Institute For The Future

Managing risk through networks

In managing and communicating risk people can mobilize a variety of cultural tools. Melora, one of the people in our Silicon Valley portion of GEN's BRICS families, lives with Debbie, Martin and their cat Tristan now that her age mates and friends, the two sons Ethan and Derek, live in Southern California. She tells the story of how she entered the household. She initially entered the household as a short-term companion to Debbie, while Martin had to work extended stints elsewhere (New York, the Netherlands, soon India). Melora and Debbie shared a passion for graphic novels, theatre and a generally genial gothic perspective on life. However, two years ago Melora broke one ankle and sprained the other and was transformed from caretaker to invalid in one fell moment. Debbie became the caretaker and several people in the extended network became intimate parts of the Melora's world during the long haul back to health. Young, fundamentally without resources, Melora suddenly understood her vulnerability to injury and illness in a new way. Her management of her health risk also cemented her place in the household. She commemorated that moment of insight by making a button (Debbie collects offbeat buttons). On that button is the x-ray of her ankle, complete with pins. Over it written