HOW AND WHY TO MAKE A WANDER SOCIETY STATION

As members of the Wander Society, we take on a sense of ownership of our environment and the place we live in. In this sense, we become caretakers and stewards of the earth. Once people begin to realize that everything is connected, they begin to act in different ways. They realize that this planet is a living, breathing thing and if you cause harm to one part of it the consequences are felt by all.

Through nurturing our connection with our immediate environment, we members of the Wander Society gain a deep, firsthand understanding of the role we all play in the success of the planet. We also foster a belief in using only what we need, what we have around us to create our existence, and we tread lightly. We use the tools of instinct, intuition, and experimentation.

We do this first by learning to take care of ourselves and our own needs, giving ourselves space and time to ponder, to daydream. Then, by caring for the needs of our city/village and everything around it, we develop a deep sense of gratitude for the gifts we receive on our wanderings, and a feel for and understanding of the balance of all things. We reawaken a deep love of the earth and turn our wanderings into an art form.

This experience is accessible to all people. Imagine a world where most of us felt this way. Much of the damage and destruction we see today would not exist. It is the wanderer’s mission to take what he or she has learned and pass it on to others. It is our way of giving back and reawakening this deep love in others. In this way, it is possible to foster a movement that promotes a deep awareness of ourselves and a harmony with nature.

You can help create this movement by putting up Wander Society stations in your city or town. These stations hold small pamphlets that you can print out and fold and leave in secret places for others to find.

You will need:

1. Print out the station template found at thewandersociety.com/station_instructions.pdf or use template here.

2. Cut it out and trace it onto cardboard with a marker.

3. Using a utility knife, cut out the cardboard station.

4. Score on the lines and cut the slots as indicated on the template.

5. Fold and insert the sides through the slots.

6. Glue or draw a “Take One” sign to the front of the station.

7. Thread some string or ribbon through the back slots.

8. For a bit of weatherproofing, you may wish to cover the station with clear packing tape or some clear acrylic sealer such as Mod Podge (stay away from aerosols as they are harmful to the environment).

9. Print out several pamphlets found at thewandersociety.com/intro_pam_instr.pdf and fold according to these instructions (see pdf illustration).

10. Place the pamphlets in the station and head out.

11. Tie the station to trees or other spots you find suitable. (Choose locations that are somewhat weatherproof so that the station will last as long as possible.) The station will deteriorate naturally over time. This is okay. Nothing in life is permanent.

12. Check on your stations periodically to see if they need more pamphlets. Don’t worry if they have been vandalized or stolen. People realize their power and sometimes want to use it to sabotage. Just make another station and change locations.