Why community matters (especially living in the polycrisis)

We are living in what some call the “polycrisis”—an overlapping mess of global emergencies: climate breakdown, economic inequality, state violence, rising fascism, housing shortages, mental health crises, war, and more. It’s tempting to tune out, scroll on, and tell yourself there’s nothing you can do. That someone else, somewhere else, must have it covered.

But here’s the truth: community is how we survive this. It always has been.

When the world feels like it’s crumbling, community becomes both shield and sword. It protects us from isolation, and it powers collective action. And no, I’m not talking about pastel Instagram “community” or the kind where you attend a networking brunch once a quarter. I mean the real stuff: mutual care, shared resources, calling each other in, and fighting for a future none of us can build alone.

The Myth of Individual Resilience

We’ve been sold a story that resilience is about gritting your teeth and powering through. That if you just downloaded the right productivity app or got up earlier, you’d be fine. But resilience isn’t an individual sport—it’s a team effort.

Think of any liberation movement: civil rights, disability justice, queer rights, feminist organising. None of them happened because one exceptional person soldiered on. They happened because people gathered, made plans, shared meals, held each other accountable, and didn’t give up.

Community Makes Courage Possible

As someone who mentors changemakers, I’ve seen how community makes it easier to speak up. It gives you a soft place to land when things get hard—and people who’ll cheer you on when you raise your voice.

You don’t need to be the loudest in the room. You just need someone standing beside you saying, “I’ve got your back.”

When you feel like an imposter, your community reminds you that you belong. When you burn out, they tell you to rest. When you’re scared to take that risk, they say, “Do it anyway—we’ll be here.”

What Real Community Looks Like

Community isn’t always tidy or easy. Sometimes it means uncomfortable conversations. Sometimes it means sticking around when things get awkward. It means learning how to be accountable. It means unlearning “every man for himself” and choosing “no one left behind.”

It also means asking for help. (Yes, even you. Especially you.)

And building community isn’t about being “nice” all the time—it’s about being honest, principled, and committed. It’s about showing up when it matters. Even when it’s messy. Even when you don’t have all the answers.

So What Can You Do?

Start where you are. Get involved in something local—a tenants’ union, mutual aid group, campaign, food co-op, community garden, or art space. Offer your skills. Ask someone how you can help. Turn up. Follow through.

And if you’re part of a community already: deepen it. Check in with people. Cook together. Talk politics. Make a plan. Create rituals of resistance and joy.

Because the truth is, no one is coming to save us. But we can save each other.