EcoVillage -- Organization Type

I have read numerous posts about people wanting to get away from government and other subjects. Say there were 50 people in an EcoVillage and you were one of them, what type of organization would you form?

For example, it may be your 1,000 acres where the village is so your might choose a dictatorship.

Would you choose democracy, communism, socialism, etc.

Also, please provide reasoning.

TY

reply to post by EinsteinLight


I think Democracy would be best with a commune feel to it.
All would work for the common good of the village, and no one person would have overall say on the group.

I would say democratic, but as a loose term.
If I had 1000 acres, it would be built with a RBE (Resource based economy) influence. It would be constructed, maintained, and sustained by the members of the community. Like any other society, there would have to be guidelines to be followed, or else disorder would be prevailent. Of course I would be 'Leader' but I would also choose a council of the prominent members who have the wisdom and knowledge to uphold fair and equal decisions for the betterment of the whole. If the members of the community have devoted themselves to the opportunity of the land and wish to work in cooperation for the betterment of the community, there is no likely concern for crime or violence. Just like tribal communities in the Amazon basin, their culture survives soleley for the survival of the tribe. It is a loose democracy, almost minimalist, so to speak.
Sadly, the location would have to be an uncharted island as the industrial complex loves to occupy everything.

reply to [url= by g146541[/url]


In regards to a democracy, does that mean you would sell parcels of the 1,000 acres? Would it entitle you to vote for council members? In other words, isn't this what we would be trying to escape?

reply to [url= by OuttaTime[/url]


How would you manage those of us that were lazy and didn't pull their weight? Would you create a jail for those breaking rules?

reply to post by EinsteinLight


People in a democracy can rent from a landlord i'm sure, but membership would give equal powers.
I do not want to escape democracy as in the uS I do not live in a demcracy.
But a small 1000 acre lot would make for smaller Gubbment.
And Big Gumment is what I would like to escape.

(Edit)
In reply to the above post on lazy individuals, if said land is rented, tennants can be evicted.
But I would not commune with freeloaders anyway.

[edit on 26-7-2010 by g146541]

Originally posted by EinsteinLight
reply to [url= by OuttaTime[/url]

 

How would you manage those of us that were lazy and didn't pull their weight? Would you create a jail for those breaking rules?

Nah. Under the premise that it is a voluntary community, there would be requirements that they work, just like everyone else. To have a prolific and effective community, the people would have to become part of it; not by force but by choice. Every one has something positive to contribute to the commonwealth of the populous, and it would simply be their 'job' is doing what they enjoy, provided it is productive. A potter is just as important as a mechanic, who is just as important as a seamstress. There wouldn't be much status in throwing around titles if all the work is for the common good. A self reliant community thrives on sweat and dignity. The guy who wants to sit on the couch all day playing Xbox would really have little to contribute to the community.
There would be no welfare, as there would be no defining 'classes' as to rich or poor. The wealth of a community is measured by its people and resources, not by bank accounts. As soon as we can learn to live without corporatocracy, we will be much better off.

reply to post by OuttaTime


Ok Agreed, how is this for an angle?
Say i am an old fart and I am s..so don't say it as I am sensitive to....
Back on topic, I wanna sit on the comp all day and chat online.
How do I do this and still be productive?
Gimme a bike and hook up a few generators.
I supply power and use just a little.
Instant "guilt free" bum just add cool technology!

I would start it as a mini, NEW USA as it was originally meant to be a REPUBLIC of the people, by the people and for the people. Modern day "Democracy" is a joke - nothing but corrupt elitists who make sure that the people have only 2 choices between crook 'A' or crook 'B' but in reality both work for the elites. In a republic, the government reps are civil servants who come from normal, modest lives who serve only one or two terms and then bow out for the next civil servant to take the baton. That's how you keep government working FOR the people, not people enslaved for the government who get corrupt and greedy then monopolize all the power and tax all the little people to death. Republic civil servants are to make sure that that the will of the people is carried out in accordance with the framework of the constitution and our bill of rights. Pretty simple. That's it. Doesn't need to be ant more complicated!

I've actually thought about this before. I have good ground, cabins, outbuildings, a well, etc.. What if others actually found me? Those whom I have built this with have all say in who comes and who goes. There would be 5 of us voting. As to law of the land, you work, you barter for what you don't have or you die and are replaced. If someone chooses to give you welfare or charity, that is their choice, but if you are not an asset to me and the community, yes, I will help you until you have proved a detriment to us all then either the council of 5 expels you from our sanctuary or you are allowed to stay on and fight to live like the rest of us, or do nothing and die.

reply to post by g146541


That's a start, providing there is internet there

Seriously though, everyone would have to be willing to contribute in order to perpetuate the productivity of the group. If it were a place for people to do nothing and expect to eat for free, it would be little more than a soup kitchen and a flop house. And that wouldn't be a move in the right direction. It's a short term solution without a long term goal. Since it would be a cashless society, work and pay = a decent and respectable life. No taxes or surveillance, or big brother tactics. In short, you would have to earn your right to be in the community. In other words, if someone doesn't contribute to the group, the group does not contribute to them. Of course there will be special cases to consider, but as a whole, it boils down to responsibility and compassion.
I've already drawn up plans for a small community that is completely unplugged from the grid. Completely self reliant and perpetually sustaining (without fossil fuel dependency), and still modern by many prospects. We're talking electricity, water, library, housing, etc.
All I lack now is 1000 acres, and funding I have plenty of skills and knowledge, but I'm a bit gimped up and nearing 50 y.o.

Anarchy, the only rule the Golden Rule - do unto others/love others as you would do undo/love yourself.

No currency or exchange system, - share and share alike. Each lending skill, time, toil, knowledge for self fulfilment, that others may benefit, for self fulfilment.

Deviancy or transgression dealt with by peer pressure. Acts that break the Golden Rule and cause harm to others met with disapproval to the point of complete social ostracism/isolation.

Collective decisions by the will of the many for the benefit of satisfying the Golden Rule.

Growth of the collective heart of Gold.

reply to post by EinsteinLight


Way to easy. I'd go Jeffersonian, and have full on anarchy, with a small collection of elders (male and female), who would help guide us, and give us very minimal 'common laws'. Possibly even keep it to 20-30 elders, chosen at random by straw sizes. Anything is else tyranny! Leave people the hell alone!

Thanks for all the replies. Sorry for not getting back right away but I was out of pocket. I hope to address each post to stimulate discussion further when I get some more time.

For now...

I am surprised noone mentioned communism because commune and eco-village are similar. There was one commune reference. I am no commi LOL. Can someone explain what communism is in lay terms and how it would apply to an EcoVillage?

TY

Look forward to replying soon.