Community Building with a Greek mayor

In Greece so called Western democracy was invented. It is supposed to give everybody the same rights and a voice in the decision making process of the collective. But it is getting more and more obvious that this principle doesn't apply for everybody. Not everybody has the same rights and chances. Lucky those who have the right numbers in their bank account, the right family name, right religion and the right skin color. But the core idea of democracy of course is different. It is about living in community between people with equal rights. And in a village you can learn a lot about this principle. What's working and what's not so working.

I myself grew up in a village, in Bavaria, and I mostly hated it. But this Greek village, Akrata, I love it. It really feels like community here and not so much like an Instagram performance, or a cage or a prison where everybody has to do and think the same. Akrata is different. It is located in the north of the Peloponnese, just about two hours from Athens. Between the sea and the mountains, surrounded by hundreds of olive trees. The Greek revolution started not far from here. The people are still proud of it. And to build resistance: you need to be able to build community.

It is not easy says Christos, but Akrata has special conditions. It has a long tradition of different social and cultural groups where many villagers are involved. The theater group for example is more than 100 years old and one of the oldest amateur theaters in all Greece. And Akrata is close to Athens, so “people showed us how to live free”, his Maria says, Christos partner and the owner of a bar. And the people of Akrata listened to this freedom. To Christos it is a crucial ingredient for community building. The other one is: truth. Don't pretend, be real. With yourself and with others.

Easier said than done, Christos tells us how. In his other life he is a music teacher and the head of the village orchestra. He also has an idea what the meaning of life could be. Enjoy the conversation and share your thoughts and impressions in the comments.

To get the full length episode and some more joy and justice subscribe to our Substack account.