Outside of Society, Into Harmony: A Deep Dive into Rainbow Gatherings | Finch | Community Culture #9

[@pcflvly]

Regarding how people found gatherings before internet, there was an additional method which Finch didn't mention, mailing lists. Each region of the country had focalizers who would mail out the howdy folks. I participated in one of these mailings in 1984 with the Mid Atlantic Rainbow Outreach. First, someone designed the howdy folks. One key thing which I remember about these is that they were true invitations clearly stating in words and stick figures what the invitation was for. It was an invitation to a prayer for world peace. Anyone who saw it had no doubts about what they were getting into. We had funds for printing and mailing, neither of which was very expensive at the time. The volunteers putting it together covered it. Other regions would hold fundraisers for this expense. Then we'd have a mailing party. Our list had about 450 addresses in every part of the region. We folded, stuffed, and stamped all together like that. It was fun and I believe that it was more effective than anything I've seen on the internet. Also, there were quite a few people like me. In the spring of 85, I drew up a howdy folks (again, words and stick figures) printed it, then hitchhiked all over the upper Midwest handing them out. I remember telling people that this gathering would be the biggest thing to happen in Missouri since the Mormons came through. I was given to hyperbole even then...

[@TheRainbowfinch]

Thank you so much for this more detailed hipstory!

[@pcflvly]

In the section "How do people eat?" there's another unmentioned mechanism, vision. In 1986 a brother had a vision and no resources except his muscles. He started moving big rocks and building. People who noticed him at it were inspired and he quickly found a couple helpers (including me). We built an oven and got some supplies from main supply, flour and two packages of instant yeast. Of course we made sourdough, then baked hundreds of rolls. Big rolls, our philosophy was that the "more that you give, the more you have to give". This saying is part of the magic hat song now but it wasn't written yet then, however, we proved it. Supplies rolled in: organic flour, buckets of organic nut butters and honey, even a sourdough starter from Scotland that had been kept alive for four hundred years. We didn't need anything from main supply after that. Whoever we served gave what they had. It was magic and that kitchen, the vision, still lives today.

[@TreeandJulia]

Great info, thank you!!

[@eminem13001]

That’s awesome you said that about Missouri and did mailing lists! I know i wish I knew about those mailing lists when I was a young kid and teen in school around the 2010’s. Im still very thankful for the group messages because I can be aware of where the gatherings are happening. I went to the Ozark family one my first one and it was magical and creative. Everyone was so loving and I helped clean the other areas up that people polluted the park with. It was a very small one but I hope to head to nationals this year! Thank you for that story! The rainbow gathering is so much more than just a festival it’s an experience to show people that they can live and survive and thrive living in an alternative living situation That betters the earth. This years National should be so amazing I hope you are able to go too the event.

[@stv111play]

I'm getting old always wanted to visit rainbow gathering in Colorado. I went to a smaller one in VT in early nineties it was a great week of people living, helping and community . cant wait to see the community you twos put together I feel it will be soon. your hearts and experience/knowledge/research will pay off and make it successful for all involved

[@TreeandJulia]

Thank you so much that really means the world

[@Brenden083]

I traveled all over the country on the "Tea Time" rainbow bus for a year or so in 2012. Was the best and worst time of my life. Glad Rainbow is still going with all the challenges of the whirled. Reviving an old commune here in New Mexico, glad to be grounded. God bless 🙏🏼

[@TreeandJulia]

Grounded is beautiful. I resonate! Good luck ❤️

[@SamJones1337]

I really enjoyed this for so many reasons! I've heard about rainbow since I was teenager in the 90s and I always wanted to attend one. This is super motivating for me to learn more about it. A couple quick thoughts I wanted to share. 1) I thought it was really interesting that the latrine digging came from essentially method acting theatre folks. It sounds like there's a definite aspect of willingness to "yes, and" people at these events (like how the original triangle thing happened). That willingness to participate and amplify other's creativity is so important to creating the magic that everyone experiences. 2) hearing about the history of "welcome home" and how it was directed at the Vietnam vets, who were also seeking a place free of fireworks on the 4th of July was super interesting to me. Finch is right burning man and all of its regionals have borrowed that phrase. It was the first thing I saw on a sign the first time I attended one and I distinctly remember thinking "welcome home? Would this place ever feel like home to me?". It absolutely does now and in fact it feels like a family reunion. I love that that exists (and originated) in rainbow as well. 3) I didn't know it all that there were a bunch of regional events all over the world. I need to go find a calendar now :-) Sending love to you both. Thanks for creating and sharing wonderful content.

[@raysloan792]

I've seen the Rainbow gathering on KZbin and that's another want to do and now my son is graduated and out I can go

[@TreeandJulia]

California is nationals this year and there’s other regionals listed in the description :)

[@sarahgrady6152]

My mother joined up with the Rainbow Gathering when I was a new born. We lived with them for the first three months of my life lol. In college I was able to go camping for a weekend with them. Lots of fun and lots of craziness.

[@TreeandJulia]

It’s a wild scene, and a really cool thing to experience

[@gardennonsense]

Thank you for sharing 💚💚💚👍👍

[@TreeandJulia]

Yay thanks for watching!

[@CJTrowbridge]

So good!

[@TreeandJulia]

Thanks Cj :)

[@gamerguy4667]

oh my gosh the findings of gatherings how Finch put it is incredible. I miss the "good ol times" and my local organic grocery store has a billboard as well people put flyers on. this man is hilarious and very smart. good video and guest

[@TreeandJulia]

Oh that’s great to hear, I know right it’s so beautiful to think about people organizing like that

[@DREKOWICK69]

yo, I like that garden show yall was doign

[@TreeandJulia]

Thanks!

[@folse12]

Look at you beard man!! You look crazy!!!

[@TheRainbowfinch]

You think that's an insult but I think my beard makes me look hot-crazy 😊😂

[@TreeandJulia]

😂

[@glitterygraveyard4038]

Is there anything for somebody stuck in Midwest Indiana could get involved in??

[@TheRainbowfinch]

The full moon May Cumberland regional Rainbow Gathering is usually in Kentucky! The Shawnee rainbow gathering near Carbondale, Illinois, is the first half of October! The Great Lakes family throws gatherings in Michigan sometimes too

[@TreeandJulia]

Check out ic.org as well!

[@klasv7174]

O cool you guys are friends with Rasputin

[@TreeandJulia]

It is cool

[@ethicway]

Raibowconnection germany

[@TreeandJulia]

👋

[@sergiomuller9163]

In Summer the European Gathering will be in Germany. You'll find it if you want to find it 😂🙏🏾

[@123Homefree]

Glad yall got the money to be flying around the world to larp makebelieve sustainable utopia in the woods

[@TreeandJulia]

Rainbow Gatherings are obviously not sustainable lol, They're temporary communities were you meet likeminded people & spend time outside sharing food, music & space. It can also affect cold hearted people (like myself sometimes to open up) & love others again, I feel like you need a Rainbow Aaron maybe it'll help you from pushing away everybody that is remotely similar to yourself, Love Tree

[@daughter_of_oberon]

And many people travel to rainbows in their home country or neighboring countries. Getting there via land. It's not sustainable since it is meant to last for one month. But many people participating share amazing knowledge about sustainability.

[@123Homefree]

Sounds like the napal gathering was well accepted cause those foreign gatherings are more wealthy travelers than normal US poor-style rainbows. US regionals under 150 are technically the best size according to Dunbar’s Number communities cant remain egalitarian beyond this many members

[@daughter_of_oberon]

Gatherings in Europe are amazing and peaceful and usually don't have a problem with police either, so it's not just 'poor' countries

[@TreeandJulia]

I do love gatherings of about 100. I do think the demographic of Nepal was generally wealthier but there’s also hardcore world family that just make it work nmw. And once you get to Nepal it’s cheap as hell

[@daleadelic]

@@TreeandJulia im almost certain i sat and ate and talked with you with family in nepal in 2019 was that you ? just a small house and attempt at permaculture in pokhara and you also stayed at jungle front guesthouse where we met ? i was a musician there from uk. a very very poor one but yep many rich and kinda fake hippie types. im just some middle aged freak with a good enough memory... it was fuckin you wasnt it ? sat and watched a storm together.

[@davidresler142]

Finch is a plant!

[@TreeandJulia]

no sir, Finch is a bird! Tree is a plant!

[@davidresler142]

omg you're right!

[@TreeandJulia]

@@davidresler142 Finch stands on tree 😱

[@christifeeney4017]

Where do yall get the money to go to these international gatherings?? Do you have income or things to sell to make $? Traveling and accommodations once you’re there can be cheap (or free) but you’ve got to fly to get there. And international flights are expensive regardless of the carrier. I don’t understand how all these people can afford this lifestyle.

[@TheRainbowfinch]

Airplane tickets aren't honestly as expensive as people think. I am about to go to the Costa Rica rainbow gathering for about $200 round trip flight plus expenses to split gas with someone who is going to the gathering. Many rainbows have careers and save for the gatherings they take time off to go to, some have traveling work either online or through selling their craft or finding temporary labor jobs along the way.

[@TheRainbowfinch]

And some rainbows truly live as hobos, playing music or performing for their bread along the way

[@123Homefree]

How did he not mention the hare krishnas camp theyre were always the most represented religious camp givin put their little saltpeter cookies 😂

[@TheRainbowfinch]

I did mention the Krishnas and the saltpetre is a nasty bigoted and false rumor. Many cooks in Krishna camps are friends of mine and that rumor is hateful nonsense

[@TreeandJulia]

Keep your feedback constructive and informed please mr 123!

[@Kyle-e2o]

You feel better now homefree?? Dang homie you got the weight of the world 🌎 on your shoulder ehh? Julia did you know a Sheryl On floral ave in j c? I'm trying to figure out how I know you.

[@TreeandJulia]

Hahahah he’s always got spicy comments for us. hey there. J c as in jersey city? None of that rings a bell!

[@Kyle-e2o]

@@TreeandJulia upstate n.y Binghamton area

[@Kyle-e2o]

@TreeandJulia dudes soooo jelly it's silly. I love how most people try to prove they know something more than you 2 & are dying to either tell you bout it or argue you guys wrong... h8rs gonna h8 lovers gonna luv but I don't want none of thee above... dave chap / R kellz pee chronicles # 2🎶

[@Gabbro_1]

The Rainbow Gatherings really seem to be the least practical and potentially negative form of community experimentation. Lots of intention, but the reality is very different. I think it's naivety to believe it's a force for good, and you're denying reality for it to be continued in it's current form.

[@TheRainbowfinch]

Idk, my 80+ gatherings and a few decades of lived experience have demonstrated otherwise to me. Have you had personal negative experiences at rainbow gatherings that you felt were resolved badly, or are you just talking about rainbow theoretically?

[@TreeandJulia]

I agree with finch and think you should check it out 😜

[@sergiomuller9163]

A very good comment, I somehow agree on your first sentence. It is a 'community experimentation'. But, a limited one, since everyone knows: it's just a month. So nothing is f.e. constructed to sustain longer..with very, very few exceptions. And honestly, I'm looking for a sustainable community which is definitely not Rainbow. BUT: through Rainbow you might find people who live in or even build up a sustainable community...you'll meet people giving you great ideas to find what you look for. Look, Rainbow is a place where everyone is welcome (besides 'authorities'). It's a medium to connect, similar to Internet but live and personal. Rainbows will 'never continue in its current form'. Why? There's no boss to tell so. It's just based on a couple of agreements and even those can be disputed. Someone makes it happen..or not. So in MANY cases it's an 'organizer' who never did this before. Shalom ❤️ unrelated: I've talked to all 3 of you on rainbows, maybe all in Mexico 😂 I hope Finchs 'World Rainbow Camp' at this anniversary worked out fine! I remember we had the consensus in Mexico on this one while deciding where the next world rainbow was going to take place and Finch lateron handed out those beautiful invitations. Sadly the invitation didn't come from the nation(community). World Rainbow in USA was/is definitely not possible. Just heard today a sportswoman wanted to take part in competition but was denied entry because two years before she did holidays in Cuba. I guess same goes for Iran/Russia, maybe even Venezuela and more. This strange country (USA) just has two many enemies in the world. So it's simply impossible for the world to meet up. I sincerely hope(!!) but sadly don't feel this will change until I leave this body 😉🙏🏾 Speed up this change please, rather sooner than later. Then I would love to meet up with this 'community' at their homeplace ❤️

[@DREKOWICK69]

yo, if you tryna meet chicks, is this the place? tryna bring a wife back to FL

[@TheRainbowfinch]

Nope. Not the place. I recommend singles groups in your area.

[@ronmiller6270]

😂

[@TreeandJulia]

Nope not the place

[@folse12]

Liars

[@TheRainbowfinch]

How many comments were you planning on leaving?

[@TreeandJulia]

😭😭😭