A seed contains three parts: embryo, stored food and seed coat. From these three things, a seed has everything it needs to grow a new young plant. Another metaphor for a community? Perhaps. According to the authors of “Walk Out Walk On”, communities who work authentically together “rely on the fact that peoples’ capacity to self-organize is the most powerful change process there is.” Like a seed, they find strength and nourishment from within and change occurs when the resources from all of the community are used. In fact, the resources from all of the community are seen as necessary and required.
Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze have met with several such communities. They call them “Walk Outs”. In each case they have identified some connecting principles for how systemic change is fostered and healthy and resilient communities are created. The image of a seed is strong. A seed carries inside its protective shell life and potential. If communities are to be viewed in the same manner, I wonder where we have so often gone wrong in our attempts to create meaningful spaces of vitality and growth. The authors remind us that many of us cling to the belief that our rescue or answer will come from the outside. How often has that been the case in my own experience, when faced with educational or personal dilemmas, that I have habitually looked to the experts first for advice instead of resourcing my own immediate community. The reasons for this may be numerous, but I would guess that it may have something to do with the kind of community I was seeking.
In the Zapatistas community, members believe that they must listen as they walk and talk “at the pace of the slowest.” The journey is honoured and viewed as useful for understanding and teaching. Listening is valued. All members, not just the designated leaders have a voice. In other “Walk Out’ communities, “they let go of complaints, arguments and dramas; they place the work at the centre, invite everyone inside and find solutions to problems that others think unsolvable.” Speed, growth and winning are not evidence of success. Higher scores, more members, expert speakers are not evidence of success. A focus on relationships, diversity and a multitude of perspectives all coming together in one seed pod in a spirit of welcome sheds some light on why these communities thrive and become instruments of change and renewal.
Resource:
“The Role Walk Outs Play in Creating Change”
Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze