I am wanting to create a healthy, thriving community which can be easily duplicated, similar to a franchise, so that others can start communities. These communities can then become a network of communities which can support each other’s efforts. If we are ever to transform this world from a place where mostly narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths run the world, (that’s my opinion, of course), we must find a way to live where that toxic energy can not take over. Communities are not immune to such leadership, and so I want to create a model that is NSP (narcissist, sociopath, and psychopath) proof.

In addition, a growing body of studies shows that people who have a healthy social network live longer and are healthier.

What if we could inspire everyone in the world who sincerely wants to make a better world to live simply so that others may live serve in ways that use their talents and make them happy and use their resources so that the maximum number of people can be released from poverty because they can work at meaningful jobs which don’t hurt people, animals, or the environment. What if we could create a community where people can truly do what they love, which includes mothers or fathers who want to stay home and raise their families.

What if we could live in villages where we can serve some of the most hurting of our population, which includes children and adults who have been victims of sex trafficking? What if we could teach people skills of relating and governing which empower people to truly love each other in ways that bring over flowing joy?

I could go on for a long time asking such questions and describing more of the qualities of the community, but because I have limited time, I want to describe some specifics of what I am envisioning.

I see a community which has different levels of commitment and participation. A core group who want to dedicate their lives to service, sharing income and living similar to egalitarian communities such as the East Wind, and Twin Oaks where no one owns anything, but share all in common and have equal access to decision making. You can find a complete definition here: https://www.thefec.org/

In the Wilberforce Village, this group would eat a plant based diet and the common house which this group will share will only have plant based meals even when others are invited to potlucks or prepared meals. We will share a vegan philosophy of “doing the least harm” in all we do.

The common house, which has already been built although needs additional work before it can be live in during the winter, is a place where anyone in the extended community can utilize as long as they abide by guidelines which I am in the process of creating. The core group will be the governing body of both the common house and the common land which include already existing gardens, a trailer that needs to be renovated, two large decks which can serve as places to camp, a yome (also needs renovation) which will be a worship/meditation space 24/7.

I am inspired by the Moravians, who interestingly enough, had their start in Bohemia, where my grandfather hailed from. You can learn more about the Moravian’s history here: https://www.homemoravian.org/who-we/history/ According to Gregory the Patriarch, considered the founder of Unitas Fratrum, (eventually called the Moravians) what made a Christian was not doctrine or what he or she believed, but that a person lived his or her life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He described these first Moravians as “people who have decided once and for all to be guided only by the gospel and example of our Lord Jesus Christ and his holy apostles in gentleness, humility, patience, and love for our enemies.” (Rican, History of the Unity)

24 hour prayer was very important to the early Moravians who lived on Count Zinzendorf’s estate. I also love the fact that although the count was wealthy, he humbly supported the community of refugees who were fleeing persecution by providing his estate as well as wonderful leadership. My dream is that eventually we will have 24 hour prayer going on at the yome. You can learn about this structure here: https://redskyshelters.com/yome/

I also am inspired by William Wilberforce because he worked with others effectively and spearheaded the efforts to abolish slavery in English colonies. He also lived in a neighborhood outside of London called Clapham where a diverse group of people lived in close proximity and supported each other in making social reforms, many of which appeared to be the first of their kind, including animal welfare. Here is a description:

“Much has been written about this remarkable group of believers who God called together at the right place and the right time. Their example of dedication to the Kingdom’s work, while supporting each other in friendship, even if in not agreement at all time, is one that all can benefit from even today. This group of Evangelicals saw no antagonism between evangelism and social reform, and the values they fought for have persisted longer than a century. My prayer is that the values taught by Clapham School will also affect history in the same way.” from this article https://www.claphamschool.org/our-community/blog/6-interesting-facts-about-the-clapham-sect

Inspired by the Community Land Trust legal structure which enables people to have a combination of autonomy and interdependence, I foresee that many people will be living more independent lives in other places on the 19 acres of land. Yet at the same time, I don’t want every inch of the land being built upon because that is not kind to the land and creatures. Instead, people can live on lots in clusters with people whom they can have a say in living near. All people who live on Community Land Trusts have a say in governance, have to legally abide by codes and covenants that they agree too, and in our case, will have conflict prevention and resolution structures in place which can ensure to the greatest degree possible that people can live harmoniously with each other and the land. This will also be similar to the co-housing structures. Learn about community land trusts here: https://groundedsolutions.org/strengthening-neighborhoods/community-land-trusts

Learn about co-housing here: https://www.cohousing.org/

One legal structure that most people relate to is the condominium legal structure.

I also envision that businesses and non-profits will establish their headquarters or affiliates on the land. Some ideas include:

Homes to provide healing for slave-trafficked victims

Farm animal sanctuary

Holistic Healing center

A school that supports both residents and neighbors in homeschooling or full time schooling

Permaculture training center

Nursery which supplies plants including wild edibles, pollinators, natives and easy to grow plants for survival.

My times is up! Part 2 will be coming up soon.