An Alternative to "Social Media"
- Jen McMillin
- Feb 18
- 8 min read
I really wish you were here to watch the birds with me this morning. Warm in my office, I can observe the swooping blue jays, a flash of cardinal, and an occasional splash from the geese. All of which I’m grateful for today. It is helping to soothe my rage and disappointment.
While I don’t let it show often - my anger can be legendary. And I think it’s rightfully placed anger - it hurts my heart to carry it with me.
Today’s rage is directed at just a few people - Musk, Zuckerberg, and the like - profiting off the most perverted form of community ever devised. In a world longing for connection, beauty, and kindness - almost every form of media, social or not, pops up to provide rage-fuel, horror, and hate.
That is the reason for the anger simmering in my chest today. That our society has provided us with so little personal free time, we are forced to sneak in snippets of humanity at the water cooler or on the toilet.
What’s the alternative? How do we - in a culture that has for years prided itself on how many families had their private entertainment with pools, playgrounds, and at-home theaters, create connection in our communities without the help from bad faith actors like Elon Musk?
A Modern Chautauqua
Sitting, watching the chubby squirrels, I’m reminded of Walden’s Pond, of the Granger Movement, and especially of the American tradition of chautauqua. Places in nature, focused on the values of our shared community where Americans of all kinds could gather to learn, discuss, and decompress.
If you aren’t familiar with this period of history - don’t feel bad. The Chautauqua Movement fell out of favor as few families and communities had the time or resources to participate after the 1920s. As a lazy historian, I won’t bore you with all the details, mostly because I’m still researching. So instead, I’d like to share with you an idea.
How could we bring back this form of community and connection today?
Let’s start with the definition of a Chautauqua. Named after the county in New York where the idea originated, it was and still is a college-like institution that provided popular adult education courses and entertainment, mainly in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Imagine for a moment how you feel when you are on vacation. Yes, it’s enjoyable; there are new sights and routines for you to explore. But it doesn’t feel… American. There’s no clear purpose, no reason to guide your adventures. You shuffle between tourist traps, waiting in lines - all disguised as relaxation.
Instead, what if we remembered what even Teddy Roosevelt knew? That chautauqua served as a “source of positive strength, and refreshment of mind and body to come to meet a typical American gathering like this - a gathering that is typically American in that it is typical of America at it’s best.” A vacation guided by the values and interests of the American people - all the American people - where everything is included and you can learn, relax, and build relationships at your own pace.
Now - I know I’ll get pushback if I ask everyone to camp out or “live rough” as they did in 1874 when the movement first started. But aside from that, a summer camp based around the core components of the Chautauqua movement - art, education, recreation, and religion - sounds like a fun vacation for my family.
Again - imagine arriving at your vacation destination. But now - it’s a community campus, repurposed from a dormant, small-town college. Arriving, you are greeted with room, apartment, or camping accommodations based on your party’s needs. After settling in - you wander to the cafeteria, where four meals are served daily, each one providing options for a variety of dietary needs.
And as you enjoy your meal, you meet your fellow guests, and a few instructors. Together, you excitedly discuss attending a lecture on the history of the Revolutionary War, or the hands-on adventure of learning forgeable native foods at the nearby nature preserve. Noting the musical presentations scheduled later in the week, you start to feel a rhythm to the day. A slower, more deliberate heartbeat that feels peaceful yet invigorating.
When was the last time you had a moment like that?
A day, or even a week or two, that was dictated by your needs and desires as a human being seeking happiness and contentment and allowed to do so. Without the pull of your job, cooking meals, or figuring out transportation.
An American summer camp for everyone. Families with children. Retirees. Single people. Every American is welcome.
For me, I can easily imagine this modern Chautauqua taking residence at Lincoln College - and really any shuttered higher education or former institution of any kind with access to some form of lodging. And of course access to natural areas for recreation.
And it’s not just some pipe dream. Just because most of our Illinois Chautauqua fell out of favor after the 1920’s, it doesn’t mean it didn’t continue. In fact, the largest standing Chautauqua structure is right next door in Shelbyville, but it’s unused. The original Chautauqua Institution still operates today, as does New Piasa in southwestern Illinois.
Now don’t stop imagining. Because now you have a community resource year-round. Can you invest summer earnings back into credentialed programs for job training? Or after-school tutoring and child care?
That the real way to create community, without the rage-scrolling. We crave interaction and rest - for everyone. Why not open the doors and revive a grand American tradition?
What’s the cost, you might wonder. Well. I’m not sure yet. I have it from a few good sources your average college goes for $5-10 million around here. Add in an estimate based on a similar-sized institution running at full capacity, like Illinois College. That’s about $44 million a year.
A lot of money to be sure. But also a lot of jobs, economic revenue, education credentials, and genuine respite from modern life available to all.
So, maybe instead of trying desperately to find a buyer to continue to provide saccharine social interaction through a foreign-developed app on our phones, why don’t we spend some capital and elbow grease to create authentic community and social interaction, not just media?
Seems like a much better investment to me.
Interested in helping me repurpose Lincoln College into one of these? Check this out!
And now! The news since we last spoke!
Let’s start with what the heck is going on in the United States lately, at the federal level.
In the past week, several significant political events have occurred in the United States:
Trump Administration Appeals Firing of Government Watchdog
President Donald Trump's administration has asked the Supreme Court to approve the dismissal of Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of the Special Counsel (OSC). Dellinger was fired without a specified reason and argues that his termination violates laws protecting federal agencies from political influence. A federal judge temporarily reinstated him, but the administration contends that this judicial action undermines presidential authority. A ruling in favor of the administration could change long-standing legal protections for independent agency leaders. theguardian.com
Investigation into Alleged Government Pressure on Cryptocurrency Businesses
An investigation is underway into claims that the U.S. government, particularly during the Biden administration, pressured banks to cut ties with cryptocurrency businesses—a situation referred to as "Operation Chokepoint 2.0." Crypto industry leaders allege that agencies like the Federal Reserve and FDIC informally discouraged banks from working with crypto clients, leading to financial challenges for these businesses. The Trump administration has initiated Congressional hearings to examine these allegations, aiming to determine the extent of the issue and identify any officials responsible. wired.com
U.S. and Russia Agree to Restore Embassy Staffing and Discuss Ukraine Peace
U.S. and Russian diplomats met in Saudi Arabia to discuss improving bilateral relations and negotiating peace in Ukraine. They agreed to restore embassy staffing levels and form a team to work on peace negotiations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would not accept any outcomes from these talks without their involvement, and European allies expressed concerns about being excluded from the discussions. apnews.com
Executive Order to Reduce Federal Workforce
President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to collaborate with the Department of Government Efficiency to reduce staff and limit hiring. This move aims to streamline government operations but has raised concerns about potential impacts on public services and employee morale. cnn.com
Iran Issues Warning Amid Anniversary Celebrations
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians participated in events marking the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. During these celebrations, senior Iranian officials issued direct warnings to President Trump, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations. newsweek.com
These developments highlight the dynamic and complex nature of current U.S. political affairs, encompassing domestic policy decisions and international relations.
National News
Winter Storms Impacting the Nation
A significant winter storm swept across the United States on February 12, bringing heavy snow, rain, and extreme cold to millions. The storm affected various regions, including the Midwest and parts of Illinois, leading to hazardous travel conditions and disruptions.
Cook County Prosecutors Seek to Unionize
In a significant development, a group of assistant state's attorneys in Cook County have initiated a unionization effort, requesting voluntary recognition of a bargaining unit to represent hundreds of government lawyers. This marks the first major union drive within the office in decades and could have implications for legal professionals statewide.
Statewide News
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan Convicted
On February 13, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was found guilty on 10 out of 23 federal corruption charges. The charges included racketeering, bribery, extortion, and wire fraud. The jury deliberated for approximately 65 hours over two weeks, resulting in a split verdict. Madigan was acquitted on seven charges, and the jury was deadlocked on six others. His co-defendant, lobbyist Mike McClain, faced a deadlocked jury on all charges. Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to retry the unresolved counts.
Poultry Events Suspended Due to Bird Flu Concerns
The Illinois Department of Agriculture issued a 30-day suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets. This precautionary measure, announced on February 12, aims to mitigate the ongoing threat of avian influenza in the state.
Local News
Winter Storm Brings Snow to Central Illinois
Central Illinois experienced a winter storm on February 12, resulting in accumulating snow across the region. The National Weather Service reported that the storm disrupted both morning and evening commutes, with several inches of snow recorded in various areas.
High School Basketball Highlights
Illinois high school basketball teams were active on February 17. In girls' basketball, Cairo defeated Joppa 66-28, and Lyons dominated Curie 93-20. In boys' basketball, Andrew secured a 56-49 win over Bremen, while Auburn triumphed over Boylan with a score of 67-43.
University of Illinois Basketball Player Injured
University of Illinois freshman forward Morez Johnson Jr. is out indefinitely after sustaining a broken left wrist during a game against Michigan State on February 17. Despite the injury, Johnson continued to play, finishing the game with 17 points, five rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Head coach Brad Underwood confirmed that Johnson will miss significant time as his wrist is in a cast.
Health Advisory
Rise in Lung Cancer Incidence in Central Illinois
The American Cancer Society reported an increase in lung cancer incidence rates in Central Illinois. Residents in the region are exposed to more risk factors compared to other parts of the state, contributing to the rising rates. Health officials urge individuals to be aware of these risks and consider regular screenings.
Weather Outlook
Following the recent winter storm, Central Illinois residents can expect cold temperatures to persist. The National Weather Service advises staying informed about potential weather developments and exercising caution during outdoor activities. citeturn0search0
That concludes this week's episode of "Sunshine Strategies Radio." Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, stay safe and informed.
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