A ‘connected community’, is a membership organisation whose members provide a range of services to each other to:

• enhance their quality of life providing happiness and abundance
• help them to lead lives more in harmony with the natural environment
• provide resilience and protection against climate change or economic crashes or social difficulties.

Organising principles for a Connected Community

Values

• to re-invent our community, to create ‘life as it should be’, having fun!
• combining traditional family and community values – caring for each other, trust, respect, a sense of belonging – with modern communication technology and a new democratic system of organisation.
• high priority for the well-being of the natural environment

Working groups

• A connected community will contain a set of working groups, each providing some function for the benefit of all members typically made up of volunteers putting in small but regular amounts of time.
• Members decide what working groups to form, but a list might include food, transport, childcare, computer and other technology assistance, odd jobs, virtual libraries, recycling and much more.
• The working groups have autonomy (i.e. responsibility to make decisions) within their own area, but are expected to be aware of and take into consideration the views and needs of other working groups, the members that make use of them, and the viability of the larger connected community.

The Coordinating Group

• overall vision and policy - based upon consultation with members and working groups
• the stability and harmony of the Community - through feedback and a mediation group to handle emerging conflicts at an early stage
• synergy - to work with the other working groups to help them adjust their operations to best suit the needs of the overall community.
• external relations and forward planning taking into account other Connected Communities and other relevant groups
• general day-to-day management and finances

Exchange of services and goods

• The FREE eXchange: Members contribute as much as suits them, and receive from the pool of contributions. Everyone gives, everyone receives, keeping a rough balance between giving and receiving.
• The PAID eXchange: Giving preference and support to independent local businesses and tradespeople and getting preferential treatment from them. Creating part-time employment and income for those that want it. Trading on the basis of recommendation. A mediation team to handle disputes.

Relationship between members of a connected community:

• to treat other members with respect and consideration, and to act with integrity and fairness
• to settle any conflicts that arise constructively by working to understand the others’ point of view, and if needed, with the help of a mediation group set up for this purpose. (NOT imposing their will on those with whom they differ.)

Financial transparency and simplicity

• All funds received will be used for the running costs and expenses of the community. There are no owners to benefit.
• Financial records will be publicly visible and policy subject to members control.
• Members, especially if quite active, will be encouraged to make regular donations, of amounts that suit them, on the honour system. (When the donation system has been set up!)