Interconnected Collective
“Are you ready to give up your comfort and privilege for the safety of Black, brown, and indigenous people of color?”
—Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs , as quoted on Romper
A Spirit of Togetherness
As the world slowed down overnight, we reflected: Do we want to go back to the way we were? How do we hold onto the spirit of togetherness we have right now? COVID moved us to make personal sacrifices to protect the most vulnerable among us and “ flatten the curve.” This commitment to our neighbors’ health is evolving into a deeper reverence for our interdependence: we are only as healthy and safe as our most marginalized communities.
We’re seeing this shift take hold. Organizations are pooling resources and favoring collaboration over competition in unprecedented ways. Neighbors are forming mutual aid networks built on the principle that everyone has something to give, and everyone needs something. Nonprofits are deepening their reliance on unlikely partnerships to extend their reach and impact — such as the pairing of emergency services and mental health.
Looking Past Self-Interest to Communal Gain
Our individual interests are giving way to a growing sense of how connected we are to others. It gives us a sense of solidarity. We’ve seen the change in perceptions around “who’s essential” and how critical it is to protect frontline workers. We’re also seeing this play out in how organizations partner. Empty restaurant kitchens are being used to feed out of work servers and out of school kids. Hotels are housing people experiencing homelessness. Funders that often “compete” in some ways are putting differences aside, forging new partnerships to increase their scale and responsiveness, and lifting restrictions on funding.
These collaborations reflect a growing recognition that when the “we” is thriving, “I” am better off. Looking past self-interest to communal gain is emerging as an essential survival skill. When we celebrate our interconnectedness, we strengthen our social ecosystems.
Signals
Signals are the evidence of this shift gaining momentum.
- Cincinnati community organizations and business leaders collaborate to raise funds for minority-owned businesses
- Corporate and nonprofit partners support the Restaurant Workers Relief Program’s efforts to feed out-of-work service industry workers
- The New Yorker Explores What Mutual Aid Can Do During a Pandemic
- DearFrontline.com calls for gratitude mixed with activism
Thought Starters for Reflection
How might we continue to foster a spirit of togetherness? Use these prompts to reflect on how you might embrace interconnected solidarity over individual self-preservation.
- How might we leverage collaboration to extend our impact and reach?
- How might we continue to foster collectivism in our culture and work?
- How might we consider impact to the greater good over our personal gain?
Tell us: Where are you seeing a greater sense of connectedness? How are you fostering those connections within your own work? Share your reflections in the comments or email us at hello@d-impact.org.
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This post continues our series about emerging shifts that can lead us to a more equitable future. These posts are adapted from our 2020 report, Pathways to the Future. You can find the complete report on our website.
