With this moment emerges the possibility to create a radically different world.
Covid-19. Police brutality and the killing of Black people. Catastrophic weather and wildfires. Insurrection.
These "shockwaves"—as we are calling them—have come with significant devastation and opportunities. The chasm that has been laid bare by each shockwave is erupting with significant demands for change, even if the change desired is unknown.
There is a growing sense of urgency to not only act and respond to alleviate suffering in the moment, but to rebuild from the ashes. In some cases we know what is needed, like a movement towards racial justice and massive police reform. But in large part, there remains a need to create a reality that has yet to be envisioned or even dreamed.
With this moment emerges the possibility to create a radically different world. This moment could be a portal into a new future.
The Portal of Possibility Project explores how these shockwaves leave ripples that shift the fabric of our societies that result in radical change by leaving behind all notions of normal and visioning into what is possible, what is needed. We're learning how this moment presents an opportunity for change. And we're telling a story about what could bring us to a new—and better—way of being.
We are launching into this project with a sense of hope. The hope is generated through listening. Listening to how others are visualizing this intense period of fertile transformative potential. We know we don’t have the answers. We use interviews and the curation of articles and other pieces that build our collective capacity to consider what to rebuild into and how to do it. Together, we will provide a portal into what is possible.
About This Project
This Portals of Possibility Project is made of social change writers, facilitators, and teachers. We seek to make meaning of the rapid change, dissonance and polarities in our world to co-create a just world for all, but especially those that have suffered at the hands of what is considered “normal” to date.
We are not necessarily creating new content or new ideas, rather we are curating what is already out there. This process is as much for us to organize our ideas for the potential for the future and envision how we can be a part of making radical change. We hope this project inspires others to tap into the amazing work so many people, communities, and organizations are doing. We hope this project inspires action.
We'll be sharing what we learn in a number of different formats through monthly Substack newsletters.
In some cases, we'll share articles and inspiration from organizations already doing great work in ensuring we create a better world from these shockwaves. We'll also share original reflections by our team about how we intend to weave what we're learning into our work. And we'll also share excerpts from interviews with people and experts doing the work to address the challenges our world faces.
Subscribe on Substack to get updates. You can also follow us here on Instagram.