In today’s world, the importance of human connection cannot be overstated. It’s not just about sharing ideas or emotions, but about coming together to take real, tangible action. The key is to move in close proximity, to do things together that have a real impact.
The concept of ecology in human connection is like a spiral – it’s not linear, it’s a continuous cycle of ideas, communication, and movement. It’s about designing the bike while cycling it, constantly evolving and adapting as we go along.
In the current political climate, where the biosphere is collapsing and power is in the hands of those who don’t have our best interests at heart, it’s more important than ever to build strong connections within our social movements. We need to move away from focusing on individual events and instead focus on the connections between them.
One way to do this is through a close ecology approach. By bringing together diverse groups – cultural, media, political, etc. – on a regular basis, we can create a space for storytelling, sharing highs and lows, and building trust. This can lead to joint actions, such as organizing urban festivals where everyone is welcome to participate.
Through a process of continuous meet-ups, festivals, and collective actions, we can strengthen these connections and develop shared aims and demands. It’s about building trust through collaboration and shared experiences, rather than debating over beliefs.
This approach, known as ‘We Decide’, is already gaining momentum. As events and projects within the network intersect, the possibilities for connectivity and collaboration grow. It’s a grassroots movement with global implications, working towards coordinated mass events that have real impact.
The time for action is now. We can’t afford to sit back and watch as the world around us crumbles. By coming together, building connections, and taking collective action, we can create real change. Let’s get to it!
This article was written by Roger Hallam, a founding member of Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil, and an activist with Umbrella. Currently serving a prison sentence for his involvement in a climate action, Hallam’s words remind us of the power of collective action and the importance of building strong connections in our fight for a better world.
