FACE-TO-FACE@HUMANIST HOUSE: SOCIO-POLITICAL RESILIENCE IN AUSTRALIA

NSW HUMANISTS MEETUP's FACE-TO-FACE@HUMANIST HOUSE discussion event on Sunday 25 January 2026 will concern SOCIO-POLITICAL RESILIENCE IN AUSTRALIA.

This will be a discussion in the round with participation from all those who come along. Our events allow for people interested in learning and discussing humanism to meet in a dedicated space, in an atmosphere that allows time and space for good conversation on interesting topics.

Political resilience is a system's ability to withstand, adapt to, and recover from shocks like crises, threats, or disruptions, while maintaining core functions, norms, and institutions, often involving proactive strategies for managing change and challenges, from national security to infrastructure to democratic processes. It emphasizes flexible governance, stakeholder engagement, and adaptable structures, balancing reactive crisis management with long-term strategic planning for stability in complex environments.

Other ideas that overlap inlude Social Capital and Civic Society.

Social capital refers to the value derived from social networks, relationships, trust, and shared norms that enable individuals and groups to achieve goals, fostering cooperation and collective well-being, acting as the "glue" holding society together with benefits in health, education, and economic life, though it also carries risks of exclusion for those lacking it.

Civic society refers to the vast network of non-governmental groups, organizations, and associations (like charities, unions, community clubs, and NGOs) that operate independently of the government and for-profit businesses, aiming to promote shared interests, public good, and community well-being, acting as a crucial link between citizens and the state, fostering participation, and holding power accountable. It encompasses local groups focused on preserving heritage or environment, as well as broader movements, embodying citizens' collective actions outside formal politics or commerce to shape public life and solve societal issues.

We have protests and online activism but formerly had extensive in-person associations and parties with significant membership, which have often been superseded by governmental and corporate provision. And people are more tied down in terms of work and leisure.

But are we ready if Australian politics and society is hit by conditions similar to those happening in the USA at present. Are Australians still able to deal with a government gone rogue. There's lots to discuss so please come along and join in.

ABOUT HUMANISM
Humanism is a flexible, open-minded life philosophy where we explore our common humanity in an awesome world without theism (religion) and other supernatural beliefs. There is no dogma but a shared reality and an appreciation of basic human values like compassion, reason, and fairness. Humanism can be seen in the best aspects of the modern Enlightenment - secularism, science, social democracy, human rights, and human flourishing. We have a concern for the biosphere, and a delight in the world as it is - and as it could be. Our discussions respect reason, respect one another, and reject all dogmatic thinking.

NSW Humanist Meetup is sponsored by the Humanist Society of NSW.
The HSNSW encourages honest, open conversations held in a respectful manner.