Loomio

How collective intelligence can change your world

BB Bob Bollen Public Seen by 51

See this https://www.resilience.org/stories/2019-01-25/how-collective-intelligence-can-change-your-world-right-now/

I've just scan-read it - having read it some while back and forgotten it. It's a long read, but I believe we will find it worthwhile. I'm going to reread it in the next few weeks.

It would be great to discuss, but already I feel overwhelmed by a long chain of loomio comments! I would definitely prefer a zoom call for a first discussion.

TAU

The Alternative UK Tue 3 Mar 2020 6:41PM

Thanks Bob. How would you apply collective intelligence to your project - or our shared multiple crises today?

BB

Bob Bollen Sun 29 Mar 2020 10:29AM

Hi. I've been pondering this question for a while!

And to help me I've been summarising what Nafeez has to say [imo his paper is too long winded!]

Here's my emerging summary of his section 6 - which will lead me to my answer - based on his analysis:

[NB: my additional ideas and questions are in square brackets]

[and, having just read this again - I believe this is what we at A/UK are starting to do - with you, Indra & Pat leading the way! Thank you!]

6: System change strategies 

  • We are currently in the middle of a global phase shift - in which the prevailing order, paradigm and value-system are unsustainable

  • We experience this in the increasing confusion in all the systems in which we exist

  • We need a multi-pronged response at different scales in the different systems in which we exist - embracing as many individuals and communities with whom we can join forces

  • This needs to target key structures and key cognitive models, and generally raise systems awareness

  • When a particular community reaches a tipping point of making a cognitive shift [AND consequently making a behavioural shift], it is only then able to influence the wider community in which it is located

    • [An example of this is how Extinction Rebellion has understood the need for democratic inclusion, and the power of sharing deep feelings. As a result it holds all meetings in a circle, and puts great emphasis on so-called Regen (Regeneration) and Empathy Circles. It remains to be seen whether these practices are replicated elsewhere. [and yes I know it has areas of weakness such as its class and race makeup - perhaps other communities need to show the way in these respects]]

  • The interconnected nature of systems means that the consequences of such a tipping point (ie cognitive and behavioural shift) has the potential to impact a whole system

  • The significance of this impact depends on

    • to what extent the behavioural shift forms part of the new paradigm

    • to what extent it nudges other entities/ communities into their own tipping points

    • to what extent those new emerging patterns of thought and behaviour contribute to the emergence of new structures

  • So, the task for each individual or community (and this will vary for each depending on a range of factors) is, based on the above analysis, to

    • Identify skills, experiences, available resources and networks

    • Decide the highest leverage courses of action to transform yourself/ itself towards the new paradigm in your/ its context

    • Discuss these decisions, actions and learning across all your/ its networks - listening and learning from the observations that come back

    • In these conversations search for larger initiatives that might bring greater change by

      • imagining new ways of living that are consistent with a new paradigm

      • evaluating their potential for transformation

      • describing the steps to getting there

      • starting to do them

  • The next task is to start imagining new ways of living, particularly those which can take advantage of weaknesses of the existing system [, and our strengths and the resources we have to hand]

    • what would it look and feel like?

    • [what additional resources would we need?]

    • what cognitive models and behaviours would the participants need to adopt?

    • what would be the steps to building those cognitive models and behaviours?

  • We need to acknowledge that system change is not possible by disengaging from it

  • We need to acknowledge that traditional 'resistance' (eg demonstrations, sit-ins and occupations) are only one part of the route to system change, and when used as the sole approach are likely to fail through the overwhelming power of the militarised responses

  • Our potential for change will be enhanced by involvement with, and connection to, activities to create tipping points (in cognitive & behavioural change) at different scales in the different systems in which we exist

    • [SAY MORE???]

  • And we need to build our hope and optimism by recognising and understanding that a global change is emerging, and has been coming for 50 years