be flexible. We certainly have to reach out – especially to communities that might seem very different from us – speaking a different language, with different concerns and aspirations – but we also have to work with whatever happens to be showing up. A crystal comes out of nowhere and attaches to our string – if we are able to properly nurture that relationship, then there is the possibility that others will come too, building a critical mass. The culture changes gradually and eventually tips. We get there – not by forcing change where it is not ready to happen, but through a highly organic process of “letting it go where it wants to go.” Throughout this process, our core community is those who have crystallized and are crystallizing. Nevertheless, we cannot completely forget about or disregard those who are still uncrystallized or undercrystallized. They may become crystallized in time too – and regardless, we all have to live with each other. The quality of relationships with all determines the strength of our community. We simply leave the door open and keep offering the invitation. That is how community will be built – through a network of ever-expanding relationships. At least I think so… At least I hope so.

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