What is a People First Society?
A People First Society is one where people, community, and the environment come before money and profit.
It’s about making sure everyone has what they need to live well — and that everyone can contribute to the wellbeing of the whole.
Why does this matter?
Because too many people today are:
- struggling to afford the basics
- stressed, insecure, or isolated
- working hard but still falling behind
- disconnected from their community
- living in systems that don’t put them first
A People First Society changes that.
What does this philosophy believe about people?
It starts with a simple truth:
People do best when they feel secure, trusted, and valued.
Most people want to:
- help
- contribute
- belong
- make a difference
When life isn’t a constant struggle, people naturally step up.
What is the Basic Living Standard?
It’s a guarantee that everyone can afford the essentials of life — food, housing, transport, clothing, communication, and social participation — from a normal week’s work.
No debt.
No welfare dependency.
No fear of falling through the cracks.
Just a fair foundation for everyone.
What is LEGS?
LEGS stands for the Local Economy & Governance System.
It’s a practical way of running communities so that decisions are made locally, transparently, and with everyone involved.
LEGS focuses on:
- local food
- local services
- local decision‑making
- local businesses that serve the community
- local resilience and sustainability
It’s about bringing life back to the local level.
What is The Revaluation?
The Revaluation is the shift from seeing life through the lens of money to seeing it through the lens of people.
It’s a change in mindset:
- from scarcity to security
- from competition to contribution
- from hierarchy to participation
- from profit to wellbeing
It’s the moment we realise life can be organised differently – and better.
Is this anti‑business?
No.
It supports businesses that:
- meet real needs
- treat people fairly
- protect the environment
- strengthen the community
It only challenges businesses that exploit people or extract wealth without giving anything back.
Why is local decision‑making so important?
Because people understand their own community better than distant institutions do.
Local decision‑making means:
- more accountability
- more transparency
- quicker solutions
- stronger communities
- decisions that actually make sense
It brings power back to the people it affects.
What does this philosophy say about the environment?
The environment isn’t a resource to use up – it’s the foundation of life.
A People First Society protects and regenerates the land, water, and ecosystems we depend on.
Healthy communities need a healthy environment.
What does “freedom” mean in a People First Society?
Freedom means being able to live without fear, contribute without pressure, and participate without barriers.
Real freedom requires:
- security
- dignity
- opportunity
- community
- a healthy environment
Freedom is something we build together.
What’s the goal of all this?
To create a society where:
- everyone has what they need
- no one is left behind
- communities are strong and resilient
- people can contribute meaningfully
- the environment is protected
- life feels fair, connected, and human again
A People First Society is simply a society that works – for everyone.
Want to learn more?
This leaflet is a short introduction.
If you’d like a deeper explanation, more materials, or help sharing this philosophy in your community, just ask.
Further Reading:
- The Local Economy & Governance System (LEGS) – Online Text
https://adamtugwell.blog/2025/11/21/the-local-economy-governance-system-online-text/ - The Basic Living Standard Explained
https://adamtugwell.blog/2025/10/24/the-basic-living-standard-explained/ - The Basic Living Standard: Freedom to Think, Freedom to Do, Freedom to Be – With Personal Sovereignty That Brings Peace to All
https://adamtugwell.blog/2025/12/15/the-basic-living-standard-freedom-to-think-freedom-to-do-freedom-to-be-with-personal-sovereignty-that-brings-peace-to-all/ - From Principle to Practice: Bringing the Local Economy & Governance System to Life (Full Text)
https://adamtugwell.blog/2025/12/27/from-principle-to-practice-bringing-the-local-economy-governance-system-to-life-full-text/ - Visit the LEGS Ecosystem
https://adamtugwell.blog/2025/12/31/visit-the-legs-ecosystem/
Adam Tugwell 