Caravan of Hope

The Caravan of Hope is an ideal, a transition, a symbol. It implies movement, going from one place to another, changing perspectives. We are invited to explore the Universe once more, starting from within, and then decide where we want to invest our energy and focus, what we want to see reflected in the world around us, what we stand for. The Caravan of Hope can take many forms, it can be used in many contexts and various ways, literally or metaphorically. What came out during our brainstorming sessions were the following two iterations:

Living the Future, Spreading the Word

A Caravan of free spirits: artists, poets, philosophers, farmers, un-schoolers, visionaries and pioneers, travelling from project to project within the Network, living by its values and principles, manifesting our new culture. Of course other locations can be part of the route as well, the new word has to be spread! While the main caravan will be organized by the Network, it’s likely that smaller groups will self-organize alternative routes. Eventually, all roads will bring us together!

Planting Communities

This second iteration emerged over the years, having as starting point an interactive performance called “ΦΩΣ” (which means “Light” in Greek and aims to frame the new paradigm / culture) and the construction of humane refugee camps. This two aspects, which at first glance don’t seem to have much in common, form an organic and meaningful entity.

The interactive performance “ΦΩΣ” aims to expose whatever is holding us back: ego driven beliefs and behaviours, illusionary mindsets, blockages and unprocessed feelings. And to promote whatever is supporting our growth: Clear, conscious observation, interpretation and communication, rooting in trust, reaching towards our true gifts and talents. It shall take place as the opening act in the new Community Space of every new village. A village that shares the Network’s values and principles. Where people of our Tribe live. People with a new culture.

This village shall incorporate all aspects of a sustainable, healthy, thriving lifestyle. From the overall design to buildings, food production, education and social interaction. Autonomy is still a goal, as it was in the initial idea of a humane refugee camp (that should act in time like a raw model people would like to join), but important parameters like finding a suitable location will be considered on a different basis. In any case this is an ambitious project with a 3+ years time frame once everything is agreed and the budget is there.

The basic idea is that a delegation arrives at the chosen place, starting preparations, planting food. After harvesting, the main building process starts: the community spaces (gathering space, kitchen, storage, workshops) and the first houses. All according to an holistic, sustainable design. During this phase our new culture will be fine-tuned and fostered. After completion, the interactive performance “ΦΩΣ” takes place, signalling the beginning of a new era. Finding the humans that inhabit the village, living and promoting a new way to co-exist, shouldn’t be difficult. Possibly a selection process will be needed…