Would it surprise you to learn that I don’t grow all of my family’s food?
(Well, maybe if I could get my teenagers to work a little harder … then I would? 😉 )
But the truth is, I don’t even want to.
I’d rather live in a gift economy—a core community of like-minded people who are so interconnected that they support, help, and give to one another … without any expectation of getting something in return.
It’s a joyful, stable economy—and it’s ancient for some wonderful reasons.
In fact, really, the deep satisfaction it brings is what we’re all aiming for when we talk about growing a community.
But how do we get there?
How do you go from no or little community to living in a gift economy?
That’s the topic of my next video chapter of Grow: All True Wealth Comes From the Ground.
In it, I talk about:
- One Of The BEST Ways To Start Producing Food As A Community
- 5 Ways To Give — And Which Offer The Most True Wealth
- What’s In It For You? The No. 1 Reason To Pursue A Gift Economy
Did you see last week’s video Chapter of GROW? Click here to watch Build Community In 9 Easy steps!
After you watch it, I’d love to hear your story.
What type of giving brings you the most satisfaction?
How has giving created community for you?
I can’t wait to read your comments!
Click here to get your FREE pass!
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COMMENTS(6)
I want this so badly.
But where do the other people come from? I’ve tried for a long time to find others and the message I keep getting back is that I AM alone. People don’t commit. People don’t take my seriously. I don’t know what the problem is but isolation and meaningless work is making me hopeless and crazy.
Mother Earth News fair has a couple of women in ag gatherings this year for networking. If you have a fair in your area, check it out. You may be able to connect.
WOW! Well done! This is a message we have so badly needed to hear and you spoke it so succinctly and with insight. I loved your questions and I loved your examples of what to expect of community – the ups and downs – and the fruitfulness. I so appreciate you’ve been willing to share your experimentation with us and the results. My hope and prayer is more will begin to see life through the lense of being a life giver as you do.
My neighbor and I are coming together to start growing more of our food and a community garden is high on our list of goals! Hoping to bring the Dale, TX community together. Praying we can make it happen. 🙂
Has anyone ever heard of Michael Tellinger and his movement called Ubuntu? http://www.onesmalltown.org/
This seems like such a huge stretch to become a sharring community, but it IS possible. The key is that it STARTS WITH YOU – YOU BE THE EXAMPLE and people will begin to take notice on what you are doing. Communities start with that 1 person with a goal and a vision and YES – some effort. Do not be concerned with the “HOW”. Just follow your goal and the rest will take care of itself! You will be suprised at how many people will eventually come around because they are curious.
Along these lines, I have recently heard about a book called The Benedict Solution. It is more of a Christian orientation, but I think Marjorie’s focus of food production and other common human activities would absolutely mesh with it. Working together is the best! Love, love, love this! Thankyou!