Announcement: Co-Creating an Archipelago of Islands of Sanity
“Whatever the problem, community is the answer.”
– Margaret Wheatley
Dear Touching the Earth Collective,
In a world of complexity and change, our greatest strength lies in the power of community. Over the next year, we invite you to join us in an inspiring journey to co-create an Archipelago of Islands of Sanity—a network of communities building resilience through adaptive, flexible communication systems.
Each Island of Sanity will serve as a local hub of connection, resource-sharing, and mutual support. These islands will link together to form an archipelago of reliance and collaboration, ensuring that no one is left behind in times of challenge. Together, we will build a future rooted in trust, creativity, and collective strength.
What to Expect
Using the Theory U framework, we will explore, imagine, and build systems that help us adapt and thrive, unfolding through five phases:
- Co-Initiating (Months 1–2):
We’ll reflect on what resilience means for us and map the communication tools and assets already present in our communities. - Co-Sensing (Months 3–4):
Together, we’ll listen deeply to our neighborhoods, uncovering gaps and opportunities for connection. - Presencing (Months 5–6):
Through visioning, we’ll imagine what a connected and supportive network could look like and feel like. - Co-Creating (Months 7–9):
Local groups will prototype communication systems like phone trees, walkie-talkies, and ham radio connections, testing and refining ideas. - Co-Evolving (Months 10–12):
We’ll share lessons learned, celebrate successes, and refine our systems, paving the way for long-term resilience.
How You Can Get Involved
This is a community-led initiative, and your voice, ideas, and participation will shape its success. Here’s how you can take part:
- Join the Conversation: Participate in discussions and share your insights, hopes, and questions.
- Form a Local Team: Gather neighbors or friends to map your community’s assets and begin imagining your Island of Sanity.
- Experiment and Share: Test ideas in your community and bring back what you learn to inspire others.
- Celebrate Together: Build this Archipelago, one island at a time, and share in the collective pride of what we’ve created.
Why This Matters
The challenges we face—whether in communication, resource-sharing, or resilience—are best solved together. By co-creating this adaptive, flexible network, we transform uncertainty into opportunity and build something extraordinary.
Let’s begin this journey together.
Each month in 2025, two installments will appear in the STEC stream, following the progression outlined in What to Expect above. Remember:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” – African Proverb.
So look for Messages from the Refugia, coming your way in 2025.
Together, we will turn this vision into reality—and make it truly our own.
With gratitude and anticipation,
David
This is step one in a bigger project that uses the Pando Forest to create resource-sharing networks.
The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope.
~ Wendell Berry