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Our publications use the term, Clusters. Here is an extract from the manuscript …
A Cluster is a group of individuals and families in proximity (typically on a common land base). By analogy, a neighborhood or small village is closest to the concept of a Cluster. We use the term, “Cluster,” to signify participation in an informal network of sites (a “Vine”) that provide back-and-forth benefits. Benefits may be tangible (e.g., food products grown in one area that are difficult to grow in another) or intangible (e.g., knowledge and know-how sharing).
There may be similarities between Clusters and the historical tribal communities of Indigenous cultures. While self-sufficient, they lived and worked in an area and sometimes worked or traded with other villages and tribes for mutual benefit.
Participants may formally identify Clusters. For example: New-Thinking Eco-village or My-Garden Organic Farms. Or they may not. The Cluster might just be a group of individuals and families finding cohesion around similar values and approaches. Often, within Cohousing or Intentional Communities, one will find similar approaches.
You will find fluidity in the term, “Cluster.” It is the same in a conventional village or city. Cities or towns do not always officially define Neighborhood boundaries. Sometimes, developers or residents might define an area (e.g., you drive through a labeled stonework entrance to enter it). At other times, the boundaries of a neighborhood can be arbitrary and defined by informal speech and language or what exists on a realtor’s map. It can be those living on one or more roads and invited to a block party.
The intention of a Cluster is not something designed to sit tidily in a GIS system or database. It’s not a specific vector-drawn survey line with latitude-longitude coordinates on a closed CAD path (often seen as a colored area on a map). Nor is it intended to be a policy-driven set of individuals and families. Individuals and families may choose a level of participation or “membership.” They may choose whatever style of governance they like. However, a Cluster does not mandate that. A Cluster is more fluid and organic. It is akin to how people naturally form friendships and relationships.
Clusters define how they operate internally, as well as the flavor of the Cluster.
Obviously, there are needs from time to time for structures, policies, and hierarchies. The inherent risks of structures, policies and hierarchies becoming the be all and end all is plain enough in history. Societies, organized religion, governments, and corporations have failed miserably in this aspect throughout history. Individual Clusters will always need to navigate these waters—with care—to avoid losing the benefits of a shared life.
Sites and Projects are common synonyms for a Cluster. We use these alternate names within our writings.
If movement of something (people or products) exists between Clusters, you can call that “Inter-Cluster.” We use that as a convention (sometimes). Other times, we might just say in conversation, “We are heading over town to hang out with the gang at <location>”.
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