We all have gifts to give. Some people prefer to work at the informal community level, while others do better in more socially oriented tribes and networks - but sometimes there are people who feel the need to work within a more formalized structure, which can contain certain checks and balances.

I propose "Gift Economy Seattle" as a vehicle for those kinds of people.

"Gift Economy" is very much rooted in a philosophy shared among people who participate in an event called "BurningMan.

A quick crib of some of the ideals that are a part of that philosophy, would include:

1) Self-reliance and survival (Food, shelter, &cetera)

2) Participation (communal ideology ? joint ownership/responsibility)

3) Leave no trace (reduced waste, ecological awareness and respect)

4) Radical self expression (artistic and educational gifts that enrich
lives).

Our community has some very amazing people, with both amazing abilities, and amazing heart. Up until recently, I think that most of that talent has organized around providing a particular form of prosperity in the desert. This is a wonderful thing, but I propose that we take some of that cultivated prosperity and philosophy, and give it back as a gift to our own local geographic community.

This idea is a work in progress, and and this tribe has been formed to help nurture its potentiality.

Our working mission statement is to "promote participatory generosity towards the local community".

http://agifteconomy.tribe.net