Important principles for change
In this article I will briefly introduce my perspective on why activism can be seen as a kind of work for the society. I will tell my story why I was drawn to get active with Extinction Rebellion when already being connected to other organisations and active for many years.
Social work for me is the work where we work for a connection between people and for people. In times of the global twin crises - the climate crisis and the massive extinction of species - new forms of activism have emerged that work for the good of humanity. The Climate Strike and Extinction Rebellion (XR) are the two best-known newcomers to the Swiss activist scene. For me as an environmental scientist, a long-time activist and co-founder of various environmental organizations, these organizations were rays of hope on my years of working in small groups on the fringes of public awareness. Suddenly the climate crisis is part of the social discourse. The emotions triggered by the fact that the majority of the population is young are changing their perception of the climate crisis from something "elusive" and "far removed from their own reality" to something they can no longer turn away from.
As previous ecological movements have shown, these problems cannot be solved ideologically. Something different is needed, something that has to do with the social core of the individual and society. Changing the habits of individuals is challenging - and it becomes even more complex on a collective level. One can see this process on an individual level as the integration of a healing into one's own life (for example, from a trauma in one's own life, as well as from the trauma of previous generations). For me, such a healing is a prerequisite to enable healing on a collective level. For the global crises are the visible effects, the symptoms of our collective behaviour over generations. We must first become aware of these interrelationships in order to make healing possible and for radical change to remain feasible and non-violent.
XR defines principles and values that provide a basis for a deeper examination of oneself and society. XR does not focus on ideology, but rather on the vision of leaving behind a world that is also worth living in for future generations. This vision is not based on what separates us from each other, but on what unites us, so that what is necessary can be achieved. Everyone is welcome in principle, but unacceptable behaviour such as discrimination, violence, etc. is not tolerated. XR prevents possible activist burnout by creating a culture of regeneration on all levels, which can be practiced and lived as a fundamentally new way of living together, both personally and socially. Within this framework, processes may arise in the confrontation with oneself and the system. It becomes possible to leave one's own comfort zone in a safe space to experience change. This is also reflected in the cycle of action, reflection, learning and planning on the basis of collective experiences - in this way the group is constantly developing. Blame and insults are actively avoided and people become aware of their own blind spots and possible development potential. In order to achieve the change we need individually, collectively and globally, non-violent approaches are central at all levels. Since physical meetings are important for process work, we use a self-organizing system. In general, we strengthen non-hierarchical power structures, decentralized movements and the self-determination of each person.
It is not easy to understand these principles and values and to adhere to them at all times, but my experience this year at XR shows that they could be the key to achieving the necessary change on an individual and social level. The question of how we can make this new way of collective debate accessible to the general public is what I see for me as part of my personal social work. How can individual healing be promoted? And where can collective healing already take place in order to be effective for the benefit of future generations in the period of action?
Blogpost written by Alexandra Gavilano, Catalyst Lab 1
Alexandra Gavilano is an environmental scientist and catalyst for a holistic and radical system change. She is widely experienced in bottom-up approaches for change within and between organisations, empowerment of individuals and groups as well as mediation, horizontal organisation, strategy and regenerative culture work for grassroots, social and environmental movements. Her focus lies on system change for environmental protection, strengthening of democratic decision-making, and personal and collective deep adaptation.