Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Global Assembly?

The Global Assembly is a worldwide network of individuals who want to build stronger, friendlier and more fulfilling sustainable communities- all while saving money. We network and communicate through the web, share ideas and expertise on how to improve our neigbhorhoods and most importantly, work towards implementing our transition plan. [link]

What purpose does it serve?

We serve two main purposes: The first is to develop a set of open-source community tools that allow any neighborhood to become more self-sufficient, and the second is to serve as a powerful common brand to unite all the disparate sustainability community efforts, advocacy and projects under. While each project is almost entirely independent, by using the same name and logo we can show solidarity and present a united front.

Think of "The Global Assembly" as a brand similar to Coca-Cola or Delta. It's a specific catch-all term for a series of like-minded local organizations.

Does it cost money to start a local assembly? How can I start one?

Never! We set it up for you, for free. In later stages as local assemblies swell in strength and numbers, we may request a non-monetary contribution of collected community service hours.

Here's a guide on how to open a new assembly: http://globalassembly.blogspot.com/2015/08/start-local-assembly.html

What is Ubuntu/Contributionism? Who developed it?

Ubuntu is an ancient philosophy of compassion that originated in historic Africa. We really have no way of knowing who originally developed it. It just naturally arose out of a common need to bind the community together. Ubuntu stands in direct opposition to our current competition-based, dog-eat-dog, every man for themselves ideology. Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu both used Ubuntu principles in their revolutionary fight for freedom and subsequent battles to unite a county. Today Micheal Tellinger, a historian from South Africa continues to research Ubuntu and apply it to our social system in order to create a new model that promotes social wellbeing and self-worth. For more information, visit http://www.ubuntuplanet.org

What's the difference betwen Contributionism and Contributism?

Almost none, Contributionism is the name Micheal Tellinger uses for Ubuntu philospohy, The Global Assembly prefers Contributism because it's easier to pronounce. Another small difference that has a large effect is the use of Time Banking in Contributism and greater level of actionable detail.

Are you affiliated with the Ubuntu Party/Micheal Tellinger? 

Not officially, but we do share a core philosophy and general idea for transition to a more sustainable economic system.

That sounds like Communism!!

It's not. Contributism and Communism have next to nothing in common. Communism uses money, is centrally planned by a far away, out-of-touch government and run as a dictatorship. Contributism is locally-managed, free-market and supports entrepreneurship by making business creation easy. In communism, you don't have a choice and very little personal freedom. In Contributism, other than the 10 hours per week spent volunteering on community projects (just 2 hours per day!), you have the rest of your life to do what you love.

You're also forgetting the most important difference:

Communism failed everywhere it has ever been tried. 

Contributism has been a major success in communities across the globe for thousands and thousands of years. 

It only "failed" when Europeans invaded and colonized the America and Africa in their insatiable quest for power. "Failed" really isn't the right word. Contributism was destroyed by the mass genocide and destruction of native peoples around the world.

Is The Global Assembly related to the Buy Nothing Project?

No, we are two separate teams. The idea was inspired by them and looks similar in the beginning- but we have different goals. As both groups grow, you will see more differences start to develop. For example, our assemblies aim to open community time banks and promote supper clubs while the BNP is mostly focused on community giveaways. We aren't competitors, and we would love to work with BNP in the future since they have an excellent social media team.

Why don't you just start a political party and engage in the political process TM?

Participating in the "political process" doesn't work when the elections are rigged. We suggest that if you do vote, vote for protest candidates.

Are you the New World Order?

No.