Several of the articles are examples of what Maynard means by a "third way": friends Jan and Gerard share their insights after their first year of baking bread out of their home-based brick oven bakery which they built; David Haenke describes his current project doing timber stand improvement as an example of life work that is ethical, spiritually based and ecologically sound, which he claims are the criteria to "make it all work"; a barter system operating in Detroit is explained by native Detroiter, Michelle Brown; northern Michigan farmers Marilyn Meller and Jim Sluyter discuss their community supported farm, a concept that has had success in Europe and Japan, and is being widely used in the bio-dynamic farming movement.
In "The Look of 21st Century Revolutions" long-time activist, organizer and writer, Grace Boggs, gives us a historical perspective of Detroit and paints a vision of a sustainable future based on many of the same principles discussed by Maynard Kaufman. She comes from decades of experience working for a safe and just society, and shares insights from her late husband, James Boggs, who also devoted his life to working for peace and justice.
We have included two other articles that are philosophical in nature: Rod Bearup, from our neck of the woods, suggests expanding the role and scope of "environmentalism" (a word he would like to replace) to include a broader range of needs to build community and enhance sustainability.
And, writer
Paul Gilk addresses the changing rural situation, giving us a historical perspective, his own personal experience, and the importance of nurturing a new rural culture.
The economic situation in Russia is described by our friend, Tim Goodwin, who is in the Peace Corps there. He discusses the difficult transition Russians are making in their move from Communism to a market economy, and the possibilities that may emerge from the coming legislative and presidential elections.
A reprint of the Copenhagen Alternative Declaration drafted at the NGO Forum during the UN WSSD, reflects many of the principles outlined in this issue of Synapse. As this issue goes to print, we at Neahtawanta are beginning our large renovation project to become barrier-free. While there will be some construction-related disruption, the Inn will be open during most of the project. We hope some of you will come and stay with us (with or without hammers) and witness our evolving reality. For those of you who really want to participate, we are offering a timber frame workshop-- a chance to learn a new skill and help us at the same time. (see page 22) Or, if you need personal rejuvenation, we are once again offering our 5-day yoga retreat with Roger Eischens (see page 23). And, don't forget to check the calendar for upcoming events-- including Earth Day activities> in Traverse City!
When Maynard Kaufman suggested that we focus an issue of Synapse on community economics, Bob and I said, "Yes! That's a topic we've wanted to cover for quite awhile." It ties in with the United Nations World Summit on Social Development (WSSD), which Bob recently attended. Many of the solutions to our current social problems can be found by strengthening community- basedeconomic systems. This approach is the opposite of the current trend toward globalization which has brought us GATT and NAFTA, and which disempowers workers and threatens to lower environmental standards worldwide.