By Tom Braford
We face two primary challenges as we create a model lifestyle that is both post everything – global warming, social fragmentation, economic uncertainty – and affordable to all!
The first challenge is what I call the “possibility gap” that always exists when creating something new. This is our all-too-human tendency to discount and even belittle world-changing innovations.
It ranges from outright denial of possibility to statements like, “It will never happen here” or “Not in this way” or “Not with this group”.
Are we keeping ourselves stuck, trying to protect ourselves from disappointment by keeping our hopes and expectations low?
Prominent psychologists say many people, even those of considerable means, suffer from what they call “poverty addiction”.
The other challenge is: how in the world we can keep it affordable for all?
There are two recognized strategies when it comes to poverty alleviation. One is to increase the value of property and other things to make them less costly both with subsidies and through efficiencies and synergies of production and use.
The other approach, asset building through education, training and development, is to create ways for people to work together to have more and use what they have more wisely by efficient and synergistic use of property and things.
We are combining both and are committed to creating an Ecovillage community that is both affordable and innovative. We would love to have you join our growing group of future residents to help make this happen.
The famous anthropologist, Margaret Mead, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
So, are you willing to become a pioneer ecovillager to prove that it is possible to live fun, fulfilling post everything lives right here in St Louis right now, going where no Community has ever gone before?!
We invite you to join us for an early potluck Thanksgiving dinner at the Ecovillage on Saturday, November 17 at 4:00 pm. Please contact us for more details.
Contact: braford@sbcglobal.net
www.ArizmendiEcovillage.com