Insight Synergistics has been developing models that create positive feedback loops of support for communities in Grand Rapids. These models are the opposite of our macro economic systems in which extract individual energy and community wealth. Another key difference is that the business is “for profit” which creates sustainability and independence from traditional non-profit funding models. This allows for greater focus on community needs and direct impact.
The issues that the majority of people are facing today are only getting more deeply entrenched. Building strong and empowered community makes space for pervasive leadership. One reason why today’s issues are going anywhere is not that solutions have not been found, rather there is no motivation for those with power to eliminate the issues. This power and wealth was built on the extraction of human and natural resources.
Insight Synergistics aims to create a framework for better systems to grow and thrive in Grand Rapids. In this way people’s time and energy is freed up to be invested in building community wealth through local investment. There are 4 components to this approach:
Community Investment
-Proactive resource alignment
-Accessible micro loans/grants
Universal health as a basic human right
-Access to clean water and whole foods
-Access to education
Building local culture through arts, music, creating
-Access to creative spaces
-Access to events and performances
On-going systems ideation and integration
-Regular community engagement forums
-Public documentation and transparency