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The Optimistic Anthropologist Volume 28
The Stress of Disaster Brings People Together
MARCH 2020 | VOLUME 28
Dear ,
I often remind people that systems aren't broken, they are perfectly designed to produce the results that they get. And at the same time, we have to recognize that systems are not "over there." Systems are made up of people, systems are us.
If you share in this understanding of the world, March 2020 has been awful and awe-inspiring. There are plenty of places where you can read about the awful. And honestly writing about that will just make me anxious and fearful. So, I'm going to focus on the awe-inspiring humanity, the this is us that I believe we are.
Here in DC, I've seen my neighbors mobilize to support one another through a mutual aid fund, by forming a hyper-local helping hands network offering to grocery shop, walk dogs, and pick up prescriptions. And in smaller ways with hellos and smiles as we move six feet apart on daily walks, kind and silly messages on their homes, and check-ins and chats across our porches.
There's been moving writing and music and stories that reflect how we're not alone lmy friend Eric Shih's blog post Solidarity and Social Distance, Oakland's Fantastic Negrito latest joyful music video featuring his fans keeping moving while sheltering in place, and historically apt and emotionally raw stories from podcast makers I love.
Globally, I've seen and read about people protesting the potential overthrow of their reform government while self-quarantining in Prishtina, Kosovo; police officers singing to quarantined families in Mallorca, perfumeries and distilleries, military members, fashion brands, and others who are now making critical supplies for frontline health care workers. Oh, and let's not forget about the economically vulnerable folks working in warehouses and doing our grocery shopping who are fighting for well-deserved health protection and pay as they continue to work during this pandemic.
In recent years, the United States and many other nations around the world have seen the rise of xenophobic leaders and movements. The politicians and movements want us to fear one another.
I share this, because while things sometimes seem bleak right now, all around us are glimmers of different ways of being and doing. Ways that when this most acute stage of the crisis diminishes, might enable us to fundamentally reshape our systems for a more positive and equitable future. And that gives me hope.
Be well, do good, and stay home,Alison
P.S. I've included a request for assistance below. I'd appreciate it if you'd read it and get in touch if you are able to help.
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Because of COVID-19, almost all of the projects that Optimistic Anthropology was slated to be working on in March and April have been delayed or cancelled.
We know that we're not alone in this, but it has us worried so we're asking for your help.
We sometimes struggle to explain our work, but I think one of our
providers said it best, when he shared that Optimistic Anthropology is who "we turned to when we knew we had a problem, but we didn't know how to solve it."
In our work, we are able to bring an array of research skills, leadership development practices, and learning methodologies to help our clients develop strategies in support of making a more positive and equitable future.
So, here's our request: if your organization is in need of help, or there's a colleague you think we should meet, we'd greatly appreciate an introduction. We know that things don't just materialize overnight, it requires building relationships, so we thought we'd start by asking those who we are already in relationship with. If you are willing to make an introduction, please say hello to Alison!
Our offering to you as you shelter in place? We continue our efforts to connect you to great resources.
We had been meaning to do a podcast round-up for last year, and thought that now might be the perfect time.
that should be helpful if you are sheltering in place alone and want to feel connected, or you are with family and need a break!
is our monthly round-up of job, consulting, and fully-funded fellowship and accelerator opportunities that people connected to
are recruiting for. It's updated on a rolling basis because
we love connecting people who share our values to great resources!
We've officially moved to Optimistic Anthropology's new headquarters, Optimism House! We will continue to operate as a location-independent business, but our home base is now in the
neighborhood of Washington, DC.
In the future, we look forward to restarting our co-working days (we have ample natural light, wifi, and snacks). And we are please to be able to offer short-term housing for those in or coming to DC to work or visit for a week or more).
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