For generations people of the global majority have built Networks of Trust. These networks have been built out of care, love, necessity, and the understanding that we are stewards of the land we live in and of each other. Black and historically marginalized groups have also formed Networks of Trust in response to colonial oppressive systems that continuously rob them of resources. This graphic is inspired by the work and words of Adaku Utah (@soularbliss) who reminds us that “We must build networks of trust so we may be able to take care of each other and support our entire ecosystem.” The networks of trust we create with our biological family, our chosen family, our neighbors, and our communities allow us to take care of each other when systemic structures impede us from accessing resources available to others.
Mycelium networks are tiny threads of a fungal organism that wrap around or integrate into tree roots. Together, this “mycorrhizal network” connects individual plants together to transfer water, nitrogen, carbon, and other minerals. These networks are sometimes thousands of miles long and they check in on each individual plant, making sure they are getting the resources they need to thrive as individuals within the collective network. These mycorrhizal networks provide additional resources when plants are sick or distribute resources when one area has excess resources and another lacks them. Just as these networks provide the support they need for collective survival, we must build networks of trust so we can thrive collectively.
The graphic generated for CSA 2023 is meant to address sharing resources where they are needed, healing what has been harmed, and learning from our ancestors' knowledge. The snail represents breaking down resources so they can be shared and new growth can happen and thrive. We have so much to learn from nature about how they communicate, support each other, and create space for new things to thrive.
These are extra prints from our limited edition 2023 CSA. Very few are left. Printed at Headlight Press.
