Freeconomy Blog
Thu
28 Feb
Want to find out more about the ethos behind freeconomy?
| 24 comments |
I've just written a long blog (titled 'Radical education, inner thoughts...) about what has been happening on our pilgrimage over the last couple of days - all fantastic stuff I'm really pleased to say. But shortly after posting it I realised that a lot of you may have only joined in the last month or two, given that membership has skyrocketed since the New Year.
So I thought it might be appropriate now to alert you all to some of the really quick ways in which you can learn more about the freeconomy community and what we are doing here.
Firstly, you can check out a programme called Inside Out tomorrow night, Feb 29th, at 7.30pm on BBC1 West. If you're out of the West region (UK) you can watch it on Sky channel 986 or on the link provided above. It can also be seen on iplayer.
If you haven't time for that, you can watch a little two minute video about it all called the 'Guide to the Freeconomy Community Part 1'. It's just a bit of fun but still manages to concisely explain what this community is about.
And for those of you who want an even quicker explanation than that, I'll sum it up right here. It is fundamentally about unconditional giving and 'paying-it-forward. In this community you can give and receive help for no other reason than the desire to help a fellow human being. And here the receiving is just as important as the giving, so don't feel like you can't join because you haven't enough to offer, and definitely don't be afraid to ask people for help with whatever needs doing.
For more on this check out our Philosofree and let us know what you think through our testimonial section.
On top of all that, if you fancy an alternative take on our pilgrimage you can check out Eric the wise Fool's Blog to read his account of events. He joined me last week and has added a great new dynamic to the walk.
I hope that helps all of you who have just joined and would like to really understand the reasons which gave birth to it in the first place.
Comment on this Post:
Iowe Iowe comments ...
Hi Mark
I backpacked with a pal from Morocco to England on about £80. It took me 6 weeks. On the way I learned a lot about people, and was on the whole encouraged by the random acts of kindness bestowed on us on our voyage.
Most memorable events included sharing local red wine and griddled garlic gambas in Spain when we were starving - without doubt the most unforgettable food experience ever. We were given a lift by a young French girl for over 100 miles in the dead of night - that despite our daunting appearance by this time (not to mention our \"aroma\").
That said, the hardest part of the whole trip was on the run-up to Calais; cold rain and wind-swept desolate roads and suspicious, untrusting locals made this a real challenge, especially when overcome with flu and stomach upsets. Everyone seemed to own vicious-sounding dogs, and dry places to sleep were impossible to find.
I sympathise with you and would advise you (if you paln to try again), to do it in reverse - it seems that warm climate can equal warm heart. It needn’t be against the spirit of your mission, you could serve as crew on any one of a number of vessels heading east...
Good luck mate - look after your feet and your belly!!
GERRY MAC comments ...
Well lad glad to see your safe and well.Keep up the good work.Look after your tootsies.
Mike Fairclough - Headteacher comments ...
Visit to West Rise Junior School
I asked Sairise and Erik to visit West Rise Junior School because socialisation, tolerance and the ability to interact and communicate with people from varying walks of life is increasingly at the heart of the Primary School Curriculum. Our visit from the two travellers has been a valuable, possibly ‘once in a lifetime’ learning experience for all of us at the school. The Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda states that children should be given exciting, first hand opportunities to become effective and informed members of the community.
Learning about different lifestyles and beliefs is always valuable. Over the past twelve months we have invited a wide spectrum of people to the school including Rock Musicians, war veterans, film makers and religious leaders. Our latest visitors have inspired the children to ask questions such as:
Where are you from?’
Where are you going?’
‘How long will it take you to walk to India?’
‘Why are you doing this?’
Will you walk home again?’
The travellers have told the children that they are encouraging community mindedness, to love thy neighbour, they are walking for peace and have faith in higher power, God/the Universe. Sairise and Erik have encouraged the children to employ positive thinking and to be an inspiration to each other through the act of giving. This is identical to the Christian message and the message in several world religions. Money being no more than a useful tool, helping others, having faith and doing good is also the main message of Christ.
Over a period of two days, Sairise and Erik have helped to make a willow withy outside the classroom, created an organic vegetable garden, cleared the school hall for the dinner ladies and given an assembly to the children about helping people.
It has been a pleasure to have them at our School.
Mike Fairclough
Headteacher
Andrew comments ...
Yo Mark!
I just watched you on Inside Out over the internet and am amazed how cool, calm and collected you and your friends are - oh and surprised how Irish you are too!
Anyway the point is I was disappointed initiatially at how you cut short the walk to India, but after reading your blog enteries think it is for the best as their is so much you can do HERE in the UK, which is grand. Also I know of some inner city Liverpool schools which you could visit sometime in the future, which would really be great!
Good luck!
Realist comments ...
Anyone can preach to the converted Mark; nice as those kind of schools are, your message is already known there. If you really do want to prepare for another trip to India why don’t you go specifically to rougher parts of the UK where people will do anything to raise money for bills, drugs, reebok classics etc? Surely the 1st step to the change you want to see in the world is learning how to reach the unconverted in your own language? The real challenge is changing people like me, not those who worship you.
rich comments ...
your an idiot ! With, I might add, no stamina or initative - you gave up at the first hurdle and didn’t even think about language & cultural differances - you fool
John comments ...
need some language lessons maybe. I can provide german and Italian if you want...
alex comments ...
to realist
do u know the area do u now the back ground of some of the kids there no
you dont have to go to toxteeth or the east end of london to find problems in the community if you know me you you would say i am the last person to support these guys i saw for myself what meesage thay gave acroos to the kids and staff at the school and i feel that the message was right and no i diagree with that the area was already converted i certaily was not far from it this is not a ttatck at you just felt i would like to put my point over sorry if i have affended you
on another note as a thought beer with me new to this blogging lark lol
why are people so negetive lets look at the wider pic here we got to tree loveing hippes that wont to be cashless and walk every were thay wont to help people in need of help free of charge eric wonts to put smiles on peoples faces whats it costing us nothing whats it costing the tax payer nothing thay dont recive money for work so no tax to pay thay dont get bennifits so no burdon to tax payers so i dont see the problem in fact i feel proud that i have meet these guys and as far as i see there doing some good in the world at no cost to others
Brian's Mother comments ...
Now listen very carefully everyone - you too, children;
HE’S NOT THE MESSIAH, HE’S A VERY NAUGHTY BOY!
Now come on Mark, what have you been telling them?
Al comments ...
ive been trying to think why people are so negative towards you, in random blogs and so on....but i guess its because deep down they wanted you to complete this walk but by not doing so it has backed up their way of living so they feel secure in what they are doing and obviously in "hindsight" its always much easier to moan. You only live once people!
Paddy T comments ...
Sorry to hear it didnt work out the way it planned Kid, though life rarely go to plan and it its the experiences you gain while trying that count and stay in the heart and mind...
Best of luck,, if you are ever walking through Ireland you will have a place to stay in the midlands and as you already speak Sham therell me no communicatiuon breakdown!
p
Spanish generosity comments ...
If I found Mark cold and hungry on the side of the road in my spanish city, I would take him home, feed him, and give him a massage complete with a happy ending.
carlyan2 comments ...
Personal attacks and insults are neither necessary, warranted, nor are they big or clever - a very very basic teaching one in which should be easy enough to follow, one which should have us all think before we speak - IF YOU CAN,T SAY SOMETHING NICE - DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!! Saoirse and Eric and giving out a message best way they can and where better to start than with the most precious of all - OUR CHILDREN!!! I am saddened for you people who feel you need to stoop so low and I hope one day you will experience the true joy of giving, This joy is so much more precious than designer labels or any riches. I envy Saoirse and Eric, because they can experience such joy wholly - perhaps that is why there are such nasty comments - jealousy (although wasted) can show itself in such horrid ways.
i am saddened that I have resorted to commenting/replying to these posts.
Sunshine and Smiles to you all xx
Ulrich Zwingli comments ...
Did Katie’s mum pay you and Eric to spit roast her daughter?
Euphrosene comments ...
While I don’t really agree with your ideals, well done for taking a stand. Too many people do nothing at all, while happily carping and criticising.
Perhaps you were meant to start with the UK first? And you have gained valuable publicity, so nothing’s lost.
Best Rgds, Euphrosene
Rude Awakening comments ...
Many people don’t seem to be able to cope with criticism, preferring to put it down to ’carping’ & people just sitting around with nothing better to do but moan. Why is facing the reality of this pathetic situation so difficult for you? It was a futile, abortive attempt from beginning to now &before anyone accuses me of inactivity, I do a lot for this planet, I just don’t feel the need to set up a self-congratulatory blog telling everyone how wonderful I am. What a grotesque display of megalomania.
Spanish generosity comments ...
To the person who interpreted my offer of a warm shower and a massage with happy ending as a personal attack against against the pilgrim, you have misinterpreted my message. To the person who accused Mark Boyle of being a megalomaniac, I think that’s a bit too much.
Gandhi, the man whose vision inspired Mark, did not have the luxury of the Internet, blogs, etc. He had to depend on networks of people joined together in the cause of ridding India of the British. Sadly, the Internet can never substitute this kind of networking.
Matt comments ...
There is no way I am letting the last comment end with a trollish jelly bags.
You goes keep going. What you are doing has true merit and you are putting actions to your words which is more than can be said for many.
It’s always the empty pot that makes most noise and we only get one lifetime so I choose not to fill mine with bitterness. Thank you for setting a great example.
