Why you should read this series obsessively over the next few months:
- Learn how to say what you believe in 10 seconds or less.
- Explore how people are really experiencing your nation.
- Learn how to conduct a national census.
- Dissect our biggest (and costliest) mistakes.
- Learn how to rally your people around a cause.
- Discover how to create a prosperous nation that successfully supports the cause it represents and the people it serves.
And at least 19 and a half other foundational concepts that you need to know as the founder of your nation.
A is for A Small Nation
Before we jump into these concepts, we need to add a definition to the word “nation”. As the founders of our nation, we feel licensed to do this. Webster old pal, please forgive us.
Nation (n.): An organized, communal pursuit of an idea or cause that the people of the nation are committed to and willing to shed blood for. Not to be used interchangably with “business”,“tribe”, or “true fans” (concepts which can be used to support a nation, but not replace it or supercede it).
Do you have a nation? Do you want to build (or re-build) your nation? If you do, we made this series for you.
Meet the nation-builders
Our common pursuit is in rallying people together for a passionate cause that is worth fighting for. Any time that happens, in big or in small ways, we get a little teary-eyed. Meet the folks who are willing to shed blood for this nation. And in turn, for you and yours. (By the way, not every nation-builder is pictured here…just the human ones who collaborated on the series and are willing to wear costumes.)
Sarah J. Bray, Leader of the Free World and lover of toast. Writing is her thing, and she serves as the strategic “bus” that runs over the ideas and sees which ones survive.
Julianne Carson, High Commissioner. She came up with the ideas for each piece and gave creative direction as well as hands-on collaboration. She’s the brainstorm “bubble” and dreams the impossible dreams.
Jeff Dear, Ambassador Savant. He is the photographer and philosopher for this series, asking the “why” questions and giving deep thought to everything he touches.
Jen Whitaker, Working Apprentice. She assisted with costumes, logistics, and comic relief. Also about a thousand other things that would have gone rogue without her.
Happy 4th, everyone! After we finish our watermelon, we’ll be prepping for our next part in the series: B is for Belief: Why just believing in your nation’s mission isn’t enough.
Leave a comment
We love conversation and community. Things that we especially love: good questions, banter, and anything that mentions toast or ways to make toast. Our comment policy is that we actively respond for 24 hours after we publish a post, and we may drop by now and again after that.
We also like prompts to get the conversation rolling. We’re curious – What nation are you building, or do you dream of building?
Happy 4th Sarah (and other nation builders.) It is worth noting that I read this while eating toast.
That is SO worth noting, Dan. Always.
(Thank you Dan!)
Sarah! WOW! This is terrific! Love that you’re announcing this on independence day! My nation is the Intuitive Bridge, a country devoted to helping people get in touch with their true powerful natures, and through that to enact positive change on the world!
Woohoo! Thank you. Yeah, I totally busted it to get this done today. I had to use lots of chocolate and swedish fish. lol
We’re building a cetacean nation, to make sure whales & dolphins have a clean, quiet ocean full of fish. Or does ocean nation sound better? Either way, you can keep the toast. It gets soggy in the sea. Thank you as ever for our website, which we love, and your inspiring example, which we also love.
Thank you so much, guys. I tremendously enjoyed working with you. Your nation makes me swoon (and make whale noises…and get mad at ocean liners).
Aww, I miss working with you guys! I hope you’re doing really well, my amphibious friends.
Congrats on the new site, Sarah! And happy 4th (or as we call it, American “Canada Day”)
I’m building a nation of local bread lovers — both bakers and eaters. Slowly. When I’m not baking bread (or as you might call it, “Raw Toast”)
You’re an inspiration.
Mark
RAW TOAST. I am all for that, Mark. Thank you so much. One day, I will eat said toast when I am on that side of the border.
Love this space! I’m building a nation founded on trading fish tales around the fire … in the digital age. Here, we eat story for every meal — and it tastes damn good.
Thank you Brit! It really feels like home already. I want fish! And stories (especially your globe-traveling ones). Tell me more about your vision for that…what does it look like for you?
My vision looks like folks, including me, slowing down enough to notice our own stories — then sharing them with one another. It looks like using social media and other online tools in ways that better connects us and our stories … from Omaha to New Orleans to Delhi to Zurich to Bogota to wherever. It’s about connection.
Sarah! First, I had a dream with something about toast in it and *in the dream* said, “I must remember to tell Sarah Bray.” Unfortunately, when I woke the part I remembered was meaning to tell you. I completely forgot the substance of the toast part.
The nation I dream of is both teaching and support for wearing your heart on your sleeve, continually cultivating love and compassion, making your life your meditation practice.
I DO believe there’s a longing to find and join this nation. But oh so many questions on my part for nation-building how-to. Will be obsessively reading. Thank you.
That is so hilarious! I will keep my eyes open for flying objects today…especially toast. What a beautiful nation you’re building, Mahala. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Sarah! I’m building a nation where people think creatively, remember to PLAY, love to scribble & sketch and dream of big, silly ideas. It’s lovely to celebrate Independence with you & A Small Nation!
Yay ROZ!!! I think you and Jules would get along extremely well. And I DESPERATELY need that kind of nation.
Yes, we would get along! I just love Keri Smith’s journals and their beautiful randomness and creativity. We need a LOT more of that in the world!
Hi Sarah!
I’m building a nation of storytellers — I guess more like a united nation of storytellers, since they’re all bringing their worlds with them and sharing them with others. I’m teaching them simple systems to develop worlds, and sharing my worlds with them as well. 
(So perhaps two nations?)
Or maybe it’s a meta-nation like ours! Love that Cathy. The UN of S.
Love this live-commenting feature that Disqus has. That was really fun. We (okay, probably *I*, since I’m the only nation-builder crazy enough to be on the internet on the 4th of July) will be responding for the rest of today and tonight in a not-live way, as per usual.
Thank you guys for sharing about the nations you’re building. This is inspiring.
I am an orphaned Vice-Regent in need of clarification. Not sure which nation to build until I get a little further out of the Fire Swamp, but taking steps to do that piece. My continents will be called copy-writing, come-along-siding, and life alignment. When they are real and floating in the sea of ‘A Blend Somewhere Between Humor and Provocation’ I will capitalize (and hopefully monetize) them.
All I can think about is “Kaley and the Fire Swamp” now. Most excellent!
Beeeyouuuutiful, as always. I love you and your brain, Sarah. <3
Awww…thanks Rhiannon. You and your brain are pretty amazing yourselves.
I’m still writing the constitution for my nation, but it is devoted to a) encouraging people to bring art into their lives, not with a big serious capital A, but in small, personal, quirky ways that delight and entertain and provide talismans and b) to making such art…
Toast is the National Snack, by the way.
Rabbit Rabbit! Lisa, I love how you relentlessly pursue your art in new and experimental ways. And how you have a national snack that is toast. Awesome.
This so rocks it… :::big happy toothy grin:::
Thank you Cindy. I am so very excited about being able to produce this. Finally!
Congratulations, y’all. Perfect alignment of The Launch with the day of “liberty for all.” I’m building a nation of like-valued people (to differentiate it from one populated solely by “like-minded” people, which, frankly, would boring) who believe that the right to align our business, our life purpose, and our values is an inalienable right. And that we have a right to do so at any point in our lives, whatever our age or circumstances.
I love the idea of “like-valued people” — what a fantastic distinction, and certainly worthy of building a nation around.
That sounds so cool, Clara. I can’t wait to hear more. I believe that anything not led by values is a mess waiting to happen. There’s no real compass without that.
I am taking a global nation [is that possible?] to the next level this year – it is a place where animals and people live together in peace and everything you buy supports the earth rather than destroying it – sound like a little slice of heaven? It’s called Earth. Help!
Yay for big big thinking!
Hi Sarah! I’m so excited about this new series
I’m building a nation of people and dogs who live in harmony together 
Looking forward to the rest!
Awww…that is so great! My poor schnauzer was hiding under my daughter’s crib when we got home from 4th of July festivities…he was terrified of the noise, and then he couldn’t get out. Love this, Abbie.
I’m building a nation of people ready to follow their bliss. Eager to identify, start and sustain work on their dream – a nation of people whose intent is to get meaningful things done.
Bliss is something I’m extremely passionate about too, Beat (and what a great name, btw). Have you read Belsky’s “Making Ideas Happen” yet? It’s helping me to be more objective about the things that get in my way.
hi – congratulations! this is beautiful!
i’m building a nation of image-loving diver-inners! people who want to re-assemble all the dis-located and dis-membered parts of themselves. and then commune with all those glorious parts in the land of drawing and painting and metaphorical tea parties….
yeee! looking forward to more! jessica
Congrats, Sarah! The new space is beautiful!
I’m building a nation of creative explorers-of-their-own-worlds. Their worlds are usually in the outward of their handmade businesses, but includes all that inside-stuff, outside-stuff, and adventurous-stuff that comes from sharing your personal thing.
So my nation is more like…a solar system, or a confederation of planets. Everyone zooms around exploring their own world, while stopping by the confederation to share their experiences, ask questions, and generally feel the warmth of knowing they’re not the only explorer/creator.
Oh my stars. YOU ARE SUCH NATIONY NATIONERS!!!!! So happy for you all!! Can’t wait to dive into the series.
Thank you Caligater! We miss your adorable face…I need to get to Boulderrrrrrr.
FREEDOM! (yelled with both fists raised in the air)
I love these photos of you all. I want to build a nation for people who can’t stop hating on everything they write. When they live in my nation, writing & editing will feel like playing in an impromptu marching band through the streets of Paris.
[...] Julie Stein [...]