For social movements to remain resilient in the face of disturbance, they must be designed like ecological systems—embedding variety, redundancy, and decentralization at every scale. Variety ensures that movements are not reliant on a single strategy, leader, or approach; instead, they cultivate multiple pathways to change, adapting to different conditions and challenges. Redundancy means that if one tactic, structure, or individual is compromised, others can step in seamlessly, preventing collapse. Decentralization distributes power, decision-making, and action across the movement, ensuring that energy is not concentrated in a vulnerable center but instead flows dynamically through a self-sustaining network.

This approach must be applied both internally and externally, in what we do and how we do it—ranging from organizing structures to messaging strategies to direct action tactics. Movements that embrace variety in their coalitions, strategies, and narratives can navigate repression, absorb shocks, and continue forward with agility. Redundancy in leadership pipelines, training models, and mobilization tactics ensures no single point of failure can break the movement. Decentralization allows for self-organized, locally adaptive actions while still moving in strategic alignment. By weaving these principles into the fabric of movement-building, we create systems that not only withstand disturbances but evolve through them, growing stronger, smarter, and more effective over time.

Different types of organizations, much like species in an ecosystem, play distinct and vital roles in fostering resilience and regeneration. In ecosystems recovering from significant disturbances, pioneer species are the first to emerge, stabilizing the environment and creating conditions for the next wave of species to thrive (secondary succession). In cases of extreme disruption, where no foundation remains, primary succession organisms—such as lichens, mosses, and cyanobacteria—establish themselves on barren landscapes like volcanic rock or glacial deposits, gradually creating the conditions necessary for life to return. In less severe cases, where some foundation remains, secondary succession organisms—such as grasses, shrubs, and fast-growing trees—rapidly establish themselves, accelerating recovery.

Similarly, in moments of societal or systemic collapse, pioneer organizations and leaders serve as critical bridges, preparing the terrain for long-term healing and growth. These leaders and organizations often take on the most immediate and foundational work, addressing urgent needs, testing innovative approaches, and paving the way for others to build upon their efforts. Importantly, much like pioneer species in nature, these organizations typically do not remain indefinitely; their role is to perform a necessary function that enables the system’s transition to a more stable and flourishing state. To ensure a successful recovery and transformation, it is essential to invest in and support these “pioneer” organizations and leaders, who can lay the groundwork for ecosystem renewal.