In bygone eras of gods and kings and moral certainties, it was perhaps clearer where folk could look for salvation. Divine will was thought to be manifest in material privilege, and servitude to that needed not be questioned. How much of this worldview lies dormant in us today, as we stand on the brink of a multi-faceted apocalypse? 

The top income decile in our societies, responsible for 3 to 5 times the national average carbon emissions in any country, valiantly pursue self-interest while the world burns.. Civil society toddles along on life-support from systems of gift and patronage, beholden to crumbs fallen off the table of philanthropy. Volunteering fills in the gaps in public service provision, simultaneously symbolic of our best altruistic and communitarian instincts, and of our failure to shape our systems so that they serve our most basic human needs.

If we were to act in our collective best interest right now, what would that look like? What would matter most? How would we re-organise society so that it delivers on our greatest needs?

Come along so we can replenish our collective hope reserves­ – and move forward with humanity and purpose.