In Okinawa, there’s a tradition of creating a moai. Moais are sometimes defined as “social support groups,” but what makes them unique is that they are established as children. Children are paired in groups (typically of 5) and commit to support and encourage each through their entire lives. Moai literally means as “meeting for a common purpose.” The purpose is mutual support, and the commitment is lifelong. This social technology has been identified as one reason why Okinawans have amazing longevity, often living past 100. It turns out we’re social creatures, and having a team literally helps us live longer.
So now is the time to build your movement Moai. This is not a metaphor. It is time to form intentional groups and communities that can support and sustain us in our work and in our lives. These are the folks you can turn to when you need information or advice, morale support or to be pulled out of a doom spiral of chaos. So let’s get strategic about who you need to connect with.
The following questions will help you think through building your moai (social support network) to support you during times of stress, threat and uncertainty. Remember, we want to build the relationships we need before we actually need them for yourself and your organization. So take some time now to answer these questions and then list out in the matrix below an intentional group you can call on for support, now and in the future.