The design...
Community - Bioregional
Zone III and IV.
I hope to become a regional designer, working specifically within my watershed (Merrimack/Pemigewasset). Perhaps a planner, but with less of the policy and bureaucracy. I would like to be consulted on projects throughout the bioregion and beyond for social, ecological, and financial systems. If I could be paid enough to live simply with this income, I would devote 20% of my work time toward designing systems for the towns who cannot afford them or are lacking a creative descent action plan. Teamed with other community designers in the state, we could create a resilient, regenerative, society.
I am motivated by my love of our multiverse and understanding that we are intricately dependent on its health for our own sustenance. Though we will never fully understand Nature's systems, we have the tools to mimick them in simple ways through observation. This understanding, personally, has put the toolbox in my hands for appropriate design and action. There are already many models and mentors that exemplify the types of designs I'd like to do, many of which are local resources.
I'm challenged by inexperience and credibility. As a young, alternatively educated student, my potential is only seen after some length of time spent interacting with me. Additionally, my stubborn unwillingness to research policy and legal jargon has put me at an (occassionally) embarrassing disadvantage. My unstoppability and fast-action has led me to this, wanting to know everything at once and not stopping for reflection.
Permaculture Principles
1. Observe and Interact
Listen and learn. What do the people want? More importantly, what do they need?
2. Catch and Store Energy
Return to our seasonal duties and ways
3. Obtain a yield
Social comfort; retention rate of population
4. Self-regulate and Accept feedback
Design systems that have feedback loop; monitor systems; bookkeeping
5. Use & Value Renewable Resources
Local, natural resources for energy: human, wood, sun, animals, water, granite....
6. Produce No Waste
On-site processing units; compost/direct application
7. Design from Pattern to Detail
Observe historical patterns, anthropological patterns, global state local and neighborhood patterns...
Use examples of other successful projects
Fractal, spiral, behavioral....
8. Integrate, not Segregate
Use what is already existent: planning boards, zoning boards, town and regional committees, conservation committees, community service organizers, schools, volunteers....
9. Use Small, Slow Solutions
Use human labor to implement bit by bit to provide jobs and allow time for feedback.
10. Use & Value Diversity
Multi-generational, racial, ethnic, ability..... Involve everyone in design and implementation
11. Use Edges: Value the Marginal
Look for skilled craftspersons to train the unskilled; incorporate towns' boundary neighborhoods and town overlaps (especially legal); minority groups for ideas and input; non-human animals needs
12. Creatively Use & Respond to Change
Energy dependency redirection, education on alternative lifestyles and homesteading, creative waste use (up-cycling), community collaboration...
Designers in the region could use fractal growth to spread awareness and popularity of regenerative design methods and components, stimulating change at an exponential rate. There have been small steps made locally. As these projects develop and are implemented at a larger scale, we will have a tremendously positive influence.
I am running as selectman* in my town of Andover, NH this March, 2014. Along with Gaia and my course on Community Ecology Training for Town and Regional Planners, I will be listening and learning firsthand what it takes to battle bureaucracy to reach common sense. I will learn loop-hole legislature and hidden statutes that will help me guide my town into creative and appropriate design. I need to gain support for my candidacy to be elected. After a 3 year term, I will know the majority of this town and its intricate workings as well as New Hampshire and local laws. I will gain recognition by my townspeople while simultaneously getting a feel for what the individuals' needs are. I will hopefully achieve a tougher skin: the two other selectmen are older men, I won't be liked by everyone, and I will receive a fair bit of berating. It will be an exercise in Patrix-busting!
*I hope to change this terminology to "selectperson" if I am elected into office.
Notes from a Representative
On January 22, I met with one of New Hampshire's Representatives, his wife, and two community members who have been active on planning boards, budgeting committees, and more. These are the suggestions they gave me for my campaign and (maybe) position as selectwoman.
Register to vote in Andover--they will grill you on that.
Reach out before election to the other two selectmen Duncan and Jim so you do not appear a threat
Get a new phone so your private number stays private
Go to every community event possible
Seek what is best for the whole town
Don't antagonize
Don't let other people speak for you, be in control of your own message
Research current plans and debates in town
For campaigning: mention my roots, that I left and came back, I'm here to learn and listen, youthful energy, tech savvy and quick learner, involved with Proctor Academy [private high school in town]
Proctor has town and gown problem, townspeople don't recognize support Proctor provides (monetarily and otherwise)
Whenever there's a cost involved people get frustrated
Listen, don't refute. Let tirade simmer as you listen and then respond when they've calmed down
Make no assumptions
My generation: vote, volunteer, get involved
Not everyone will like you, learn to live with it.
Advertise through letters to the editor in the local newspaper
I am gaining momentum through word of mouth. This town is very good at spreading news, and within a large circle of community members e-mails have been sent. I plan on reaching out to classmates from childhood by asking them to vote, getting past teachers and friends to write letters to the editor for the local newspaper, making signs and posting them around town, and attending as many public events as possible. I will maintain a support network of individuals that are knowledgeable in areas of political language and systems. I will also need emotional support as a young female amongst two strong-willed men (changing the Patrix).
This month I will begin campaigning, write a statement for the local newspaper, and be interviewed by the local telecaster. Clarifying my reasons for running is a pertinent next step--I plan to keep it simple, emphasizing my roots in this town and commitment therein as well as my young energy that would help in powerful transitions to a local energy dependent future.
My priority right now, however, is taking care of myself and spending time reflecting, planning, reflecting, and breathing. "Health then wealth," (or in this case, politics).
Un/Learning Commentary
Writing this piece was easy as I have been in the thick of this selectman campaign and in the Community Ecology Training course for the past week. Yet again, Gaia has coincided with my life or my life has coincided with Gaia.... That "stars have aligned" feeling is a powerful driving force in all of this. The chance to immediately apply my un/learnings is such a gift that I cannot begin to decipher its meaning.
Zones 3-4: Local Community
Completion date: 19 Mar 2014
Completion date: 31 Jul 2014
Teaching Permaculture Demonstrations
Completion date: 24 Feb 2014
Election