Algon Forks: A Self-Sufficient Society – Fiction

Algon Forks is a small, fairly self-sufficient community in Maine. The society is comprised of 45 households and a small town center. It may be best to begin describing the area from the center, at the four-way stop. Three roads branch off to three cul de sacs, each with fifteen homes and gardens. The last road provides a lifeline to the outside world. At the heart of the community are the town hall and bartering center, where issues are resolved and members of the community can trade goods and services. These buildings, two-story brick structures often seen in Maine downtowns, offer the foundations for the society. 

Self-sufficient society is an important phrase to note here. This denotes that members move here, acknowledging certain lifestyle requirements. First, bartering is the way. There is a community fund for commerce with the outside world, but internally, the society trades in community credits. Trades and bartering are set on a time equivalent. One community credit is equal to one hour of work. A carpenter repairing a deck for five hours receives five credits. Food and other crafts can also be traded in exchange for credits. Emergency services have a double value. The society requires barters to be committed in a ledger. The ledger is accessible at all times. No member shall have more than fifty credits at any time. A maximum of fifteen credits may roll over into the following year. A minimum monthly contribution of ten credits keeps members active in the community. The community credits are tallied at an end-of-year celebration. Members offer gratitude and celebrate the most active people. 

Second, members shall have particular skill sets, such as teachers, tradesmen, medicine, and cooking. All members will host gardens to provide food for the community. Two of the three cul de sacs focus primarily on food cultivation. The community must assess for needs regularly. No member will be removed unless they violate community policies including theft and assault. New members will be judged by their character and skillset. 

Third, members join for the sense of community. With space for 45 families, Algon Forks is founded on participation, and every member plays an active role. The purpose of the society is to develop a fulfilling and connected life. Relationships and shared experiences are vital. Community members gather for picnics, dances, and celebrations, with volunteers organizing events of all types. Purpose and well-being guide daily life. Algon Forks is not a place for isolation. Children attend school and serve in apprenticeships later on, based on interests. The self-sufficent aspect involves the entire community; no individual is completely sufficient on their own.

The society is governed in the classic Maine town hall style. Meetings are moderated by three selectmen. The select board is made up of rotating members of the community. The select board members act as the moderator, secretary, and treasurer. The board serves a staggered three-year term. Each year, a selectman is replaced by a new community member.

The land, buildings, and all property are set in a cooperative trust. The trust is managed by the rotating select board. Financials and meetings are public information to members of the community. Fraud should be avoided with this system. Issues are voted on with a majority requirement. The largest “issue” would be the welcoming of future members. Homes are not sold, as they are in the trust. However, prospective members may live temporarily for up to four months in an open home to experience the society before deciding if it’s the right fit. Additionally, a two-thirds majority vote must be held to decide if the prospective member should join.

The bartering hall hosts booths for crafts and services offered by community members. The hall also hosts community events: movie night for the kids, the knitting group, and the D&D club. Since community members are likely working on projects or engaged in other activities, the booths often include pictures or videos showcasing bartering opportunities. Most bartering, however, is done between members at their homes. An example of a trade might be a mechanic offering an oil change in exchange for the tailor adjusting some clothing. 

Second post on this community