The Polycrisis: A Call for Community Power

The Convergence of Crises

Our world is plagued by a converging set of crises: the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ecological overshoot, and increasing economic disparity. These interconnected threats form what many call the "polycrisis."

The nuclear arms race, despite near-disasters like the Cuban Missile Crisis, continues to spiral out of control. Ecological degradation, fueled by unbridled consumption and industrialization, threatens our very survival. Meanwhile, neoliberal policies have exacerbated income inequality, enriching a tiny elite while leaving the majority behind.

The Concentration of Power

The common thread running through the polycrisis is the growing concentration of power in fewer and fewer hands. Corporations and billionaire oligarchs wield immense influence over our economies and governments, sacrificing the common good for their own selfish interests.

Research has shown that the voices of everyday citizens have little impact on public policy, leaving us feeling powerless and marginalized.

Reclaiming Power through Decentralization

In the face of these challenges, many have advocated for decentralization. They argue that by shifting power away from corporations and nation-states and back to communities, we can begin to address the polycrisis and build a more humane society.

Thinkers such as Leopold Kohr, Lewis Mumford, and E.F. Schumacher have championed the concept of "small is beautiful," emphasizing the importance of small-scale technologies and community-based solutions.

The Rise of the Bioregional Movement

The bioregional movement seeks to place-based communities that live in harmony with their environment. It advocates for local governance, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection to the land.

"Living-in-place," as Peter Berg and Raymond Dassman describe it, means aligning our lives with the natural rhythms and resources of our bioregion.

Today, the bioregional movement is experiencing a revival, with organizations like The Raven in my home region of Cascadia working to build community power and create a sustainable future.

Building a Community Base of Power

To confront the threats of oligarchy and environmental degradation, we need to build a strong base of power within our own communities. This involves:

• Coming together in community assemblies to develop a common agenda and infrastructure.
• Creating independent media to inform the public and build support for progressive policies.
• Leveraging local and state governments as institutions that can support community-based initiatives.

The Role of Public Banking

Public banking, and other community financing tools, can play a crucial role in funding and promoting the development of community-based alternatives. This includes cooperatives, worker-owned businesses, local food networks, and community energy installations.

By redirecting investment away from profit-driven corporations and towards projects that serve people and nature, we can create a truly sustainable economy.

Conclusion

Building stronger communities in the places where we live is a strategy for all seasons. By reclaiming power from oligarchs and creating a decentralized, human-scaled society, we can weather the storms that lie ahead and build a future that is both prosperous and just.

No matter what the future holds, we must never give up the fight for a world that aligns with the needs of people and nature. The time to build community power is now.

Teaser image credit: Community fridge and public bookcase in New York City. By Middleground1 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118122466