The rise and fall of offline communities

Part II - Further thought on setting up a community

Last time we looked at the initial stages in setting up an offline Gorean community. This month I thought it worth amplifying some of the initial steps.

Firstly though, I should clarify the direction and assumptions behind this series. First is the assumption that the people banding together all follow the Gorean philosophy and are fully aware of its implications towards an off line setting.

Secondly, I’m also assuming a fragmented community; one whose members live in disparate parts of the country, who will only be meeting at set times. I’ve not given thought to how such a community would work as a ’commune’, since I suspect the reason for setting up such is to remove oneself from the eyes of society in order to more fully play at being Gorean. I’m sure such people can work things out for themselves, if they wish.

Thirdly, this isn’t intended as a ’do it yourself kit’, a list of instructions for setting up a community. I don’t think anyone can do this for you, and probably shouldn’t. All I’ve tried to do is outline some of the key questions I think need to be addressed. I’m sure that any considering such a step can probably add a few of their own.

So, onwards. I’ve listed below some of the things I feel need to be considered either before, or during the set up. The questions are in no particular order and I haven’t attempted to give one more priority then another. It is for you to determine your own priorities.

Have you decided how the community will operate? By that I mean, will it actually be a community, or just a mechanism whereby Goreans can get together at regular intervals. If it’s the latter, then some of this article won’t apply and you only need to sort out the obligations between individuals, if any. If it is to be a community, you need to look a bit deeper, regardless of whether the group can meet often. What is it you want from such a community?; What are its aims, its objectives? In short, what do you hope to achieve from this?

What responsibilities/obligations does a member owe to the community and others? What does the community owe him?

If we assume that the community is going to offer mutual help, then what level will this take? Will children be looked after if required? What happens to slaves if anything happens to her owner? Will the community look after people in times of distress All these considerations need? to be looked at, and addressed so that new members know their responsibilities beforehand.

Is there a process in place for taking on new members? How will meetings be conducted’ Are outsiders (both free and slaves invited)?

Both aspects need to be addressed, the initial meeting, and the process for someone joining the community. Each has different considerations. Meeting new people could be initially done by a few of the members on neutral territory, or it could be an invitation to join a group meeting, or anything in between. Each group has to decide this for themselves, and practice will find the most workable solution. For someone joining the community, there are different considerations. Can you tell the person exactly what they are joining’ If you can’t, then there’s some more thinking you need to do. Will all the members of the community have a say in who can join?

Are you clear on how you will adapt cultural aspects, or even what cultural aspects you will take on board?

This assumes, of course, that you are clear on the differences between cultural and philosophical aspects. Given that, the decision needs to be made on what cultural adaptation will take place. Presumably, each member of the community will have their own ideas on the subject. Will there be a Home Stone? And if so, where will it physically reside? Are castes important to you? If so, how will this fit into the community?

If there are children within the community, what level of exposure are they given? This may be a personal choice, or it may be a decision within the community, but sooner or later its one that will have to be made.

Having considered these things, whether you then write them into a formal agreement, with mission statements, vision statements etc, or wish to incorporate sworn oaths into the membership process is another decision to be made. It’s almost certainly worth having at least a single document outlining these things, whatever you wish to call it.

I’ve tried in this month to pick up what I see as the important questions to be asked. It’s not intended to be a complete list and I’m sure there are others out there who can think of more. Next month, I’ll be turning to some of the benefits of a community, together with some of the inherent problems.

If anyone has comments, additional thoughts or questions, send them to charon@styx55.freeserve.co.uk

I wish you well

Charon