Kalistan

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Institutional Party joins Voluntary Labor Effort
As war winds down, Military redeployed to Ag Processes
Sulari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 19, 5683


Institutional Party Posters admonishing Kalistanis to join Voluntary Civil Service

As Kalistan moves into Harvest Season from north to South, the Institutional Party has joined the effort to get voluntary Civil Service up and running. "We had a spike in activity this summer," says Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue, "but numbers and hours have fallen off as kids are returning to school, families are getting back into the year's calendar and going on vacation, and construction season is hitting its full stride. Which is why it is now more important than ever for those with extra time to rededicate themselves to civilian service to kick off our fall."

Of primary concern is the agricultural operations around fuel oil producing crops. "Every year, a certain percentage of the crops are, for one reason or another, lost due to not being harvested in time," said the Chancellor. "This year it is imperative that we get oil producing crops in as completely as possible due to anticipated shortages next year. This will require a large effort on the part of the Growers' Syndicates in Suldanor, Odufaray and Ananto, but it will also require about 100,000 additional agricultural laborers this fall to get all of these in. We had a great year in terms of growing, but without those additional workers, our abundance will turn out to become a liability."

Fuel deliveries to Kizenia were suspended earlier this year, as were food deliveries. "Once the fuel producing crops are in, we are going to then need additional laborers to bring in the food crops. And more importantly, in prepping those harvests for storage and packaging. The Ducal governments in each of our duchies have developed reception points for farmers to bring in their harvest that are above and beyond the normal syndicate silos. These collection points are primarily for food that is aimed for our Food Banks and markets, rather than food and silage fit for animals. And they will be open through the beginning of November when the last crops should be out of the fields."

Canning and distribution of preserved good will require additional work, and the need is expected to abate by mid December. "This drive is just for the next four months, but it will yield great benefits," said the Chancellor. "Each year, nearly 40% of the food that is utilized on some level is wasted in this Empire. Our goal is to ensure that that 40% is not wasted, but eaten. We are pushing efficient consumption for restaurants and businesses, as well as donating what is not being sold in the markets back to the Food Banks so all have access to fresh, wholesome and nutritious food throughout this winter. Next year, we will likely need additional civil service again, but eventually this will work itself out so that Kalistanis adapt to a new normal, and the recession in our foreign trade balances end."

So far more than 35,000 Kalistanis have responded to the Institutional Party's call for volunteer Civil Service. Private employers have, for the most part been cooperative, as is to be expected given the generous tax subsidies they are receiving around Workforce taxes and forgiven business taxation. "Our goal though is thus far not met, as people are very slow to respond," said Lady Donahue. "Most people mean well, but they see a deferred sort of responsibility for the maintenance of our society. The next guy will pick up the slack, I have a busy life, etc. But to be honest, most Kalistanis live free of dire need, and yes, we all have busy lives. The point is, we all have to chip in to do our Part. I am doing my part, Their Imperial Majesties are doing their part, and it is our hope to encourage all across the nation to chip in and do their part too."

The Chancellor herself has committed between 50 and 60 hours per month to voluntary Civil Service since early June, while the Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Jennifer I Ananto has averaged more than 80 hours. Even the minor princelings are getting involved with the effort, working next to their mother in Eveari every week. "As our commitment to the War in Kizenia winds down, we will continue to get a bit more slack in our own economy. But there was not a lot of slack to begin with: this is what one of the consequences of ZPG policies are. Policy has consequences, and we believe that returning to regionalism will eventually prove to be far more profitable than begging other nations to continue to trade with us, and leaving us open to their whims. Self sufficiency is always a bit more austere than openness to unlimited global trade, but it also forces us to operate leaner and more efficiently, and that is really where the upside is. We will get through this, together, as a whole society. What we need right now is for all to contribute their time, their energy, and their resources and do our Part!"

@TheRepublic