Humanity faces a crossroads of crises so pervasive and interwoven that they are collectively termed the "polycrisis." Polycrisis covers everything from climate change, economic inequality, political instability, and social fragmentation — that exacerbate one another amplifying the challenge.

In response, the concept of "The Gathering" has emerged as a strategy to unite diverse communities and perspectives to enact change. A new kind of gathering designed for our times, a pragmatic approach to addressing the polycrisis by fostering solidarity, resilience, and increasing collaboration.

Understanding the Polycrisis

John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and philosopher explains, "We are not facing a single crisis but a multiplicity of interrelated crises in the sense-making and wisdom frameworks." Vervaeke emphasizes that the complexity of these interconnected crises requires us to rethink how we understand and approach problems at both individual and collective levels.

This means that traditional problem-solving approaches are inadequate. Instead, the polycrisis demands a holistic and multifaceted response that can address the root causes of the challenges we are facing.

The Gathering: A Conceptual Framework

The Gathering represents a paradigm shift in how we approach global and local crises. At its core, it is about bringing together diverse organizations—referred to metaphorically as "tribes"—each with its unique knowledge, skills, and perspectives. These tribes are communities defined by geography, shared values, common goals, or professional expertise. The key is recognizing that no single group holds all the answers and that solutions emerge from synergy between different perspectives.

Dave Snowden, the creator of the Cynefin framework and author of the "Field Guide for Managing Complexity," has articulated the need for this kind of approach: "In complex environments, solutions emerge from the interactions between agents; you can't predefine a solution in advance." Snowden’s insights underscore that addressing the polycrisis requires an emergent approach, where the diverse "tribes" work together in a bottom-up network as opposed to the traditional top-down.

The Gathering draws inspiration from indigenous traditions and grassroots movements, where communal decision-making and collaboration have long been practiced. However, it also incorporates modern elements, such as digital connectivity, which allows these tribes to gather and collaborate across vast distances.

The Gathering is a celebration of diversity as a strength to create an ecosystem of collaborating communities and companies, each contributing to a collective resilience against the polycrisis.

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Addressing the Polycrisis Through Collaboration

One of the fundamental ways The Gathering addresses the polycrisis is by fostering collaboration across sectors and disciplines. For example, environmental activists, technologists, economists, and social justice advocates may all approach a problem like climate change from different angles. Yet, when these groups collaborate, they can develop more comprehensive and effective solutions. Technologists might offer innovations in renewable energy, economists could devise models for sustainable development, and social justice advocates ensure that solutions are equitable and inclusive.

Nora Bateson, a leading figure in the field of systems thinking and the daughter of renowned polymath Gregory Bateson, highlights the importance of smart collaboration in addressing complex problems. She notes, "The ecological crises, the social crises, the personal crises—these are all intertwined. We need to learn to see the relationships and work within them." Bateson’s emphasis on the interconnectedness of crises aligns perfectly with the ethos of The Gathering, where solutions are not isolated fixes but part of a larger approach to problem-solving.

The Gathering emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and indigenous wisdom. Often, the most effective solutions to global problems are found within local communities that have adapted to their environments over centuries.

Building Resilience Through Unity

Beyond practical solutions, The Gathering also builds resilience through the creation of strong, interconnected communities. In a world where social fragmentation and political polarization are rampant, the act of gathering diverse tribes itself becomes a form of resistance against division. It fosters a sense of shared purpose and solidarity, which is crucial in times of crisis.

This unity is about finding common ground amidst diversity. By recognizing and respecting differences, The Gathering helps to mitigate conflicts that arise from cultural, political, or ideological divisions. It encourages dialogue and mutual understanding, which are essential for navigating the complexities of the polycrisis.

The Path Forward

The Gathering offers a hopeful and practical response to the polycrisis. It acknowledges the scale and complexity of the challenges we face while also recognizing the immense potential within human communities to overcome them. By fostering collaboration, integrating diverse perspectives, and building resilient communities, The Gathering can help us navigate the interconnected crises of our time.

As John Vervaeke reminds us, "We need to cultivate collective wisdom—an ability to sense, adapt, and respond in a complex and rapidly changing world." The polycrisis is a formidable challenge and an opportunity for our collective to reinvent itself.

Gathering of Tribes 2024: A Gathering for the Regenerative Movement

Dates: September 11-15, 2024

Location: Near Porto, Portugal

Participants: 500 people, over 50 organizations

Join us for this transformative event and be part of a movement to rethink our relationship with the planet and each other.

For more information, visit [ Gathering of Tribes] - (https://the-gathering.earth/).