Threefold Driftless is pioneering a new approach to community revitalization inspired by a philosophy called Social Threefolding.
SOCIAL THREEFOLDING IS...
creating communities that welcome and support the creative expression of every person.
recognizing and balancing the three “force-fields” of our lives: the economic, the political and the cultural.
taking practical steps to heal polarization, corruption, apathy, and tyranny of all kinds.
learning how to take initiative effectively and collaboratively.
SOCIAL THREEFOLDING IS...
based on the idea that bringing the economic, governmental, and cultural aspects of society into right relationship with each other results in healthy, vibrant communities.
Today, we are in crisis because culture, government and economics are in competition with one another. Without an understanding of their rightful roles, they seek to rule over one another and, in doing so, create social illness.Social threefolding sees human beings as having an inherent capacity for altruism, cooperation and empathy, which can allow us to understand and work together with people with completely different backgrounds and perspectives.Social Threefolding thus works to build up healthy social structures and practices that support each person to realize their highest gifts and collaborate with others to benefit the greater good of society.
Social Threefolding is...
present in every society, community, organization and family. The three "force fields" reflect, and bring to expression, the threefold nature of the human being – body, soul and spirit.In right relationship, the cultural, economic, and rights realms follow distinctive principles and have a unique way of expressing themselves when they are in balance and harmony with one another.
cultural LIFE
Education, religion, medicine, social services, the arts, etc. are aspects of our cultural lives. These areas flouish in an atmosphere of freedom where a diversity of beliefs, lifestyles, approaches and worldviews can come to expression with as little political and economic constraint as possible.
political LIFE
When pervaded by a spirit of equality, empathic interest in differing points of view, and active participation by every adult member of society, the political life comes into healthy balance.
economic life
Systems of exchange and commerce – when rooted in a spirit of cooperation, transparency, fairness, generosity, and meeting the needs of others – support individuals in realizing their highest potential and create a thriving economic life.
Social Threefolding is...
based on the work of Rudolf Steiner, a 20th century social innovator who developed Waldorf education, biodynamic farming, and many holistic approaches aimed at bringing the planet and all of her inhabitants into peaceful, cooperative existence.
the aim of Social Threefolding
is to support each individual
to realize their highest gifts
and collaborate with others
for the benefit of all.
curious to know more?
What does social organizing look like when informed by Social Threefolding? Our Substack blog will give you an overview of some of the community initatives we've taken -- and perhaps spark some ideas for how your gifts can serve to elevate your community.
About Us
Threefold Driftless is a non-partisan group that works to foster healthy expressions of culture, government and business in the Driftless bioregion of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois. Our projects and priorities at this time are focused in Viroqua, Wisconsin and include:
Organizing public forums that bring together cultural, governmental and economic actors to problem-solve, form shared visions, build community;
Fostering constructive dialogue and debate on sensitive issues using models for depolarizing discourse developed by groups such as Braver Angels;
Supporting emerging leaders and incubating innovative projects, businesses and organizations that can help strengthen the health of our community.
The steering team members of Threefold Driftless is comprised of community volunteers: Kyle Glenn, Robert Karp, Monica Matos, Jan Palmer and Aaron Parker. Check out our Substack to see past events, and sign up to get notice of future events.
Connect with us
Thank you
Charles Angell and Drew Shonka for so skillfully
photographing the unique beauty of the Drifltess region.