June: Connect, Create, Collaborate

Build community and share resources! Let's widen the safety net of love together. 💗

"The connection economy is the economy of prosperity, collaboration and infinite possibilities. It's the vision of an economic ecosystem, a complex network of interconnected systems built on trust, value alignment and reciprocity. -Forbes

Hello!

Welcome to our monthly “Connect, Create, Collaborate” thread, an experiment in building a new connection economy. Last month, we had over 60 interactions in the comments! People from all over the world reached out in meaningful, heartfelt ways, like little bursts of light finding each other. 🙌

“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.”

–David Spangler

This is the vision we’re holding as we begin a tangible experiment in creating a post-capitalist system of sharing resources.

Here, we value:

1. Collaboration over competition

2. Abundance over scarcity

3. Community over disconnection

4. Generous reciprocity over greed

5. Trust over fear

How It Works:

1. In the comments on THIS POST

   • Share your city in ALL CAPS

   • Under "RESOURCES OFFERED" list up to 3 free resources you'd like to share (examples: tarot reading, editing services, homemade meal, etc.)

   • Under "RESOURCES NEEDED" list 1-3 items you'd like to receive from the community (examples: a writing critique partner, 2 hours of childcare per month, an old typewriter, painting lessons, etc.).

2. Connect with others by responding directly to offers/requests that interest you

3. If you can’t directly respond to a request, but know someone who can, invite them to participate!

4. Check back periodically for new connections

5. This thread will remain active through June 30th, with a new thread starting July 1st.

More ways to keep the magic flowing✨

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🦋Guest-host July's Connect, Create, Collaborate exchange!

I'm looking for someone passionate about community building to help lead July's resource exchange. This is a beautiful opportunity to cross-pollinate our communities and share your unique perspective!

What you’ll do:

• Write a short introduction for July's letter (I'll help with the template!)

• Share why collaboration matters to you or how resource sharing has impacted your life

• Help spread the word by sharing the post and comments on Notes to get more engagement

Interested? Email thebarefootbeat@gmail.com by June 13th!

💞Collaboration Success Stories

Did you make a meaningful connection through last month's exchange? I'd love to feature these sweet moments in future letters! Whether it's a new friendship, a helpful resource exchange, or just a heartwarming interaction, these stories inspire others and demonstrate the real magic of what’s possible in community.

Email me at thebarefootbeat@gmail.com with your story!

💗Find your place in a nurturing community of creative caregivers

Cultivating your creativity while also tending to the needs of others (and your own) presents unique challenges and joys! Check out our Community Resources page for additional ways to be held and witnessed by others who get it, including bi-weekly Connection Circles, weekly chat, and more!

Thank you for weaving a safety net of love in the world, knitted together by small acts of courage and kindness, one day at a time.

All my love,
Mariah