Using Capital to Liberate Capital - Lynn Murphy (Transition Resource Circle)

Lynn's Background and Entry into Philanthropy

Lynn Murphy's journey has been characterized by a commitment to service, leading her through diverse roles, from bilingual teaching to working with marginalized communities in Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Her academic pursuits in global movements and development eventually led her to the philanthropic sector, where she served as a senior fellow and program officer for the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Initially drawn to philanthropy by a desire to effect positive change, Lynn ultimately grew disillusioned with what she perceived as its limitations.

While acknowledging the power and potential of philanthropy, she found its structures restrictive, its approaches often technocratic, and its impact limited by a reluctance to challenge existing systems. Her experience fueled a desire for more radical and transformative approaches, ultimately leading her to co-found Transition Resource Circle (TRC) with Alnoor Ladha.

Transition Resource Circle and Post-Capitalist Philanthropy

Transition Resource Circle (TRC) emerged from Lynn and Alnoor’s shared recognition of the urgent need for transformative change in a world grappling with interconnected crises. Central to their approach is the concept of “using capital to liberate capital,” a provocative call to leverage existing resources to dismantle the very systems that perpetuate inequality and environmental destruction.

“How can we use capital to liberate capital, lean into the paradox, lean into the contradiction in this moment to move in ways that can support life?”

This approach necessitates a fundamental shift in perspective, moving beyond traditional grant-making towards a more holistic and systemic understanding of resource allocation. TRC advocates for a move away from individual and institutional entitlements towards collective stewardship, recognizing the interconnectedness of social and ecological well-being.

The Significance of Circle Work

Lynn brings a wealth of experience in circle work, a practice deeply rooted in her study of human movement and her engagement with ancient council traditions. Recognizing the limitations of conventional discourse, she emphasizes the importance of embodiment, deep listening, and creating spaces where genuine connection and collective intelligence can emerge.

“And as adults, we often think that we are learning things. And actually for us to learn, we have to be uncomfortable. We have to actually be in this discomfort zone, not in the panic and not in the like, Hey, I'm going to hang back and chill. But there's something about almost an agitation that disrupts us, that gets us into a place of learning.”

Through circle work, Lynn aims to disrupt hierarchical power structures and foster a sense of shared humanity, creating fertile ground for transformative conversations about capital and its potential for liberation.

Coordinates of Possibility: Navigating Transition Pathways

TRC's Five Elements Mandala offers a framework for navigating the complex terrain of post-capitalist philanthropy. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of inner and outer transformation, the mandala highlights five key areas for action:

• Air: Creating New Ancient Emerging Cultures: Recognizing the limitations of our current collective imagination, this element emphasizes the need for new narratives and cultural paradigms that envision a future beyond capitalism.
• Earth: Creating Post-Capitalist Infrastructure: This element calls for directing resources towards building alternative systems and structures that support life-affirming values and practices.
• Water: Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples: Recognizing the wisdom and resilience of indigenous communities, this element emphasizes the importance of genuine solidarity and support for their leadership in protecting biodiversity and cultural heritage.
• Fire: Solidarity with Social Movements: Highlighting the crucial role of social movements in challenging injustice and driving transformative change, this element underscores the need for solidarity and support, particularly for movements in the Global South.
• Ether: Reclaiming Life Force: At the heart of the mandala lies the element of Ether, representing the vital life force often neglected in our modern world. This element emphasizes the importance of inner work, healing trauma, and cultivating practices that reconnect us to the sacredness of life.

These coordinates are not presented as a prescriptive roadmap, but rather as a compass guiding us towards a more just and life-affirming future. TRC emphasizes that true transformation requires a fundamental shift in consciousness, a willingness to embrace uncertainty, and a commitment to ongoing learning and adaptation.

The Future of Transition Resource Circle and Cultures of Transition

TRC continues to evolve as a temporary organizational zone, responding to the emerging needs of the field and embracing a fluid and emergent approach. Beyond the publication of their book, "Post-Capitalist Philanthropy: Healing Wealth in the Time of Collapse," TRC is engaged in various initiatives, including:

• Accompaniment and Advising: Offering guidance and support to foundations seeking to align their practices with post-capitalist values.
• Collaborations and Knowledge Sharing: Partnering with like-minded organizations and movements to foster a broader ecosystem of transformative change.
• Exploring New Organizational Forms: Investigating alternative structures and models that can effectively channel resources towards post-capitalist initiatives.

TRC's work extends beyond the confines of traditional philanthropy, envisioning a future where cultures of transition take root across all sectors of society. By fostering a deep sense of interconnectedness, embracing uncertainty, and cultivating a spirit of surrender and collective humility, TRC believes we can navigate the challenges of our time and create a world where life, in all its diversity and abundance, can truly thrive.