Hey folks, time for the weekly monthly whenever I can remember check-in. How are we feeling? Read anything good lately? How's the weather?

Been thinking about anarchism as realized in rural areas versus anarchism as realized in urban areas. I've always thought that anarchism is more realistically achievable in the short-term in rural areas - they have a higher degree of independence from authority, and oftentimes there's greater per capita involvement in social structures that could (and sometimes already do) perform most of the work formerly performed by the state.

I'd love to see an anarchist municipality realized, and I'm a shameless :LIB: ertarian municipalism apologist, but I just don't think that it would be as easy to implement the same kind of social structures that exist in rural areas. Is this a bad take? Thoughts?

Edit cause I fucked up the emote oh shit oh fuck

  • krothotkin [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Sort of the default answer is Food Not Bombs, which you should definitely check out, but honestly the most important thing is getting out there one way or the other. Even if an organization doesn't identify as anarchist or even leftist, if the work the organization is doing helps build community resiliency in a way that doesn't rely on the state, then imo getting involved with them is anarchist praxis. Your local soup kitchen or food pantry is a great way to start (especially now in light of covid).

    The IWW and labor organization are another good option, but be aware that you're in serious danger of losing your job if you really go for it. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it - just wanted to flag the dangers of labor organizing.

    If there's no great organization in your area, then that's fine too! You can start something yourself. If you have some land, grow food and give it away, and encourage your friends to do the same. If you can knit, crochet, or sew, knit clothes for the unhoused and try to put together a club. If you have a skill or are willing to learn, there's always something to do.

    If you're okay with a little anarchist heresy in the form of :LIB: ertarian municipalism, getting involved in local politics on impact issues can make a legitimate difference - but this comes with the caveat that state solutions will never be as resilient as voluntary ones.

    Basically, just go out and do something! Helping others is a revolutionary act.