THE MOTHER EARTH NEWS ? CHAPTER ORGANIZATION BEGINS

Where you're out on the old homestead or in the middle of the city, it's nice to have a few kindred souls to share your troubles and triumphs with!

It seems that a lot of the good folks who read this magazine want to get together with like-minded persons to talk about — and become involved in — MOTHER-type projects. In fact, we've received any number of letters asking us, "Why don't you form a national network of MOTHER clubs, so we can share our projects, plans, and dreams?" Well, the longer we pondered that suggestion, the more convinced we were that it was a darned fine idea!

But, for a good while now, we simply haven't had the staff or the time — what with our growing lineup of seminars, traveling courses, special issues, and world tours — even to think about such an undertaking. However, all those other projects are finally running pretty smoothly . . . so we're ready if you are (and the evidence sure indicates that you are!) to begin work on THE MOTHER EARTH NEWS® Chapters.

THAT BARN-RAISING SPIRIT!

You know, our staffers often hear from readers who note — with some sadness — the difficulty of finding other MOTHER types in their home areas . . . and solving this problem, we think, is one of the main reasons for establishing local MOTHER chapters. It seems, these days, that many people live in self-created isolation. Such folks are just too busy or distracted — or even plain scared — to make contact with their neighbors.

This situation, of course, has resulted in a breakdown in (and, in many areas, a complete lack of ) any sort of community spirit . . . since everyone fends strictly for him- or herself. But — as you know — there's a lot to be said for working together. A large group of people, for instance, can complete jobs that would be impossible for one person to accomplish alone . . . and such work is bound to be easier, quicker, more satisfying, and far more fun when a number of good friends pitch in together to do it!

In addition to simply bringing people together, each local chapter could serve as a clearinghouse for information. After all, MOTHER-readers are a widely diversified bunch, and just about everyone has a valuable skill to share with others. If there's someone in your area who has knowledge of welding, farming, carpentry, or smithing (or any of a number of other do-it-yourself skills) that you may need to share, chances are your local MOTHER chapter would be able to put you in touch with that person (heck, he or she would probably belong to the organization already! ).