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Open Source Society: By Humankind, For Humankind

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It all started with a bowl of cereal.

I signed up one summer with AmeriCorps to serve at-risk youth in Cleveland. Every morning, my students gathered for breakfast. Cereal was the top choice, with milk as the natural pairing. But there was one student JC who skipped the milk. He'd always pour a glass of water on his cereal instead.

Eventually my curiosity boiled over, and I asked him, “Why don’t you use milk?” JC shrugged back a simple answer, “I got used to water, 'cause my family couldn't afford milk.”

I never forgot that conversation. It revealed a heartbreaking truth about the system we inhabit. Since then I’ve been driven to fix what made this tragedy possible.

THE PROBLEM

JC's story is what happens when human needs are subject to the relentless pursuit of private profit. His family's inability to afford something as basic as milk is a symptom of deeper systemic issues, including food insecurity and housing insecurity. These problems are painfully common in a world where resources essential for life and well-being have been turned into investments, valued foremost for their potential to generate private wealth.

At the heart of this issue is the way we treat land. Land – the source of our food, the location of our homes, the foundation of our communities – has been transformed into a primary form of capital. This allows a few to profit immensely from owning and speculating on land, driving up the costs of everything connected to it, from housing to the production and distribution of food.

This speculative use of land capital doesn't just drive up housing costs; it limits access to the very resources needed to live a secure and healthy life. It deepens the chasm of income inequality, fuels distrust, and intensifies the competition for survival. When people are subjected to extremely unnecessary hardships, the seeds of extremism are planted, hindering collaboration and contributing to global conflict.

OUR ACTION

Many individuals and organizations have valiantly worked to address visible symptoms of a broken system, without being able to turn the tide. The reason is that the incumbent forces are powered by capital, and forces for change need to reclaim that capital to power public good instead of private profit.

My solution is the Humankind Land Trust. By taking land off the investment market and holding it in trust for the community, that land can truly serve the people who live and work there, providing stable access to housing, food production, and community spaces – free from the pressures of speculation. Rent generated by the land trust will be reinvested back into its growth and expansion for the good of the residents, never for personal gain.

OUR VISION

"Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world." — Joel Barker

To create lasting change, there must be both action and a guiding vision. The trust is the tangible action – a living model of how land can serve the community. Complementing this action is Open Source Society: By Humankind, For Humankind, a book that will do three things.

  • Document the model of operation.
  • Articulate a clear vision for a peaceful future built on equitable access to resources.
  • Provide a roadmap for a coordinated movement toward that future.

This book will inspire, educate, and unite more friends and family as supporters of this vital cause.

HOW YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

To turn this vision into reality, I need your support. I am raising a total of $500,000 to fund two essential components:

  • $150,000 to establish the land trust: This crucial first step will secure the initial piece of land in Massachusetts, taking it off the market permanently and establishing the physical foundation for our model.
  • $350,000 to publish and promote the vision: These funds will cover the costs of professionally polishing, publishing, distributing, and promoting the book to ensure its message reaches a global audience and empowers a widespread movement for change.

While the expense is significant, the urgency of humanity's needs and the ticking Doomsday Clock demand bold action. Investing in both the tangible model and the guiding vision will accelerate progress toward a world where peace prevails.

THANK YOU

As a small token of appreciation, every dollar you contribute will bring you a share of the proceeds from book sales. To be clear, advisors have told me plainly that the book will not be profitable. The token is just that: an enduring certificate of honor – a lasting symbol of your direct support and partnership in building a better tomorrow.

You can expect full transparency with how the funds are used. You will receive regular project updates, so you know how every contribution is moving us toward a brighter future.

Join us in this quest. Donate today and help us create the more harmonious world we know is possible.
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    Organizer

    Marty Chang
    Organizer
    Needham, MA

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