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¶ H.e.l.f.a.
¶ What is H.e.l.f.a.?
This initiative was launched on September 6, 2020, and has since steadily grown in size. The idea behind H.e.l.f.a. is to create a loving world for all people, utilizing gift economy as its foundation. Ideally, H.e.l.f.a. operates without the use of money, directing the focus towards what our hearts desire.
H.e.l.f.a. is not just a simple acronym but also a versatile brand name with various layers of meaning, including “Helfa passionately engage for others.” This name serves not only as a guiding principle for the dedicated community but also acts as a distinctive label for a variety of projects and even products.
The project is a connection of people coming together to create a new form of society. This initiative represents an infrastructure developed collectively despite all differences. H.e.l.f.a. embodies an inner attitude, a feeling, a way of life, relaxation, joy, and much more.
The initiative actively explores the question of the world and value community in which we want and can live. What is implemented with H.e.l.f.a. is based on proven methods and lifestyles practiced in various cultures and communities. The idea is to unite old and proven societal concepts with new ideas and let them flourish together with many people.
H.e.l.f.a.'s new approach combines practical assistance with global networking through the internet. H.e.l.f.a. emerged in response to competition, division, and egomania in society. It was created as a response to a global movement seeking alternative lifestyles in harmony with the needs of people, animals, and nature.
The project reflects the need to review and question existing societal structures to promote positive changes. H.e.l.f.a. aims to create a world where future generations can also unfold safely, meaningfully, and substantially. It is about creating reliable values that enable trustworthy cooperation.
In this process of change, it is essential to rethink old ways of thinking and find new paths. H.e.l.f.a. invites people to collaboratively create a new value community that considers diversity and individuality but is based on the 4+1 H.e.l.f.a. rules.
¶ The Basis of H.e.l.f.a.
H.e.l.f.a. Rules: A Foundation for Community and Collaboration
The H.e.l.f.a. Rules serve as a structured foundation for collective action and coexistence. Rules are essential to ensure order, safety, fairness, and social harmony. The 4+1 H.e.l.f.a. Rules emphasize voluntarism, respect, and collaboration:
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Free or at Cost: Emphasizes the importance of free assistance and sustainable collaboration.
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Build Trust / Deanonymize: Trust as a foundation; personal acquaintance and deanonymization are crucial in the digital age.
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Moderator Team, Our Contacts: Moderators promote communication, connection, trust, and responsibility.
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Rules: Group autonomy in creating their own rules to consider regional and cultural differences.
+1 Rule - Kefi (positive energy, having fun): Focus on joy and fun in activities; self-confidence, compassion, and inspiration support joyful interaction.
The principles emphasize trust, personal connections, the role of moderators, individual and group rules, as well as joy and fun. H.e.l.f.a. aims to build a supportive and trusting community.
Basis of H.e.l.f.a.: The established rules serve as a basis for a supportive infrastructure. The goal is to transform the current system into a cooperative society. The concept of love in H.e.l.f.a. refers to what connects people and enables compassion. Self-regulation and collective efforts to uphold the principles are key elements.
¶ Group Structure
In the H.e.l.f.a. project, the status of a group is only granted when members have personal connections, collaborate, and actively participate in activities. A fundamental requirement for group recognition lies in the real interaction and collaboration of members. Group autonomy, as per H.e.l.f.a. Rule 2, is of great importance. Each group can establish its own rules to address its individual needs and challenges.
There are 4+1 types of groups in H.e.l.f.a.:
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Local Groups: Meet physically on-site, know and trust each other. Function in reality and are active. Limited to about 200 members for functionality. Location-oriented and can collaborate with other local groups.
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Thematic Groups: Groups of people interested in a specific topic. Theme-oriented, passive, and unlimited number of members. Exchange of information and initiation of projects on a specific topic. Local thematic groups can be created within any local group.
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Professional Groups: Groups of people well-versed in a specific profession. Profession-oriented, passive, and unlimited number of members. High expertise and skills in a field. Support other groups, especially in emergencies.
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Organization Groups: Groups of people supporting other groups, including other organization groups. Dedicated to a specific goal. Can consist of natural and legal persons (companies, associations, GmbHs, foundations). Active, unlimited number of members, and support a specific theme.
Plus: Academies: Offer specialized training and workshops focused on specific topics. Provide a platform for the exchange of expertise in certain professional fields and areas. Engage in the development of concepts, plans, and solutions within their specific areas. Support other groups, especially local groups, thematic groups, and professional groups, by providing expertise and resources.
A hierarchical structure emphasizes efficient information distribution without power weighting. Geographic levels allow the merger of local, regional, and super-regional groups to global coordination. The two-dimensional levels allow a differentiated view of specialized topics and promote collaboration on projects. Flexibility arises from autonomous group and level building, while targeted filtering of information ensures members receive relevant content. Overall, this structure creates a cooperative environment where hierarchy serves solely for transparent information distribution without establishing a power hierarchy.
¶ Strategies
H.e.l.f.a. groups engage with the 8+1 strategies to address challenges of daily life and potential emergency situations. Each of the strategies requires intensive research, analysis, and training for members. The areas include:
- Food
- Drink
- Shelter
- Communication
- Mobility
- Energy
- Everyday Essentials
- Health
+1 Kefi
The additional point “Kefi” emphasizes the importance of social well-being and emotional support. These strategies aim at effective resource utilization, risk management, long-term planning, adaptability, promotion of competence and knowledge, and community bonding. The selection and implementation of these strategies require comprehensive situational analysis, clear objectives, flexibility, participative decision-making, sustainability, continuous learning, and a holistic approach in line with ethical principles.
¶ Conflict Resolution
H.e.l.f.a. views conflicts as potentially positive if resolved constructively. The ability for conflict resolution requires an understanding of the causes of conflicts, their effective management, and preventive measures to defuse conflicts in a timely manner. In this context, H.e.l.f.a. emphasizes various strategies, with a central role given to the “3 De-escalation Levels.”
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Understanding Conflict and Positive Appreciation:
- H.e.l.f.a. recognizes conflicts as an opportunity for positive change when approached constructively.
- The focus is on a deep understanding of the causes of conflicts to solve problems at the root.
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Preventive Strategies:
- In addition to direct conflict resolution, H.e.l.f.a. relies on preventive measures to detect and defuse conflicts early.
- This can be achieved through training, awareness, and promoting an open communication climate.
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- Talking to Each Other: Open communication between conflicting parties, emphasizing the importance of respectful and clear dialogues.
- Involvement of a Moderator or Mediator: Neutral intermediary to support conflicting parties, focusing on de-escalation and promoting collaboration.
- Group Decisions: Collective decision-making by the group, from standard solutions to excluding individuals, to foster positive group dynamics.
H.e.l.f.a. aims to establish a culture of conflict resolution through these strategies, based on understanding, prevention, and collective decisions.