The term restoration colony is used to describe a group of people who work together to establish a community, produce food and shelter, and educate each other about technology, economics, and politics. These individuals are typically volunteers who love what they do but weren’t paid for it.
These colonies are located in places where there is need for community-based solutions such as disaster relief, resettlement, and innovation. Many are run by volunteers but are not always organized.
Colonies have their challenges such as finding space to build their community, ensuring the safety of members, and managing finances. Regardless of how these issues are addressed, members must all agree before anything can be built.
This article will talk about some of the colony types including what they do, why they exist, and how you can join one yourself.
Contents:
What were the restoration colonies?
The term restoration colony has been used to describe a group of people who live together in a secure, structured environment. These communities have existed for years, and recently they have gained momentum as a lifestyle choice.
Many see it as an escape from the pressures of society and their stagnant lives. Others find it therapeutic to be apart from others but with the same rules and regulations of society.
Most members agree that it heals them mentally and physically to live in such an environment, especially if they have lost their normal sense of self-confidence and composure.
There are several types of restoration colonies, so this article will only talk about one type: The Brotherhood colony. Both generic and specific terms will be used to describe this type of community.
Reasons for the creation of restoration colonies
The reasons for the creation of restoration colonies were economic, political, and social. Economic factors played a role in the development of restoration colonies.
When large companies began to sponsor restoration colony programs, they provided funds to establish a company-sponsored community where former inmates could find stability and employment.
By recruiting employees for these groups, employers were able to justify having a large number of workers due to recruitment efforts. Social factors played a role in establishing restoration colonies.
Internal pressure from each other and internal cohesion were key elements in the creation of Restoration Colonies.
Role of Benjamin Franklin
During the Revolutionary War, Franklin served as a colonial representative. As a representative, he was responsible for introducing legislation into his colony’s assembly and for pursuing legislative measures in his colony’s governing body.
His main job was to negotiate treaties with neighboring colonies and Native American tribes, help find common ground on social issues, and assist when necessary in bringing both sides together.
He also served as governor of the colony for a short time and helped solidify his reputation as an outspoken public advocate for causes. His influence can be seen in the way his name was included in bills he helped pass.
His efforts had a big impact on his community, however. Because of him, people were able to access food, shelter, and health services that were needed. These services would not have been available if he did not work so hard to provide them.
Did they succeed?
As described in the bullet point, the Restoration Colonies were a group of colonies that reunited following the American Civil War. These new colonies reunited following a time of hardship and strife, and established a common goal: to reclaim what was lost during the American Revolutionary War.
The members of this community were very proud of their heritage, and wanted to ensure their history was not forgotten. Therefore, they devoted a lot of their time and energy to having historical sites constructed and restored. Many believe this helped restore confidence in themselves as a people and in the world they are trying to influence.
This is similar to the manner in which some groups have rebuilt after natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes. They feel like they have an obligation to help restore confidence in themselves and their ability to influence the world around them.
Lessons learned from the restoration colonies
During the Civil Rights era, African Americans were placed in separate communities based on segregated neighborhoods. These neighborhoods were called “restation colonies” or “residence centers.”
They served as a short-term living situation for newly arrived migrants and as a reintegration strategy for individuals who had been removed from their homes and communities and placed into unfamiliar surroundings.
Resettlement colonies offered residents services such as medical care, social services, housing, and child support services. They were designed to help individuals struggling with drug addiction or mental health issues find a new sense of security in their new community.
Many former detention facilities became these colony-style residences, making it easier for people to access services without having to travel to the hospital. These types of programs have more recently been developing app-based models that make it easy for them to extend service to those who need it.
Application to modern times
In 1789, when the Constitution was adopted, there were two major political systems in America: the new republic of independent states and the mother country.
The new nation was formed out of the old one, with each state having its own government. The new country had been created by a new set of laws that replaced the old ones.
The old country had been a monarchy, with a king as its ruler. The people had not liked what he did and how he ruled, so they had voted him out of office three years before he even took office.
Then, in 1781, when war broke out between France and America, King George III decided that he needed to have a little piece of American land to rule. So, in July of that year, he granted thirty-six thousand acres near London for a royal home and royal family colony.
Readings
During the early years of the republic, many states formed politically connected groups called “clubs” or “associations.” These club-like organizations focused their efforts on political matters, often promoting elections and legislation related to that industry.
Some of these club-like groups were founded to promote political equality, economic prosperity, and social welfare for their members. Others promoted laws that protected their property rights or economic interests.
All of these things had an impact on what bills passed and what failures occurred in the legislature. All had a hand in establishing who was a member, when membership fees were due, and whether or not they were accepted into the group.
In terms of popularity and failure, both equality-based clubs and those that promoted economic interests had similar outcomes. Members generally desired political equality but did not always understand how to participate.