Interdependence is a fundamental reality of how our universe operates. Every part of our universe, from galaxies to microbes, function in ecosystems deeply dependent upon and impacted by the elements that surround and interact with them.
We’ve been socialized not to see or acknowledge the reality of interdependence. This disregard of interdependence can both cause harm and make us less effective in our work to create equitable change. Many of our working assumptions as change agents are unknowingly built on the idea of independence – the individual “rational actor” seeking to change the manipulatable “mechanical” world. When we don’t see interdependence our work can become removed, mechanical and formulaic.
This tool seeks to expand our awareness – to acknowledge that interdependence is the reality within which we operate. Naming and claiming the reality of interdependence is a powerful act as it points out that not only do systems influence us, we influence them. Interdepence, unlike dependence, is a two-way street.
When we acknowledge the reality of interdependence and begin to reflect on its implications, we can disrupt siloed ways of working and thinking. We can reflect on our interdependence as advocates and change agents.
We do this work out of love for community. We do this work to build the world we want to live in and raise our children in. Who we are matters. Our interconnectedness to systems and community matter. We must authentically engage ourselves in this work if we are going to authentically engage our fellow community members. When we work from our passions and the things we most care about – that is when we are most powerful.
“You have to have compassion because it gives you the juice, the power, the passion to move. When you open to the pain of the world you move, you act. But that weapon is not enough. It can burn you out, so you need the other-you need insight into the radical interdependence of all phenomena. With that wisdom you know that it is not a battle between good guys and bad guys, but that the line between good and evil runs through the landscape of every human heart. With insight into our profound interrelatedness, you know that actions undertaken with pure intent have repercussions throughout the web of life, beyond what you can measure or discern.” -bell hooks
Recognizing Harm
We recognize that many of us have been harmed by systems and communities. Often, this harm has been systemic and intentional – targeting particular communities and utilizing systems to further oppression and exploitation. Our intention is not to romanticize the relationship we have with the systems that shape our lives or the communities to which we belong. Rather the invitation is to see ourselves as interdependent and interconnected as a way of claiming our power and influence to shape our world. You know your situation best. This tool is meant to help you discern what’s possible – finding the path forward rather than settling for all or nothing.
Leaning into this tool and moving away from Us vs. Them dynamics requires those of us who have been given unearned privileges by systems and communities to not overlook or erase the harm that has been done. Acknowledging the harm is an important step in reaching for one another.
Our thinking around harm draws on the work of adrienne marie brown in We Will Not Cancel Us.