Support the Crazy Ones, Change the World!

Support the Crazy Ones, Change the World!

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The rebels. The troublemakers. The ones who see things differently. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~ Apple Inc., 1997

Greetings Seasteaders:

Humans are naturally innovative, but there is a crucial area where innovation is constrained — politics. With your support, we can unleash innovation in government and allow pioneers to peacefully test new systems of government on the ocean. Those found to be successful will inspire change in governments around the world. Today, the lack of an open space for political experiments is limiting human progress, which is why The Seasteading Institute seeks to open a new frontier for civilization. Call us crazy, but with your support we will succeed.

This is a great opportunity to fund our research and movement-building efforts, because the Thiel Foundation has sponsored a $500,000 matching grant for 2011. To get each dollar, we must raise a dollar from supporters like you. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters so far, we have already raised approximately $125,000 this year. The sprint is on to raise as much of the remaining match as possible. On December 31st, the match will end.

This has been a productive year for the Institute and we have even bigger plans to advance seasteading in 2012.

We believe the best path to develop innovative seastead-based governments competing for citizens is through an incremental approach. The first pioneers will be entrepreneurs experimenting with businesses on ships outside of nations’ territorial waters — hence free from often-burdensome regulations. Thus, we are making it our primary objective over the next few years to nurture the formation of seasteading businesses.

The launch of successful ocean-based businesses is the next major step toward ocean city-states. Our flagship project for 2012 is hosting a conference in San Francisco for entrepreneurs, investors, maritime experts, and others who want to work on seasteading ventures. We are continuing to conduct specific research projects important to the seasteading industry.

In 2012 we will expand our engineering research through our partnerships with academic institutions and maritime professionals. Among other research, we will investigate costs of outfitting seasteads with renewable energies such as wind, solar and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and research modular designs for ships, barges and platforms. To prepare for the challenges of large floating cities, we are developing a road map that will guide research for the next several years.

Bettering the world through seasteading requires the support and actions of a large and diverse community. This is why we continue to put great effort into building our movement. This year we have doubled our newsletter readership, been featured in numerous news articles, and launched a wildly successful volunteer ambassador program. Now we are counting on your contributions in order to channel the increased awareness of our movement into action.

We need to invent the next generation of government. Through seasteading, we will bring innovation to politics, but to get there we need your financial support. Please make a generous tax-deductible donation today.

To freedom, to innovation, to being crazy enough to change the world! Michael Keenan, President The Seasteading Institute

P.S. Remember, we need your support by December 31st to receive matching funds from The Thiel Foundation’s $500,000 grant. Donations are tax-deductible. Please make your contribution today!

*Keep up with all that is happening at The Seasteading Institute by visiting our blogs, forums, and Facebook page. We’re also on Twitter.