NOW WHAT?
In the world of human systems dynamics, understanding is important, but it is not enough. We strive to see patterns clearly and to understand them. The ultimate goal, however, is to transform current patterns into possibilities for the future. In times like these, the journey from seeing to acting is not easy. My last two posts have told the story of my journey as I strive to transform the turbulence and uncertainty I see in US politics toward something more sustainable and equitable. As we approach Election Day, it is time for the NOW WHAT?
We know we cannot hope to solve the problems that arise in a dynamic and powerful complex system. The best we can hope for is a “next wise action” that might shift a pattern toward more healthy coherence. We cannot predict how the system will respond to us, so each NOW WHAT? generates the WHAT? of the next Adaptive Action cycle. As the system changes, and we learn more, new patterns and new options for action will emerge.
So, what is my next wise action in response to the existential threats I see in today’s emerging social, economic, wellbeing, and political patterns across my country?
First, I have voted my conscience and encouraged others to vote theirs.
Second, we will open an online meeting space on November 3. You are invited to join us. Bring your favorite story about life in these United States. We will share our favorites and invite you to share yours. You will be sure to hear diverse voices from the past and the emerging future: Letter from the Birmingham Jail, the Constitution of the United States of America, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, the Federalist Papers Number 10 (liberty and equality). The room will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CST on November 3. Register here, and we’ll send you the Zoom link to join. You should plan to be part of this dialogue if you:
- Don’t know what else to do as you wait for the returns to come in
- Wonder what other Americans (at least some of them) are wondering about
- Want to share or hear rousing, and sometimes troubling, descriptions of our national character
- Live outside the US and want a window into how some of us are seeing current events
- Explore individual and collective options for action, regardless of what emerges
- Explore emerging wicked issues with Power of Questions
- Find the energy in difference
Together, we will do what we can to make the HSD vision a reality:
People everywhere thrive because we
see patterns clearly,
seek to understand, and
act with courage to
transform turbulence and uncertainty
into possibility for all.