Stumbling Forward

So, I'm reading Ecotopia, by Ernest Callenbach.  It was recommended to me by someone on OkCupid who thought it reminded them of my ideas of an intentional community, which I explained very briefly on OKC.  Well, it does not represent my ideas exactly, but 35 pages into it, I'm intrigued.  It describes a sustainable community on a much grander scale than I've imagined.  In the book, the entire Northwest United States has seceded and formed its own nation.  How perfect!  Because most of the encountered problems in imaginings of an intentional, more "tribal" human community exist because such a community must, by definition, live at odds with the production driven modern world found in every direction.

The thing is, I'm not the person to lead such a secession, as I could never ask others to participate in the certainly messy process involved.  And, what are the chances such an effort would result in anything desirable?  I'd say the chances are slim.

So, what is this "intentional community" I'm proposing here?  I suppose it could be termed a "commune" just as easily.  Or even a "tribe".  Hasn't this been attempted before, you ask?  Aren't there such communities in existence even as I type these words?  Sure, it has.  Sure, there are.  And I'm sure there are many more knowledgeable folk than I to speak on such a thing from experience, from more extensive research than I have done.  To me, that is the point of inviting conversation.  To gain insights from others.  I do not claim to have all the answers, nor to I want to be in charge of such a community.  I'm just a person with ideas, passions, intuitions, and a desire for things to be different.

That being said, my vision as it currently stands is for a community to be started in a few years' time in the fertile Northwest United States of at least 20 people who believe that humanity is not meant to conquer the natural world, but to live in harmony with it.  These people believe that humans are a communal species which thrive in a socially tight-knit environment.  Communal gardening will produce the majority of the food needs for the community.  Education will be an ongoing pursuit for adults and children alike, and every person will be a teacher of their own favorite pursuits or talents.  Sustainability will include solar panels, wind power, and/or water power, composting toilets, vermicompost, etc....

Many things are up for discussion, of course.  Such as, where will this land be?  Who will purchase it?  Where will the money come from?  Will houses and community buildings be built from surrounding materials, or are pre-fabbed "yurts" a better way to go?

This is not a proposal for a utopia situation!  If the idea comes to fruition there will still be conflicts between people and growing pains during adjustment from this modern world we're used to.  People will give up, change their minds.  This has to be okay, as I cannot be involved in anything resembling a cult, where people have no room for free will.  People have different priorities, and I understand that.  I just cannot believe that this rat race lifestyle and the destruction of our world and natural heritage is the only way to be from here on out.  I see people desiring to make small changes, recycle more, etc....  But, without a change in mindset and basic lifestyle, we are on a ship caught by inertia, heading for the iceberg of our species.

Do I want to change the world?  I used to desire such a thing.  Now I just want a communal environment in which to inspire and be inspired, enjoy life, and possibly raise a family.  Thanks for reading.