Wild margins: This is one of my favourite principles in organic systems. To qualify for organic certification, a farm must leave some field corners and edge land wild, uncultivated. These margins are a haven for wildflowers, plants, birds, insects. Diversity of wildlife and plants has many benefits for humans;
for example, if a new pest or disease affects your plants, you can hope that its antidote is hanging out in the wild margins.
How does this work for communities? I’ve seen many groups who find it hard to include and tolerate divergent and challenging views. The problem is aggravated because ‘wild margin’ people often feel isolated, angry, and may lack the communication skills to make their points diplomatically. When a group feels threatened and criticised, it’s tempting to turn against minority members, to scapegoat or exclude them.
One benefit of the wild margins analogy is to show the potential insights in divergent views. If the majority of a group can learn patience and skills to hear the essence under challenging language, they will access more wisdom and solutions. Nelson Mandela, in solitary confinement for many years on Robben Island, seemed an unlikely person to resolve apartheid in South Africa, but mainstream society’s crises are often solved from an unlikely and marginal source.
This matrix can help you recognise and value wild margins in yourself, or you could use it for a group such as a work team.
Start by listing a few activities, skills, interests which may seem marginal and unproductive. Then explore how they could help you, and how you can sustain and integrate them.
Download your Wild Margins matrix here…