The 1000-Year Plan

A few weeks ago, I proposed a Global Reboot on this blog. My blog post led to an international conversation about what we can do, both as individuals and collectively, to bring our communities and our global society more in harmony with nature and to make sure that future generations have a real chance to thrive.

I want to share what I took away from this important dialogue:

1. It's a time to build a coalition among the many groups and organizations that are working towards similar ends. In the past month, I have been in contact with a number of them, including the Biomimicry Institute, Ecocity Builders, and the Post Carbon Institute.

2. The process of aligning our society with nature involves at least these three steps:
       a. Learning how to do this in ways that promote peace, sustainability, and balance.
       b. Applying the lessons we learn on a local level while inviting others throughout the world to do the same in their communities.
      c. Sharing what we discover with future generations so that they may not only continue on this path but actually expand upon our knowledge and vision.

To apply these ideas, I propose the development of a 1000-Year Plan that any community can adopt in order to align itself with nature in positive, lasting ways. This plan will have two parts: Principles and Practices. Groups from around the world will be invited to take part. They can do so by: 1) submitting in writing what they wish to be included in this plan; 2) helping to decide what Principles and Practices get adopted; or 3) doing both. We also welcome individuals to serve as Gleaners. Their role is to seek out, study, and communicate to us the most effective strategies that already exist. And anyone is welcome to connect us with groups that they feel have something important to contribute to this 1000-Year Plan.

Our plan will only be meaningful if it is a living entity capable of growing and evolving over time. What we have to offer is simply a set of guidelines based on our shared wisdom and life experience. The 1000-Year Plan will serve not only as a template but also as a starting point to an important continuing process. It should not be thought of as a finished product because we cannot anticipate all of the ways that the world will change or the challenges that future generations may face. We want to draw upon a very broad coalition to envision this 1000-Year Plan. Some groups and communities are far ahead of the rest of us in aligning themselves with nature. If you know of or are part of such a group, we want to hear from you!

Please fill out the Contact Form or email us. The reason to act now, according to author and educator Richard Heinberg, is that these unprecedented times represent "a perfect opportunity for an idealist intent on changing the world."


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