KEY FACTS

Holding Organization: FREE & REAL – Αληθινά Ελεύθερα Status: Non-profit organisation People involved in the project: 5 who make the spiral core, and 24 others Public partners: NO Private Partners: ΝΟ Sources and links: www.freeandreal.org , http://media.freeandreal.org/ http://telaithrion.freeandreal.org/#!/project/

Contact person: Apostolos 0030 22260 31696/ 0030 6932505056

The idea:

The idea is to create a living community based on the slogan of: “Freedom of Resources for Everyone, Everywhere & Respect, Equality, Awareness and Learning” The «Telaithrion Project» hopes to put in real terms that a self-sufficient sustainable society, one that is based on true incentives and selfless giving, can exist and be applied to practice in everyday life and flourish, if the entire culture of humanity would adopt it.

The local context:

The people who began this project wanted “a world of peace and freedom, with technological development operating as an extension of human potential, a world that will strategically and consciously manage with balance the natural recourses, where a reality of a healthy living society, full of open-minded people, free spirits and real incentives, can be possible, far away from any kind of isolations, artificial barriers, or technology driven by planned obsolescence and pointless direction, without any real or creative motives. In other words, they wanted to create a world completely different from contemporary life in the West.

The starting point:

In 2008, 4 people met in a forum and discussed the common idea shared by each of them: that they, themselves, could become the change they wanted to see in the world. Slowly but surely, around 100 people joined them and began to share their experiences, ideas, expertise, knowledge, time and energy required for this project. In 2009 they created the NGO, “Free and Real”, in order to investigate and put into practice all that they would like to see in the world around them.

Steps and development of the action:

2008: first meetings in a forum; Spring of 2009: foundation of NGO “Free and Real - Αληθινά Ελεύθερα” in Athens; 2011: transfer of “Free and Real” to Istiaia, Evoia and start of the “Telaithrion project”.

How does it work?

Since the beginning of their activities, first steps taken have involved organising their own actions, seminars, workshops, screenings, and sponsored programmes. For the past two years, they have had the new headquarters in Istiaia, North Evoia, where they practice continuous research on self-sufficiency in key sectors (health, crop nutrition, construction, energy); they participate in the large network of Greek eco- producers, artisans and collectives; they disseminate information and practical solutions on various issues; they disseminate and promote self-sufficiency products and fair trade, and the global network of eco-communities (GEN), working selflessly with local clubs, organizations and ordinary citizens by spreading the Freeconomy (Bargain Offers), while simultaneously their holdings and visits have been converted into cooperation efforts and trips that go beyond Greek borders. For the “Telaithrion project”, they have so far constructed a Central Geodesic Dome, 2 “yurts” (a traditional nomadic house) and small wooden houses. Volunteers are welcome to participate in construction, gardening, seminars and workshops and particularly in researching and exchanging ideas on this way of living.

Added value of the project and making resources available:

Ecological benefits: All actions aim towards living with the lowest possible ecological footprint in the energy that is used, the products that are made and in consumption levels. Economical benefits: This particular lifestyle brings economic benefits because it is based on the principles of a self-sufficient economy. Shaping policies: It provides a completely new way of living based on ecology, a self-sufficient economy, promotion of human rights and education for those who participate, but who would also like to adapt to this way of living.

Challenges/risks/inertias:

In their own words, the main aim is “to embrace diversity and uniqueness and become better than our own selves, accepting the daily feedback as food for thought and conscious harmonious creative and productive communication. We want to live with the lowest possible ecological footprint and simultaneously with the greatest possible freedom in education (information) and creative living”. This idea means to change completely the traditional way of thinking and the existing way of living in order to embrace the deepest meaning of the “Telaithrion project” and its values.

Future perspectives:

The team is planning to complete the “Telaithrion project” and continue to research and advocate for the experience of living in a free, eco-friendly and creative environment.