Nieuw Westland: source of inspiration
- Joëlle Przytula-Bertherin
- Feb 16, 2022
- 3 min read
What if there was a way you could redesign society, along with others? What do you think it should look like? What would stay the same and what would you do differently?
We currently live in a divided society. I don't think I need to explain what this is about, but just to be sure, I'll explain shortly. The world is divided. Divided in good or bad, with or against, afraid or unafraid, yes or no, and so on. Many people constantly feel that they have to choose, and in fact they do. But do you still have a choice when it seems like doors are closing everywhere? When you feel the threat of losing your job if you don't go along with government policies? When you are pressured by friends and family to go along with the crowd and to not want to be "different"? When not having a green checkmark on your phone prevents you from entering many venues and even makes it hard to travel out of your own country? It can be an oppressive feeling. Constricting and even lonely.
In a world where people have become increasingly opposed to each other, human connection has become especially important. Fortunately there are people who know how to grow the lotus flower from mud. These people not only understand the concept: "where a door closes a window opens", but they actually LIVE it. They know how to make lemonade out of lemons. Where others see problems and obstacles, they see opportunities. These people had long foreseen that society would move towards a fourth industrial (technical) revolution and wondered if they wanted to be part of it. And if not, whether there is another way?
Fortunately, it seems that there is. What many people don't know is that since 2020, several ''parallel societies'' have emerged. A good example is Nieuw Westland. As the name suggests, an association has emerged in the westland region, close to the Hague in the Netherlands, that works to build a respectful and self-reliant society. This is carried by the people who feel motivated to actively help. Everyone therefore takes personal responsibility and contributes where they can and where necessary. They found their inspiration within the 9 domains of the book Society 4.0, by Bob de Wit. These 9 domains create a regional, self-reliant society through citizen participation. Nieuw Westland studied these domains and has chosen different themes, wherein people can participate.
'We really want to become a hands-on community. Only together can we create a new society.'
Examples of these themes are: healthcare, education, water and energy and even an alternative economy. In addition, work is being done to provide direct democracy, in cooperation with ANBB (a Dutch citizen representation). This tool allows people to vote on regional issues, the results of which are visible to everyone. A way of keeping democracy close to the people.
The creativity of the 'Westlanders' has even led to the creation of their own currency: the Watermunt (water coin). The possibilities seem endless. The only requirement is manpower and the motivation to help build and work together. There seems to be plenty of that; from water and food supply, sports groups, events, courses, education to healthcare. Everyone is welcome and can participate in this new regional society.
The beauty is, that it inspires and stimulates creation. Nieuw Westland is regularly approached by other regions that are also working on something similar; for exchange, ideas and cooperation. Examples are Frij Fryslân, Vamilie Drenthe, Zeeland verbindt, Nieuw Alphen, Nieuw Apeldoorn and many other regions in the Netherlands.
As I wrote earlier, many people are feeling uncertain right now. Uncertain about their choices, uncertain about their opinions, uncertain about what others think of them, and uncertain about the future. But this fear and insecurity often stems from a lack of self-confidence and self-reliance. What if you could turn this around? What if you didn't focus on the closed door, but saw the open window? What if you could find a way to harness your creativity and thereby bring about unimaginable strength? Wouldn't that give you incredible freedom in which you could completely be yourself?
I'd say, think big....
Sources:
https://www.onesmalltown.news/
https://society4th.org/
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