Here are some great meshnet initiatives that are underway. If you have an interest its possible a meshnet is being built right now in your area. If not starting one is as easy as contacting someone in one of these groups or several others sprouting up. I have many posts with links to many of these groups.
PYMESH NETWORK
http://pymeshnet.gitlab.io/
Peer-2-Peer Community WiFi initiative by the people, for the people and of the people
Altheamesh
Create decentralized, cryptocurrency powered networks
https://altheamesh.com/
https://altheamesh.com/documents/whitepaper.pdf
AMP produces the Allied Media Conference and supports art, media, and technology projects working for social change.
https://www.alliedmedia.org/dctp
New York City Mesh
https://nycmesh.net/
Mesh Network Practical Guide
https://suriyadeepan.gitbooks.io/mesh-guide/content/