A Belonging Story

Having previously reflected on “the core norms” that people share: “a belief in democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, and the fundamental right of all people to belong,” and what we need to share more of: “being open to working in new coalitions, sharing risk and learning, and embracing courage and complexity,” Powell outlines the fight for a collective story about “who we believe we are and who we want to become.” Recognising that “what we believe is what we create” (seeing isn’t believing), he calls for a “We The People” story that “rejects inevitability-thinking, and acknowledges the possibility of change,” and that makes room for fear, “while also employing collective courage as a practice and strategy.” This is a public, out-loud endeavour: “collective meaning-making, deeper collaboration, and gathering together are all vital antidotes in a time of crisis and division.⁠⁠”