As I sat in a room full of creative thinkers, stimulated beyond belief by feeling connected and understood – hearing about the innovative projects that represented "Silo-Busting Strategies" from different parts of the world – I realized once again that there were assumptions in the room that needed to be challenged. Even here, especially here.

Once an illustrative concept has been applied to a problem area, used to describe something complex in a sort of shorthand, the reification of the shorthand into the thing itself begins. Silos were clearly seen as something solid and problematic, looming over us in majestic isolation. It was assumed we all understood this concept and the workshop was created and attended because of our shared view that silos need to be busted.

The thought crept in…”What kind of image are we using to describe this vertical organization and isolation of people and organizations, a grain silo or a missile silo?” My mind riffed further on the description - and the implications - of each image. They both represent a form of storage, the first above ground, standing tall on the prairie, seen for miles, Gathering and protecting a resource. Loading in from the top, using gravity to help with delivering at the bottom. Fairly benign, especially when one thinks collective ownership and economies of scale for farmers. However, they have come to represent the isolation and inward-focussed attention of community and governing organizations and groups. Hoarding, doling out, impermeable to other silos. Rats scurry around trying to get in and steal a few grains now and then….

Missile silos, on the other hand, store things below ground, hidden and yet ominous. I think there is a useful metaphor in that, as well.

I say: silos have a purpose, but what about the sowing and reaping that goes on inbetween them? In a healthy sustainable environment/community silos would not be fortresses, nor the people in their shadow the gatekeepers of needed resources.