I am surprised and happy that David is writing about the importance of community building.  I started a farmers' market in rural Lane County, and it has been the most rewarding volunteer work in over 20 years of activism.  Not only does it help support local farmers and artists in our local community and food security,  it has been great for neighbors meeting neighbors; we have had community picnics, emergency preparedness and other events and efforts as a result of the farmers' market.   I believe local grassroots efforts are the path to resilience and good health.  Implementing decentralized energy and agriculture is key.  Bioregionalism is key.  Sourcing basic necessities close to home. Protecting our ecosystems and their basic services.  We are headed towards mass species extinction due to global warming, human population explosion, toxic chemicals, factory farming, etc. and it should be "all hands on deck" to mitigate and change this course. Keep it local, organic and sustainable.