Shared Society
Concept
The historical period which began in the 1990s, the sum of processes most often grouped together under the term “globalization,” has created a world of sharp contradictions, with growing interconnectedness on the one hand being accompanied by inequality, polarization, and increasing divisions along ethnic, religious and national lines, on the other hand. The financial crisis which began in 2008 has ushered in a period of economic instability which shows no signs of ending any time soon, serving only to deepen these contradictions.
The conflicts that have consequently emerged have been seen primarily in terms of the identities which seem to define them. Often overlooked are the broader economic and social inequalities which underlie them. The reassertion of particular identities can perhaps be better understood when seen as a reaction against universalizing projects which have misfired, failing to deliver on their promises of a better life for all. While these are dynamics which can be largely witnessed throughout the world, in Europe they are particularly acute, with the project of European unification increasingly threatened by internal divisions amongst the representatives of the member states , imbalances between the core and periphery, and intense popular dissatisfaction at every level.
Taking seriously the project of a shared global society means taking seriously the structural imbalances and obstacles which currently stand in its way. Likewise, working to overcome the divisive conflicts which are becoming every day more visible means taking seriously the structural determinants of these conflicts, the relations of inequality, dominance and exclusion which currently characterize the global system.
One way in which this can be done is through structured group processes in which those caught up in dynamics of conflict can communicate with one another about the causes of those conflicts, and by doing so generate creative solutions and envisage alternative futures. In our work we seek through partnership with local organizations to develop projects where this can take place.
Application
In Summer 2010, Transform held a workshop in Germany, attended by civil-society activists working in fields related to the issues of integration and Islamophobia in Europe. The conference included a 5 day workshop using the Kumi method. As a result of the workshop, a network was created among organizations present at the workshop, with the intention of developing implementable ideas about how to tackle problems facing migrants and other marginalized groups in Europe. Since then a Grundtivg Lifelong Learning grant was awarded to support the development and strengthening of this network.
The organizations involved are:
- Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), UK
- Institut für konstruktive Konfliktaustragung und Mediation (IKM) Germany
- Shura, Germany
- Critical Mass, Netherlands
- Transform, Germany
Through this network we intend to create a group of local facilitators who are trained in the use of the Kumi method, who will then carry out projects in their communities. The project as a whole is guided by the recognition that in the face of a rising tide of right-wing nationalism, political parties continue to see diversity as an issue which needs to be managed from above, and immigrant and other minority groups as primarily a threat needing to be contained. An alternative approach would involve the recognition of these groups as integral members of society, and placing the inclusion of these groups in participatory democratic processes at the center of efforts to address the situation.
In 2010 Critical Mass received funding from Oxfam Novip to send members of the organization to the Middle East to be introduced to the Kumi method by local Israeli and Palestinian facilitators. Following this, in 2011 two workshops were held in the Netherlands in which a group of Dutch civil-society activists were introduced to the Kumi method.
Currently Transform is in the process of communicating with local organizations in Berlin to develop local projects in accordance with the overall vision of the network.
For more information, contact Micah Brashear <micah@transform-centre.org>.