COMMUNITY
Working together to break down the barriers: On the 'About the camp' page we gave you some background as to why we decided to become much more explicit about the bigger picture events as they unfold, rather than just continuing to talk solely about the road for the next few years. One of our stated premises or claims is that 'individual lifestyle change (within the current paradigm) will not be enough to avert further catastrophe.' Don't be mistaken - this is not a call for inaction as you might think. We simply felt that we need to shift the focus away from individual acts within the current cultural mindset, towards collective organisation aimed specifically at taking us somewhere new (together!). If we're not making any sense yet (based on the above) then think of it this way: you can recycle as much as you like, use 'bags for life' and plug in those low energy bulbs, but 6.8 billion people all driving to work, watching Eastenders on 52" plasma screens, and pulling a cold beer from the smeg fridge - all on a finite planet with limited resources - just doesn't go (at least not for very long). Life looks like it just might force our hand anyway - so what are you waiting for?? ;-) Participation versus representation: Once upon a time people used to have a direct connection to nature, with each other via local communities, and most likely we also had a better sense of who we were - this was essential before the advent of a system that defines us as individual consumers, competing with each other for our own supposed self-interest.
Now we listen to 'experts' who represent us rather than participating directly in all areas of life, ranging from politics and social organisation through to education and food growing. We have lost our connection and discarded the knowledge of those who understood (and in some cases still understand) how to live in balance and harmony with the planet.
On an individual level we may not be responsible for the root causes of the problems we face, but we must take collective responsibility if we want any chance of a future together. Many of the social structures in place will most likely change dramatically in the coming years. In the mean time we have a fantastic opportunity to get started - right NOW..
Community ACTION: Here are some of the projects that we looked at:
23/04/09 Creating a space:
From getting together to rent a church hall for a community project, through to opening a social centre.
13/11/08 People dynamics/consensus decision making:
Organising without leaders using non-hierarchical structures to do what's best.
05/04/09 Growing food the permaculture way:
High yield and low impact growing. Watch this space for updates on the new Bling community allotment.
14/04/09 Recipes:
What's your fancy?
Clothing:
Fashion - from crochet and knitting through to running repairs.
Music/art:
Make your own - it doesn't take an 'expert.'
05/04/09 Shelter contruction:
All sorts of structures made from reclaimed materials.
29/05/09 Bicycle maintenance/12v electrics:
From fixing your 'wheels' through to illumination and low power technology.
Etc.
If you have an idea or particular area of expertise that you would like to share, either with the camp and/or visitors to this website, let us know by getting in touch using the contact details on our 'Home' page.
