Recently, a conversation sprung up on our discussion forums about the need to belong, to feel connected with like minded others in a sense of community. Too often, those that live off grid, or in an environmentally friendly manner, are so “off norm”, that there are few they can talk with, share experiences with, or connect with, as a majority of folks are more consumer orientated in a throw away society. Here are some of the posts that have been put forth. We hope to develop these concepts further at
“I would like to suggest that “community” be a topic within your forum. Along with all the beneficial topics here about green issues I don’t see any avenues whereby we can talk about our own sense of community as people who endorse and act upon our convictions about green issues and living. I would like to suggest that we need to build a sense of community among ourselves.”
“Our community is a body of persons comprised of a population of various kinds of individuals with common characteristics or interests including, but not limited to, social, economic, and political interests, living within, and scattered throughout, our larger society. We seek collective and cooperative fellowship with individuals in this population of own likeness to affirm our purpose to live deliberately, self-sufficiently, and sustainably.”
“The need to belong, to feel that what we do and care about is shared and valued, is such a basic human need. We need to honor ourselves and recognize our needs, and build a community for ourselves so we all have a “home” where we find acceptance, encouragement, support and a safe place in which to be and belong. It is so very natural and necessary. Why is it taking us so long to recognize this and do something about it? ”
So come on in, and be part of our community, our family.