The Power of the Collective

Despite what the title might suggest, this is not about Marxism. Although it might be beneficial to keep in mind throughout this read, that he was definitely onto something when he suggested that people are only as strong as they are when organized and united. Enough of that though, the Political Scientist in me just needed her moment in the sun. 

I'm sure we've all been in that cute little boutique on the corner that has everything from skincare to art to vintage clothes and accessories, and where we've found ourselves needing to purchase everything we see. You know what I mean. These are most often collectives. A place where artists come together to celebrate their work, and a place where consumers go searching for their next birthday wish-list. We live in such a beautiful time, when people can join forces in the name of sustainability, culture, pride, and art.

The environment in a collective feeds creativity and sparks lasting relationships. It fuels ideas and passion, and creates opportunities. It seriously is a place you go to hang out with your friends, metaphorically, and physically. I have met so many interesting and amazing people sitting behind the desk at Cream Collective. Professors, locals, other artisans, the list goes on. But my favourite thing about working for a collective are the endless opportunities. 

I read an article the other day that talked about the power of a woman's bookclub. One where older women living on a small island off the coast off British Columbia, come together not only to read and discuss, but to foster friendships and create community. The article highlighted how important it was for these women to nurture this environment that they had created, especially in a post Covid-19 world where fear of close proximity still lives. I believe this can be translated to collectives as well. 

It is more important than ever to find reasons that bring us closer together, and not divide us further. Politics, the economy, social justice issues, these are ongoing and will outlast us all, but they do not need to be the reasons that we turn our backs on each other now, before its too late. 

The collective to me means many things, and despite what you might think, it is not just a physical space. It has roots in many different places, and comfort in knowing you belong somewhere at any given moment, no matter what you bring to the table. 

Read this post and others on the Cream Collective website!