How People and Organizations can Adapt in Uncertain Times by Embracing Hope and Conscious Community

If it feels like the world is in constant crisis, you're not alone.

In the recent Resource Alliance webinar “Navigating Cultural Trends – How Non-profits Can Adapt in Uncertain Times,” Daisy O’Reilly-Weinstock didn’t sugarcoat the moment we're in.

From war to economic turmoil to climate collapse, it’s no wonder many of us feel like we’re living through a polycrisis—we actually are. Yes history has demonstrated our ability to live through pandemics and war, but layer on climate change and massive migration and this moment is unique. The whole mess can leave one feeling hopeless.

In her webinar, Daisy offered a sharp diagnosis: we’re becoming a society of “exhausted, disconnected & apathetic post-people.” As such, it can be hard to see a path forward. She referenced a term that captures this mood—anhedonia—the inability to enjoy small things that once brought pleasure. Sound familiar?

But her session wasn’t about wallowing. It was a call to action. Her central message: HOPE IS A VERB. It's not passive. It’s something we do, something we build—together.

There were so many mind-blowing tidbits shared in this very dense webinar that I encourage you to connect with the Resource Alliance's Global Community and access the full version for yourself. I’ve included the links below.

Here are the main points that stood out for me:

1. Hope Is a Warrior Emotion

O’Reilly-Weinstock framed hope not as naïveté but as resistance. Cynicism is easy. Hope takes work. She quoted Angela Davis: “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.” That energy was the heartbeat of the session.

Hope is like a muscle—it strengthens with use. And the way to use it? Through reconnection, community, activism, and real investment in each other. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!

2. Conscious Community Is One Antidote

To push back against disconnection, we need to “unplug, show up, and change the world.” That means slowing down. Going analog. Meeting face to face. Creating space for genuine interaction.

Daisy laid out four practical strategies to build conscious community:

• Reject the shallow: People crave real, grounded connection. Offer it.

• Be a catalyst: Create spaces—physical or digital—where people feel part of something bigger.

• Make it tangible: This could be planting trees, or helping at a food bank, inviting friends to a potluck—small actions matter.

• Tell it like it is: Share raw, honest stories. Skip the spin.

Also, lean into the intimacy economy—find your niche and go deep.

3. Take Back Tech

The digital world isn’t going anywhere. Instead of letting it control us, we need technological agency. Use it with intention. Design your digital presence around wonder, connection, and purpose. Let tech serve your mission, not distract from it.

4. Escape as Self-Care Is Valid

Amid all the talk of resistance, there was also permission to pause. Sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is disconnect. Watch the grass grow. Go for a long walk. I loved hearing Daisy validate and reminded us that “sleep is a new status symbol.” So go take a nap!

Final Thoughts

This webinar didn’t pretend things are fine. Clearly things are not fine. Rather it offered a roadmap for how non-profits and organizations —and the people who power them—can stay human in inhuman times. By choosing hope, fostering conscious community, reclaiming our tech, and caring for ourselves, we’re not just reacting to change. We’re shaping it.

You can view the session recording and access the slides here on the RA Global Community Platform which requires a quick free registration if you haven’t accessed before – if you need help joining this community reach out to James Tennet at The Resource Alliance and he would be happy to help. You can reach James by email here: james@resource-alliance.org

Let’s take care of each other,

Km

Kimberley MacKencie, ACC, CPCC

Looking for clarity, direction, and accountability? Coaching with me will help you define your goals, create a clear action plan, and articulate what success looks like for you. Through the transformative power of co-active coaching, you’ll gain practical steps to level up your leadership with confidence. Let's hop on a call and chat about adding me to your team.