Quick Tip: Find the Others
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Welcome to the Quick Start Guide to Homesteading series, where you will find everything you need to know to get started living a more sustainable life, whether you are in the city, country, or somewhere in between.
Today we are going to talk about the second idea in the Planning and Mindset category, which is to Find the Others.
If you haven’t already, you can download the FREE Quick Start Guide to Homesteading at our website.
We think if you watch these videos, read the guide, and start practicing what you learn, you will be well on your way to being a homesteader.
People who gravitate towards homesteading are a different sort. Those who intentionally choose to use their mind, heart, and hands to create some of what they need to survive tend to have an independent spirit. I count myself as one of this breed. The idea of being as self-contained as possible has always appealed to me. But that’s not what this article is about. It’s about finding the others. It’s about connecting with kindred spirits. Even if we are uniting independently, from our own homesteads.
I have to admit, an article about connecting with other people is just about the last thing I thought I’d ever write. I am a total introvert with a very small inner circle of friends. This surprises many people as I show up in a very public way for Wild Homestead Living and in my career as a Ranger Naturalist. And yet it is the truth. So it has surprised me more than anybody that as I have become more immersed in a sustainable way of life, I have come to the realization that none of us goes it alone.
Maybe you have thought about this as you learn how to do something new, like cooking from scratch or growing a garden. While reading books, watching videos, or finding blogs it becomes clear how helpful it is to learn from others. There is nothing like gaining experience from someone who has, “been there, done that” and is willing to share. These kinds of resources become like maps and trail reports. They help us find our path through a landscape that is far less trodden than the super highway of mainstream consumption. Beyond books, blogs, and videos there is another kind of resource I have found that is useful: other people who are making the same journey at the same time as you.
In previous generations, we may have had the benefit of family or neighbors that could lend their wisdom. People we could ask for advice or with whom we could share our experiences. These days there are fewer people who must craft their own survival in such a basic way and it can be difficult to find them nearby. At the same time, we have something different our ancestors did not have: the Internet. The world wide web can be a place where we can “find the others” in the words of Timothy Leary.
Here’s a truth that few folks are talking about: The path to a sustainable, nature-connected homestead can be frustrating and lonely. Even for those of who prefer solitude, it can get tiresome trying to explain to people why you are choosing to do things “the hard way.” Finding others with whom you can interact, whether in person or online, can bring back the energy and enthusiasm that so many of us set out to find on this path. When you find other people with whom to interact, you can ask questions and get a variety of answers to your specific situation; You can help others by answering their questions. You can celebrate and commiserate with people who understand your unique experiences. This kind of mutual exchange of support creates deep satisfaction over time.
When my husband Kevin and I found the courage to make our homestead dream come true after I survived breast cancer, some of the people in our lives didn’t get it. They just couldn’t understand why we would want to move “so far out” and give up urban conveniences. Their questions and confusion started to fan the flames of self-doubt that accompanied our new adventure.
Instead of becoming stuck in fear, I started looking for other people like me. The oddballs, rebels, and independant spirits. I nurtured friendships with people who had similar interests and let some others go. I searched for online forums and groups. While I found some inspiring “influencers” along the way, it has really been the everyday folks that I have been the most inspiring. Those who are just getting started, working full time, while at the same time trying to figure out how live more aligned with their values.
There is a theory that we are an average of the 5 people with whom we are closest. Whether or not this is true, it’s clear we are all impacted by the culture and people with whom we are surrounded. If you want to move towards a more self-sufficient way of life, it’s a good idea to ask yourself, “Do the people I am closest to support the direction I am taking my life?”
Now please understand that I am not saying you should cut off everyone in your life who doesn’t want to homestead and join a commune. What I am saying is that it’s a good idea to cultivate relationships with people who not only understand the direction you want to take your life, but are doing the same with their own journey.
Here at Wild Homestead Living, we hope to root for you as you create the life of your dreams. We intentionally chose to give up some of our privacy with the hope that showing our journey will help inspire you to get started. We are just one small outfit. There are lots of other amazing groups and organizations to inform and inspire you.
That being said, there truly is something unique about finding peers, especially in your area, with whom you can interact on your adventure to a more sustainable way of life. To find your other people, those with whom you can build deeper relationships, we have put together some ideas below. Depending upon your personalty style, preferences, and where you live in the world, some of these might be a better fit than others.
Places to find your others:
Join a Garden Club
While not all people who garden are into homesteading, it’s a great place to start. By joining a garden club you will meet people with similar interests and learn more about how to grow food in your specific region.
Check out MeetUp
MeetUp is an online platform where you can find people with similar interests and then meet in groups online or in person. As of this writing, there were 215 homesteading-related groups on MeetUp. The cool thing about this platform is that if you don’t see a group that fits your desires, you can create your own.
Join Facebook for the Groups
Facebook groups are a place to meet people, learn and share ideas. While there are a lot of thoughts and feelings about this platform, and not all groups are equal, it’s something to consider. In my town, the homesteading group is very active. I’ve had good experiences giving and getting help from real humans. When my worm bin exploded with activity, I was even able to share the abundance which helped many others start bins of their own.
Take a class with your local county extension of non-profit
Most counties in the United States have a local agricultural extension office that provides classes or works closely with area experts to provide workshops on topics such as growing and preserving food. Many areas also have non-profit organizations that teach classes on topics such as gardening, cooking, or wildlife identification. Attending these classes is a great way to meet others with similar interests.
Attend a Fair or Festival
National or regional festival style events are another way to meet people in a less formal environment. Mother Earth News is offering regional events and “green” festivals are popping up in cities frequently now. These can be great opportunities to meet other attendees or connect with vendors and educators.
Volunteer at a Farm, Farmers Market, or Non-profit
Many local organizations are strapped for cash and understaffed. Volunteers are a vital part of their success. Contributing your time and expertise can be a meaningful way to give back, get some hands on experience, and meet others.
Sign up for a CSA Workshare
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are becoming a popular model for supporting local farmers. The most common type of CSA is where customers pay the farm a lump some of money up-front, and then get a box food each week during the growing season. With a workshare, you perform a few hours of labor each week in exchange for your box. Not only is it a fun way to get some exercise, it’s a great way to meet other people who care about local food.
These are just a few ways to, “find the others” for yourself. We’ve had these ideas work well for us or know people that know. This is just a way to get started. As with all things homesteading, there is no one right way, only the way that’s right for you. Whatever you decide to try, know you are not alone! There are so many flavors of “homesteader” out there that even if you don’t find your people at first, it doesn’t mean they don’t exist. They are out there. And they are probably searching for you too.
