Literally, being out in the middle of nowhere we have to depend upon each other here and we too are having difficulties just coordinating 100 farmers in our Cooperative. The number one reason is that people are stretched just trying to make ends meet. My secretary has two jobs (she is also an accupuncter practioner, her husband has two jobs and he is going to school. Believe it or not, that is typical for many families here on the islands.
The economy enslaves the people. Sad but true. For example, if one leaves in a cheaper area here on the islands they have to drive 1 to 2 hours one way to work in the hotels on the other side of the island. So 3-4 hours in a car every work day and all that gas to get back and forth. The electric company also gets their pint of blood. So between electric, car and gas one is easily paying $1,000 a month or more (and this is a place where most have no heat or airconditioner as the trade winds help cool off and the weather is generally warm.
I point this out to illustrate how difficult it is to move forward toward building radiant zones given how financially, emotionally and time stretched many folks are. Think "entrapped within the matrix." So the issue becomes.. where does one even start to make a change?
Most who are here at Avalon have a broader knowledge base then most folks. However, even when I share my plans with others here on the islands some shake their heads. I guess one could just pass on the Horizon Project YouTube links as a Christmas gift to family and friends in hopes they will watch and wake up.. however, having had to coordinate large groups of people from a grass roots level there are a number of ways to organize this type of project.
One begins with building coalitions of like-minded people. This starts with a one-on-one exchange of information to see what the other person knows and to check out if they are interested. It can also start with a potluck dinner inviting family and friends over to watch the Horizon Projects DVD or Youtube links and then discuss what their impression is about the information they just viewed.
I will say when building coalitions with strangers I would meet the person for lunch and take 1 to 2 hours getting to know them personally. This is called building the emotional bond and makes any future contact a lot easier.
Grassroots starts small and builds. One can also build a growning informational base off of existing groups and clubs where educational presentations are given. Perhaps a focus could be on disaster preparedness. I just received a free packet on this information and DVD off the net. Only in a short presentation include that short clip from the Horizon Project at the end of the presentation and then ask..
If this information is true.. then what would one need to do weather these earth transitions? It is then that the concept of Radiant Zones is presented along with a plan of action and an infomational sheet with links on the net as to where information can be obtained.
One can also easily access halls or provide these types of presentation in various educational settings. One could start with doing a presentation with the teachers and ask for their feedback. A small notice can be put in the free local shopping advertisement paper that goes out to the entire communitywith a community calender in it. Perhaps a good title would be "Disaster Preparedness and Creating Radiant Zones."
It helps to build on structures which are already in place. Most of the radiant zones are being created by family and friends who already share a similar mindset. However, even in my own family my two adult children are just flatly in denial and there really isn't too much one can do for those who don't what to know other then provide a link or two suggesting it may be of interest; and that you would be interested in knowing their opinion if they do choose to view the links.
Meanwhile, the other work starts at home. Gather info, download data and purchase what supplies you can that you think might be of use disaster or no.
For example this is from eFoods Direct.com
800-810-4441:
Amounts are listed per person per year.
Store 30 lbs. of SUGAR or HONEY for each adult. Sugar is heavy and shipping costs are more than it's worth. Buy sugar at any local grocery store. Sugar is self-storing and generally does not spoil.
Store about 100-200 lbs. of whole WHEAT in buckets per adult. Hard white or red winter wheat makes the best flour for bread. Avoid storing flour due to rancidity and infestation. Wheat, like sugar, is heavy to ship; but if you can't find it locally, please call us before your order ships. Shipping costs when shipped with a food supply order are minimal.
Store 2 gallons of COOKING OIL- the same brand and the same size bottles that you are accustomed to using. Unopened cooking oil has about a 2 year shelf life.
Store 10 lbs. of SALT and SEASONINGS in accord with your personal preferences. These are also self-storing.
Store 6 lbs. of RAISING INGREDIENTS-baking powder 2 lbs., baking soda 2 lbs., and dry yeast 2 lbs. Replace these according to expiration dates.
Year supply of food: Freedom $1682.00
Wheat Pkg 174.00
Garden Seeds 35.00
Berkey Light Water Purifier 100.00
E Grain Mill 259.00
Emerg Masks 39.95
bucket wrench to open 5 gallon pails
Sub Total: $2290.90
We are also building our own Family Aquaponic systems to grow fish (Talapia and prawns), fresh fruit and vetetables: www.friendlyaquaponics.com
Meanwhile we have met with the Governor's Advisory Committee and various legislators to move the Aquaponic's project along sooner as compared to later.
Building radiant zones begins within and expands outward. Finding others who share a similar vision is what a grassroots movement is about.. start with yourself, build from there and the others will come.