The Social discipline within ANANSI concerns itself with relationships between members, emphasizing care, mutual aid, conflict resolution, and collective wellbeing. Alongside the collective’s technological and creative endeavors, social practices are considered essential components of a sustainable, resilient organization.
Philosophy[edit]
ANANSI’s approach to social dynamics draws on Pan-African traditions of communalism, mutual aid, and grassroots organizing. Influences include Ubuntu, chamas and saccos, the legacy of international gatherings like FESTAC, and practices from the Black radical tradition such as the mutual aid praxis of the Black Panther Party.
The collective incorporates feminist economics by foregrounding reproductive and emotional labor. In budgeting, attention is given to these forms of care work, as documented in initiatives like Budgeting for Reproductive Labor.
ANANSI prioritizes praxis over philosophy across all dimensions of its work. This orientation arises from a foundational commitment to social relationships, where the lived experiences of members form the basis for theory, rather than abstract or prescriptive ideals. Theory is understood as emergent from concrete action, and authority is grounded in participation and experience rather than imposed hierarchically. The collective measures success by its relational impact—how members support, challenge, and transform one another through shared labor and care. This approach aligns with Neema Githere’s concepts of Afropresentism [1] and Guerilla Theory[2], which emphasize lived immediacy, insurgent knowledge production, and the power of experience as a source of truth. Accountability within ANANSI is structured through consent, care, and the integrity of shared experience, reinforcing a feedback loop between social dynamics and collective action.
Council[edit]
The Social Council is a rotating body tasked with stewarding the emotional and interpersonal wellbeing of the collective. Its responsibilities include:
- Facilitating conflict resolution sessions
- Organizing gatherings focused on social connection
- Coordinating ritualized practices such as check-ins
- Assigning facilitation roles for meetings (e.g., note taker, timekeeper)
- Supporting reintegration following interpersonal conflict
Membership in the Social Council rotates based on interest and capacity. It does not imply a hierarchical role; council members are peers serving a functional need. Sensitive matters may be addressed in private, encrypted channels when necessary.
Practices[edit]
A variety of social practices have developed to support ANANSI’s collective health:
Check-ins[edit]
Meetings begin with a check-in where members share their emotional state, context, or creative input. This process supports presence and emotional awareness.
Conflict Resolution[edit]
ANANSI maintains a structured Conflict Resolution protocol for addressing interpersonal tension. This includes mediated dialogue, affirmations, and collaboratively generated outcomes. Sessions are guided by principles of emotional safety, transparency, and non-punitive accountability.
Mazizaga[edit]
Mazizaga is a type gathering used for reflection, recalibration, and relational maintenance. It is both a strategic and social ritual.
Collective Joy and Grief[edit]
ANANSI creates space for the full emotional range of collective life. This includes celebrating achievements, acknowledging burnout, and adjusting responsibilities in response to grief or crisis.
Tools[edit]
Several platforms are used to support ANANSI’s social infrastructure:
Gather: A spatial video chat platform used for informal interaction and meetings.
Matrix: The primary communication platform. Private channels may be created for mediation or sensitive discussions.
Loomio: A consensus-building platform used for proposals and check-ins.
Carework[edit]
Care is considered a collective responsibility. While the Social Council provides structure, all members contribute to maintaining emotional and interpersonal health. When members experience burnout or grief, the collective may redistribute tasks or alter timelines accordingly.
Social needs are addressed dynamically, and adjustments are made in real time. This flexible approach forms a critical layer of ANANSI’s operational resilience.