A Blueprint for a Solarpunk Future.
The Solara Project is a showcase and a guide for existing towns to accelerate their transition to a cooperative, self-sustaining, and vibrant local economy.
Core Principles for Transition
This framework provides the foundational pillars for any community aiming to build local resilience and self-sufficiency.
Reclaim Your Food System
Prioritize local food production through community farms, gardens, and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security.
Empower Local Action
Foster a culture where initiatives are driven by community members, ensuring solutions are tailored to local needs and passions.
Build a Cooperative Structure
Implement transparent, community-led governance models for fair decision-making and resource management.
Projects to Replicate
These are proven, high-impact initiatives that any community can adapt and launch to begin their transition journey.
Start with shared plots to grow food, build skills, and foster community connection.
Pool resources to invest in shared solar or wind infrastructure for community buildings.
Organize events where residents teach each other practical skills like farming, repair, and crafts.
Tools for Transparent Cooperation
Leverage simple, effective digital tools to enhance communication, coordination, and transparency in your community's cooperative efforts.
Contribution Logs
Use shared documents or simple apps to track volunteer hours and resource contributions, ensuring fairness and recognition.
Resource Coordination
Manage shared tools, spaces, and harvests with scheduling software or shared calendars to maximize their use.
Knowledge Hubs
Create a community wiki or shared drive to store practical knowledge, meeting notes, and project plans for all to access.
Your Town's Transition Roadmap
A step-by-step guide to initiating and structuring a cooperative transition in your own community.
1. Form a Core Group
Gather a small, dedicated team of passionate individuals to champion the transition process.
2. Create Working Groups
Establish focused groups for key areas like food, energy, and education to drive specific actions.
3. Launch a Pilot Project
Start with a visible, high-impact project like a community garden to build momentum and engagement.
4. Grow & Iterate
Host regular community assemblies to share progress, gather feedback, and plan future initiatives together.