A Boundary Makes a Map: Polycrisis Mapping Report

A prototype directory and reflections on mapping organizations responding to the polycrisis — primarily in the global south.

Catherine Tran, Rufus Pollock ·

Read the Report (PDF)

Overview

This report documents the creation of a prototype directory mapping organizations addressing the polycrisis, primarily in the global south. The directory initially identified around 90 organizations, with detailed research on 25.

The work confronted a fundamental challenge: there was, as yet, limited agreement among stakeholders on what exactly defined a “polycrisis response.” Rather than waiting for perfect definitions, the team used two practical criteria:

  1. Intersystemic analysis — recognizing problems stemming from interconnected systems rather than isolated causes
  2. Intersystemic action — pursuing “paradigmatic” change affecting multiple systems and underlying worldviews

Snowball sampling built the directory, and reflection on the results refined the boundary questions.

About the Report

Beyond the directory itself, this companion report examines six organizational examples to explore what constitutes genuine polycrisis response — inviting readers to consider whether these organizations demonstrate both intersystemic understanding and transformative action.

The full report is available for download via the link above.

Note: The full report text and profiles directory are planned additions to this page. See docs/plans/2026-05-29-cohere-and-ora-next-steps.md for the roadmap.

Context

This mapping effort is part of the broader Second Renaissance ecosystem mapping work. Related efforts:

  • PIP Mapping — paradigmatic, integrative, and pragmatic changemakers (2021–2022)
  • Cohere+ Mapping — European transformational social change field (2022–2025)