In considering civil society as an adaptable organism, one could argue that its natural instinct may be to seek to return to a previously stable state. However, much like in nature, many organisms are designed to embrace new realities and adjust to thrive. For society, it is crucial to foster and guide social change that advances our democracy into new territories. This can be achieved by stepping back to form new relationships aimed at understanding our differences and collaborating for change.
Research on transformative learning networks highlights how these informal social collectives prioritize learning from one another. In times of crisis, individuals within these networks are willing to take risks by redefining their social patterns to foster new relationships and understanding across various divides—be they ideological, institutional, or geographical. Such networks can pave the way for emerging professional fields, innovative ideas, or even new organizations. A notable example is the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, which began as a diverse group unified by the common goal of enhancing community resilience to wildfires, each contributing unique perspectives on the best methods to achieve this.
The wisdom of ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus rings true today: “the only constant in life is change.” Martin Luther King Jr.’s perspective further emphasizes that “change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” Human communities have developed tendencies to overlook and resist change, often to our detriment—illustrated starkly in our reactions to climate change, where we frequently fail to recognize incremental shifts until they culminate in significant transformations.
Nature, through the concept of the rhizome, offers insight into why change can catch us off guard and suggests how we might guide future transformations. Rhizomes—whether invasive plants or natural flowers—expand their networks invisibly underground, gathering strength and resilience until they emerge forcefully into the light. This decentralization, which resists simple categorization, serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding the complexities of social change that are non-linear, diverse, and often hidden.
The rhizome metaphor teaches us that rebuilding traditional hierarchical structures may not be effective for generating meaningful change. Rather, we must delve deeper, forging our own learning networks, expanding our connections, and breaking through the barriers that hold us back. Engaging with diverse members of civic society and learning from others across the social and political spectrum can help us reinvent our perspectives and unite our strengths, preparing us to emerge transformed.
Facing our differences can be intimidating, as demonstrated during recent gatherings—such as Thanksgiving—marked by trepidation over difficult conversations. While there is a natural tendency to gravitate toward familiar and homogenous groups that echo our views, adopting a rhizomatic perspective provides reassurance that authentic change arises from hidden activity. By embracing uncomfortable conversations and connections, we position ourselves to contribute to a new future.
Taking risks and engaging with those challenging our assumptions can yield unexpected outcomes, potentially launching new social movements and fostering a culture of collaboration and learning. The journey toward change may be daunting, but with each step, we collectively move closer to a stronger, more unified society.