An Honest Plan For The Future of Liberty - Community Curators

There tends to be a focus on political strategy, and radical activism in most libertarian circles that I engage with. This is fine, but I think there is another element to creating a more libertarian society that isn't discussed as often, and that's leading by example. I think one of the more effective ways to get people to understand what libertarian philosophy is really like, is to show them. You can talk about theory all day long, but until people get to see it in action, or can experience it for themselves, they just won't be as enthusiastic about the concept as some of us might be.

Libertarians must become leaders in business, in politics, in education, and in science. More importantly, we must become leaders in our community, for it is in taking up that responsibility that we demonstrate how the philosophy of peace and prosperity is vastly superior to the authoritarian alternatives. That is how we win the war of ideas, with a liberal spread of liberty across our communities.

(Image from Portland Anarchist Road Care (PARC) Facebook Page. )

From the pothole filling anarchists who take it upon themselves to repair damaged roads, to the volunteers at the recreation centers, and community gardens, we can see everyday examples of liberty in action. You don’t have to wait for the election of a candidate to public office, or the passing of particular legislation to make a real impact.

Instead, I’d like for you to take a look around your community, and look for ways you can help improve it. I want you to look for actions you can take to improve the quality of life in your immediate area.

Start with asking yourself some of these basic questions (This isn't a complete list, but rather a primer to help get you started), and take action:

Is there trash you could pick up?

Could your neighbors use some help with their yard or their home?

How are the schools?

After school activities?

Your local religious institutions?

These are just a few examples, but I encourage you to try to think of ways you can make an impact in your community without government involvement, and don't be afraid to let people know about it. The more we show how well taking responsibility for your own community works, and the more responsibility the community has for itself, then the less likely it is that the community will want to relinquish that responsibility to government bureaucrats and their goons. In this way we become curators of our own communities.

Let’s not wait for the government to relinquish control. Let’s take it back by taking back our communities one neighborhood at a time. It’s time to show that government action is not necessary. That’s how we ease the fears of accepting responsibility for one’s own life, and that’s how we see more libertarian ideas penetrate this authoritarian system of control and subjugation.