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Subscriber Introductions
Each issue of the newsletter
will have new subscriber's introductions in it.
Then, in subsequent issues their information or
profiles will be placed here, if they send
something in. As time goes on persons who
do not update their email location will have their
entries dropped from the listing. If you wish to
change what I have here just let me
know. As I delete entries others
will take their place, but I have decided to have
each person keep their number, just to ease
references. This is new with issue number 15 of the
newsletter. Wendy and I answered the
questions that we usually send persons who inquire
about the Community of Light. If you'd like to see
what we wrote, check out number 24. ......................Thank
you, Dan and Wendy |
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Well, where do I begin? I suppose I should keep it simple by saying that yes, I/we are interested in discussing the possibility of being part of a community. My husband and I have been talking about it off and on for years. Currently, we live/work as dorm parents at a private high school and though we do love the community here compared to our previous life of paying lots of rent to live in the city and know few of neighbors, it is not enough, it is not exactly what we want. This is my very first "real" step towards this possibility and look forward to hearing from you. |
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Hi, I am inspired to write after reading the introductions. I feel the same as most all of you. 1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. I would like to live in a community that is unusually beautiful and in a comfortable weather area (maybe outside of the USA) with people who are open-minded and openhearted, who revere integrity, authenticity, creativity, nature, freedom, kindness, and humor. Who love to have fun with whatever they are doing. Where we have everything we need and want, self-sustainability, and our own good company. Lots of creativity, music, singing, and dancing. A community of love 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? The ideals might be, tolerance of differences in others, but not tolerance of cruelty or violence, open-mindedness, fairness, supportiveness 3) Why do you want to join a community? I would like to join a community to enjoy all that communities can give, to heal having had to live in a society with no, or virtually no real community, community of the heart. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? I once visited Camp Interlocken in Michigan, a summer camp for music, when I was a boy. I only visited one day, and it seemed like a dream. Also, I recently visited Arcosanti in Arizona, decisions there are made by the founder, an 81 year old Italian architect. It was interesting, but I wouldn't want to place myself under someone else. 5) What skills could you contribute? I consider myself rather unskilled, though I have a few. I've had a tendency to be an innovator. I had the first antique clothing store, perhaps in the world, in 1969-1972, and ushered in used blue jeans and missed an opportunity to become a young millionaire. But, I never was really materialistic. I've been a painter, and used to design thousands of clay platters, which sold at 2 museum stores in SF, and taught designs on clay platters at Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center for a couple of years. I created my own career as a creative movement teacher, and taught children in the private schools of SF from 2 and a half years old thru the 4th grade. I had a knack for that. I have my own not for profit project, www.bagelhole.org which collects and shares low-tech, alternative, sustainable information to help individuals and communities become more self-reliant, self-sustainable, and autonomous. I think we have stumbled on the cutting edge way to grow food called vertical aquaponics. I could construct one of those, and ease the burden of obtaining food. I'm really not a technical person. I'm trying to get through a technological block, that has kept me an idiot, in a technical world. I also know that I'm a great vehicle driver, but that wouldn't be too important. I love to dance, and I'd like to improvise sing with others and jam with musicians. I know a lot about Zen (non-institutional), I like to believe. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? I wish my daughter (22) would get interested. 7 What does your primary diet consist of? I eat fresh eggs from my chickens, mushrooms that I grow, and I hope to be eating all my homegrown vegetables soon. I also eat fish and dairy products. I prefer organic food. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? I've been extremely fortunate, in that I never get any sicknesses so far (for a few years now), I need to stretch a lot more. 9) What kind of management system would you like? I like consensus by the group. I participated for 8 years as an integral part of San Francisco Food Not Bombs and helped facilitate many a meeting using consensus, it works pretty well. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? There's a lot of things I could help with. I love to learn building and cooking. I'm good with kids. I could be involved with some artistic endeavors. I can do the hard work that needs to be done. I'm mostly interested in continuing my not for profit project, walking the talk, the community being the model. One thing that is missing in my opinion, in a lot of people's statements is a commitment towards changing the world. I think its foolish to imagine that there would be satisfaction in living in pristine nature having fun and ignoring the fact that the rest of the world is dominated by the most perverse examples of humanity and wreaking havoc on all life and all of the environment. That would simply be a fool's paradise, which I'm sure, is often the case. To me denial, is very dangerous, and hollows out one's existence, just as assuredly, it corrupts the soul. Believe me, I could be called a pagan, anarchistic, and the far extreme from the Puritan, but I sincerely believe that privilege, and that's what we all are to one degree or another, demands doing everything within our power to right the wrongs that we see everywhere. Of course, by being a good model, setting a good example is certainly in that direction. A community that knows how to be a great community can inspire others. I would hope that that would be a goal we would all share. Illuminating everything we do, every step we take with the natural love and compassion with which the Universe provides us and gives us the freedom to express. |
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I need to live in balance with nature. I don't know where to start. Every time I try to research the things I need to be researching, teaching myself what I need to be learning, I just get so overwhelmed. Teaching myself to live independently in the wild is one thing. Getting there is a whole other thing. Immigration, land owning, money for the right to live on the land that is naturally ours. I need experience. I need to complete my college degree. That's when I got the idea to look into communal living, the option of staying IN society, but living apart from it. A few friends had mentioned it but I never considered it, opting instead to fight my way into some jungle and set up residence in a tree. But, I know through my research I have to learn first how to live. I found your web site while searching for intentional living communities. I am very interested in self-sufficiency, but realize the difficulty in going it alone, so I am looking for a community of similar seekers. I am a graphic designer / fine artist / teacher / inventor and more. I currently make my living teaching and doing graphic design (about 80% web design). I also run creative problem solving and lateral thinking workshops. I am also into virtual drama and the building of computer based training programs, I have several SBIR grants in review for virtual drama and mind technology (neurofeedback and entertainment systems couples with multimedia scenarios). I think I, like you I am a creative thinker and although I do not wish to abandon technology, I do wish to use it for the greater good and marry it with more earthbound, earth conscious activities and work. I can work from anywhere and although I enjoy solitude, I also want community. I would like more balance between work time and life time or better yet, no separation between the two. I want to create / participate in an environment that isn't so materially driven. I also wish to tell you that I am gay--it is a non-issue for me--but isn't always for everyone else, so I wish to be candid from the start. Write back if you wish to discuss the possibilities further. Sincerely, Rebekah |
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. A community of people who lived by the principles of energy efficiency for the whole community, and the sustainability of that energy efficiency. The community would consider actions that return needed things of food, shelter, clothing, and so forth for the least energy expenditure if those actions are sustainable. Resources would then be freely given and taken as needed within those limits. For example, the trees would be counted, and if it is decided that we want to cut a tree of an estimated 50 years old, we should have more trees to replace the one we cut. The number of people in the group would be closely related to the carrying capacity of the land. For me location, not terribly important but I feel that access to wild lands is important. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? I think this is answered above. 3) Why do you want to join a community? I wish to live, and I am an interdependent creature. I am uncomfortable with the unsustainable measure of the dominate culture at the present time, unsustainability means death eventually. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? Yes, I have found in my previous searches that communities often fall into two categories. One is a religious category. I have no mystical beliefs and have not been interested in these. I was raised as a Christian Scientist, have a genetic disease, celiac disease, the combination hurt me greatly and has given me an abiding distrust of anything mystical. The disease is not difficult to control but it does put some restrictions on my diet. The other category of community were the secular, but these require more money than I had. I have not looked very actively for several years because of not finding anything, but remain interested in the concept. 5) What skills could you contribute? I have a degree in mechanical engineering technology. I worked briefly in industry, was dismayed at the unsustainability of it all. I worked for a wind turbine company until it folded, I learned a lot about wind power. I designed and helped build a passive solar house, with wood heat backup, wood heated hot water, composting toilet, gas refrigerator, PV panel running a water pump and learned a little about gardening. I lived on a family farm in Maine, herded goats, trained donkeys, helped with farm work, dairy cows, thought about problems of society and nature, and wrote a book. Spent ten years on farm. I presently do apartment maintenance. This gives an idea of my experience, I hope. More specific skills, I can do carpentry, metalwork, both machine work and welding, some forge and anvil experience, not a beginner though I would not call myself a master at any of them, a decent mechanic, can train animals, herd goats, can ride horse or donkey, milk goats and cows by hand, can butcher either, can make hay. I can do some braiding and leather work, not a master but have made usable tack. A few attempts at making leather, much to learn about that. Have woven baskets from gathered material. Have learned some primitive skills, fire making, cordage, shelter, hunting and fishing. Can hew beams, have built a shed and a small cabin from hand hewn timbers. I've done design work, some designs are: a folding portable shaving horse, foot powered grinding wheel, adjustable stirrups on a saddle without metal buckles, have been working on a wood stove that can be fed long pieces (less cutting) from outside, a folding crossbow with little or no metal in it. I can strum a few chords on a guitar. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? I am not sure at this time if my present partner and her 7 year old boy would come with me. A difficult problem, but I told her from the beginning that my priority was to work on getting into a sustainable community. 7 and 8) What does your primary diet consist of? This is tied up with my health problems. I cannot eat wheat, barley, rye or oats. I'm sensitive about certain kinds of beans. I eat most kinds of meat, rice, many vegetables and fruits, yogurt and cheese. I'm lactose intolerant. I understand very well that this is a difficult problem, especially at the present time. However, these grains are not well grown in many areas, and if a group was really trying to live on what an area produced in the most energy efficient manner, this would not be a problem in those areas. Other than that, I am 46, and the body has been abused, it doesn't work as smoothly as it used to, but I still get things done. 9) What kind of management system would you like? I think this is answered in question one. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? I would prefer to work in the intentional community, dealing with animals, making things people need. However, if it was needed for me to work outside, I would probably do house maintenance, substitute teaching, (I have done this before), or farm work. I have not worked so long in a professional capacity that I have not thought much about it in years, and I could probably not get hired in it even if it was available, so that is not an issue. But I can live on very little. My book is on-line at: http://www.synearth.net/harmony.html |
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My name is Shirley, I'm 26 years old and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For about 2 or 3 years I have been interested in communal living. The city life makes me sad, and dealing with everyday hassles of living in the city is causing me to become depressed. I imagine the commune you would like to start is in the States. I would greatly appreciate it if you could send me more info on other communes around the world and particularly in Canada. I would like to move out of the city soon into caring, natural environment. I look forward to hearing from you Shirley |
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What's the scoop as of late on the communal-type environment prospects? Just curious...no money to put into it, but an interested party...so long as wherever it is has no snow. I'm a Florida / south Texas girl. Thanks, bnn. I had mentioned to this person that spirituality would play a part in the commune that my wife and I envision. So she asked me about that and this is the answer that I gave. It may be food for thought. Spiritual for us means that we pray, believe, have friends who do the same. We are not Christian in the mainstream sense of that word. We are, at best, eclectic. We have gone to Universal Worship services, Sufi gatherings, and some others. As to the community, my wife and I, as well as a few others, have thought that the physical layout would include a community hall or building that all would have access to and would have various functions, however, each member would have their own dwelling, however humble. Financial requirements, well, I am hoping to gather capital of some 2 million dollars. By which I mean that if we have a bunch of interested people then we would only begin meeting and planning once we had a collective capital of 2M. I know that different people will have different incomes and wealth. So I have imagined the buying of "shares" and holding the property collectively. I would like it if we could work it out so that individuals would be able to have some equity value that they'd be able to regain if they decided to sell off their share, but in a commune those who stayed in would have to have some say about who replaced the departing person. All these issues are complex and have various kinds of solutions, which we'd have to work out. Since the idea is to make a better life, I feel a primary obligation would be to add value to the common enterprise or good so that we all had more free time, more personal development, and less problems than we have now. That all said, nothing has been specifically worked out yet I still get persons who are interested and write or exchange email, but we have not met, organized, or determined where we will settle. I hope that that is an adequate answer to your inquiry. Dan |
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Hello, I am also interested in a commune based around self sufficient food production. I could not gather your location from your website but I think you're willing to move. You could purchase 500 acres for about 125,000 US in Appalachia. The area is very lush but the topography could not support agribusiness. Sounds perfect to me. Respond if you are interested |
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. My idea of a desirable community is one of individual privacy but shared resources. I like the idea of individual ownership of a private dwelling but with shared community resources. My vision is a community with diverse dwelling lifestyles suitable for varying tastes, budgets, and ages. Everything from dorms to private rooms to private residences. My personal preference would be for me to have a private residence, depending on cost. However, I could manage a shared residence as long as I had a private room. Sometimes I just really don't want to vote on which television channel I watch or which album I listen to. Shared resources would include a very large community center with a kitchen, dining room, library, computer room, game room, laundromat, etc. I think it would be great to have options such as cooking once a week for several persons versus cooking for two every single day. Gardens would be many and varied. While I can't physically dig the dirt anymore, I can still plant some and I can water, etc. I especially love herb gardens in addition to vegetable and flower beds. I have researched various methods. I think it would be great to have a running creek, pond, or lake to use the naturalized "scatter" method for planting tons of flowering bulbs, etc. After a hard day's work I envision being able to walk on grounds like these and get "re-centered" and serene again. I moved to Corpus Christi, TX last July to be nearer to my brother but am probably moving to Houston this summer in order to earn a livable wage. The low pay scale here is unbelievable. I am flexible regarding location, however, I know from personal past experience that I am a danger to myself and others trying to drive upon snow/ice. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? Believing in the intrinsic worth and dignity of all human beings. I would like to participate in helping to make this earth a better place. A kinder and gentler environment. A place where skills and effort can be exchanged for a better lifestyle. I had some good friends back home who had an old, huge house they turned into a "communal" house. It was great for them. They even had a woman whose lack of marketable skills had put her and her child in desperate economic straits. However, she lived with them and became the child care giver and housekeeper. It was a win-win situation. Instead of feeling like a burden upon society, she became a blessing and big help to the others. I just think society is missing so many opportunities for sharing resources and making everyone feel valuable. However, I crawl out of bed and go to work even when I don't want to and I don't believe in "free rides" for people. I have read about work exchanges and such on some other intentional community sites so I know these things can be worked out. 3) Why do you want to join a community? As a single parent (mother) with a child, I am tired of saying "no" to so many things requiring extra money. I have managed to support us - sometimes better than others. I am older and more tired. And I still haven't found the extra money for braces yet. My primary goal would be to live better for less via shared resources, i.e., I don't want to use a push rotary lawnmower. I like the self-propelled ones that I can actually use without killing myself. They are pricey. I bought one. But I only used it once a week. Makes much more sense to pool moneys for things like that. I also don't have much family. It would be nice to have the same sense of community where we live that we do in our church. We are Unitarian Universalists by faith and, therefore, tolerant of all others. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? No, but some fellow church members have. I have read a directory of intentional communities one of them had. Not the "drop out, drug in" types of the old days, but vital, caring communities sharing a particular vision and common goals. My vision and goal is NOT to personally give up electricity, heat, television, or computers. I like modern conveniences. However, I do believe in using any cheap/free means of generating the power such as solar panels, windmills, etc. 5) What skills could you contribute? I can't do the physical labor things as I used to in the past. I am actively participating in the natural aging process (I just turned 50 this month) and the arthritis arrived several years ago. However, I am still an office whiz and a very good cook. I have been in the administrative support/office management field for decades. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? I have a 15-year-old daughter who would accompany me. A decent high school in the area would be important to us. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? We are meat eaters who don't have to have meat with every meal. I would consider anything except vegan. I tried to cook vegan once for a church retreat and it was so restrictive. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? As others have mentioned, I feel it would be important to be around medical facilities. I am on a couple of maintenance medications - arthritis and hypertension. I have also been sternly chastised by my doctor for not pursuing a healthier lifestyle yet. Mainly, diet and exercise. I do smoke cigarettes but am perfectly accustomed to not being able to smoke in most places nowadays. However, I would expect to be able to do this in my own home and outside. 9) What kind of management system would you like? Consensus. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? Administrative support/clerical. I would like to mention that the Unitarian Universalist Church in Austin, TX was just given a grant by the Quakers that included several acres of land and some buildings. They plan to turn it into a retreat center. I wonder if you could look into things like that to generate revenue and acquire land? |
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. For us an intentional community is a group of persons who choose to live in association, for a common purpose, with shared values, cooperatively to some extent, with harmony in sharing enjoyments. It would be like a small village, or neighborhood of friends. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? We are drawn to both human and spiritual paths which honor diversity. Honesty, compassion, and fair-mindedness are qualities that we feel are very important. 3) Why do you want to join a community? We would like to co -create a community so that we can live with more freedom, and make our living in constructive ways. We would like to express our intention for a more inspired life. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? We have visited a few, Lama Foundation in New Mexico for example. Wendy has also done a work exchange, while living for a few months at a holistic health center on the East Coast. 5) What skills could you contribute? Dan has long-term experience teaching elementary school. Wendy has worked with preschool children and done elder caregiving. We have had a successful vegetable garden. Both of us have some computer skills. Dan is a writer and Wendy has a lifelong interest in creative movement and folk dance. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? We have only us (no children). It is possible, however, that some of our siblings might be interested. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? Wendy and I are semi-vegetarian. Wendy includes seafood/fish,eggs, and dairy products with the rest of her diet. Dan does the same, but outside of the home he occasionally includes some poultry and beef. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? ....We both have some, and so would like to be within reasonable distance of a health care facility. 9) What kind of management system would you like? At Lama Foundation (where we had a live work exchange for several weeks), everyone attended regular planning meetings. Decisions were made by consensus concerning care of the land, facilities, human needs, and other issues. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? Between the two of us, we are interested in working with children, elders, and/or by using office skills. We would like to work with organizations that are socially responsible. |
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These people seem to be quite close to our thoughts on some things. 1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. Our idea of a desirable community is one in which people can live in close proximity, sharing resources & responsibilities as well as laughter and ideas. However we are not interested in a "Chairman Mao" type of grey-clothed peasants, breaking rocks for the proletariat type of scene, nor one where everyone "Jumps for Jesus" or "Aims for Allah" A "back to the cave" or luddite mentality, forsaking all things modern is not something we are into (Except maybe a limit on those annoying cell phone ringers!) There is nothing wrong with "home grown" ideas to generate power, and independent self sufficiency should be encouraged. We are looking for a place where differences are cherished and not merely tolerated, where you are encouraged to be yourself, instead of fitting into 'the mold.' It should be a place where everyone is willing to lend a helping hand or shoulder or recipe... Most of all, we value Trust and Honesty. Trust that what is declared private is private, what is said is accepted as fact, and what is implied is clarified so there is no misunderstandings, and Honesty, well that should be obvious. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? Important ideals for this community would includes those that people everywhere (should) strive for...tolerance (we all have our weaknesses), compassion, trust, and willingness to let go of the need for control, while maintaining a value for the community and a responsible self esteem. 3) Why do you want to join a community? Why do we want to join a community? We have both spent most of our lives feeling out of place - wherever that 'place' has been. We have tried, at times, to fit in, to be a part of the mighty cog, but it just isn't us. We aren't materialistic, yet we value and respect the value in things. We look and speak like everyone around us, but when we start to talk about what is important to us or give our opinions on various subjects, the world around us turns away. Our thoughts are not radical...they are just not politically correct! We would also like to be a part of a group of people who are tolerant, intelligent and fun! What makes this more apparent is that we find ourselves here, by choice, in a small rural community of conformists, some who border on hypocrisy. It's just not us; although we do like the small community as opposed to big city life. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? We have never visited or been a part of such a community, but we have spent a lot of time researching them on the Internet as well as talking about them with each other. 5) What skills could you contribute? What skills could we contribute? One of us is a seeker of knowledge and is well versed in a variety of electronic, manufacturing, drafting, design, maintenance, calibration and repair of personal computers,mechanical devices, and electric and electronic items. Also an automotive restorer, an avid photographer, model airplane enthusiast, an amateur musician, as well as a published author on automobile history and restoration. One of us is currently the library director for a small college and is also a licensed elementary teacher and library media specialist, a storyteller, a gardener, a student of all things mystical, cooks and sews, and loves life. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? The two of us would be our family we have a daughter in college, who lives on her own, and a young son who lives in back East. They do visit us on occasion, and are tolerant and well mannered. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? Our primary diet is simple but varied: milk, cereal, pasta, breads, fruits and veggies, fish and chicken, the occasional dark beer and plenty of water. We do eat beef, but not on a regular basis. We are not into "junk food", aside from occasional pretzels, but we mainly try to keep simple and economical. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? Medically we are healthy, take medications as needed, and have no serious or debilitating conditions or afflictions. We don't smoke, we respect the rights of those who do smoke, (but not where we eat or sleep!) We have no addictions yet are tolerant of those who may have, provided they observe sane moderation and personal responsibility. We would want to have access to a good medical facility for emergencies, and at minimum have access to a physician and a dentist. 9) What kind of management system would you like? We would like a management system that is as fair and equitable as possible, not a hierarchical system. One where all voices are heard and considered. Any "council of elders" or "community leaders" need to have some realistic justification to hold that position and should not have absolute authority. The 'members' or established residents need to have a voice in the destiny of themselves and the community. Any Federal, State, and Local laws should be adhered to, yet we believe that responsible personal freedom and the sanctity of the home is important. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? One of us would like to stay in the education field. A professional teaching or library position would be nice (elementary or college) and the other could do many things, but is currently self employed as a computer consultant, something that could be continued anywhere there are people and computers. |
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Hello, I am interested in finding out more about said community of light. I have a rich background in Shamanism, Grof Holotropic techniques, Monroe Out of Body Work plus Armstrong instruction in developing psychic abilities. Spirit relocation and healings (of all types) are my specialties. I am retired, financially secure, and looking for some open and spiritually minded people. Sincerely, Don (Dongi) Paulus. |
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I'm a visionary artist and would like to live and work with other creative/artistic people: writers, musicians, actors, poets, etc.. My two children are now grown and I am single, so I have the freedom to try just about anything I like the idea of consensus, but I've seen some horribly tedious efforts to reach it, so I'm thinking that a revolving leadership group would be ideal. Everyone would take turns being part of a core decision-making group. The group could be small enough to allow for consensus in making decisions without becoming overwhelming and it could take input from the rest of the community. I want to live with people who consciously create their reality and believe that they are unlimited spirits here to enjoy a physical experience. I like the idea of a village where people form natural friendships, rather than a close-knit group that must always participate in the same projects I've lived in several group situations, but not in a formal intentional community. The reason I want to be part of a community is because I want to live more sustainably than I can while plugged into the mainstream culture. Freedom is very important to me, so I am drawn to enlightened anarchy... but since we often forget that we are enlightened, I suppose it is necessary to have agreements about how things are going to operate My diet is largely vegan, though I sometimes indulge in eggs, fish, or dairy. I don't like to be too fanatical about it. Totally vegan would be fine, too. I certainly would NOT want to live in a community where animals were raised to be slaughtered My skills are varied... art/painting of course, organic gardening (though I can't spend much time out in the sun anymore), but I have a good bit of knowledge to share about it, animal husbandry... from pets to exotics, writing, cooking for large groups, child care/teaching, alternative healing... It is very important to me that I live with people who strive for beauty in their surroundings. I've seen communes where the place was a mess and nobody seemed care. Not for me! I also would like to live in a drug-free community, and without any religious dogma or practice. (If individual people want those things, that's their business, but I would not like to see them as part of the community values. So far, I haven't found anywhere I like better than Northern California... but I'm open to other possibilities as long as I don't have to deal with snow. I'm looking forward to finding out more about your plans. Namaste' Bernadette |
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My name is Nathan Craver. I am not married and have no kids. I am 36 years old and currently live in South Florida and work as the Director of Exhibits at a small science museum. I have Bachelor's Degree in English Literature but my knowledge base is very wide. I am interested in mathematics, engineering, music, art, science, etc. and I am probably as well versed in many of those subjects as many that have gone to school to study them. I have probably taken this job more seriously than any other so far in my life but it has made one thing very clear to me... I am not made for the corporate life or even the life of nine-to-five rat racing. I am a man of action and don't cater too well to the psychosis and fragile egos of today's work place. Hence, I'm looking for a new lifestyle to sink my teeth into. A self-contained "homestead" of my own, complete with it's own power sources, water catchment/purification systems, food sources, composting facilities, as well as it's own sources for hobbies and entertainment is a life-long dream of mine...I've had this on my mind for as long as I can remember. My vision of this "homestead" has, up to this point, always been one independent of all other people but I am more than willing to listen to others to see if the dream is the same and, if so, work as a group to accomplish something greater than all of us. It is my hope to be a very rich man while making very little money. Nathan 1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. One that respects the privacy of the individual within it, but is compassionate enough to care about the well-being and personal growth of those same individuals... one in which neighbors wave hello to neighbors 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? Partially answered in question 1 but... compassion, empathy, respect, and a desire to see advancement in whatever manner an individual chooses for him or herself. 3) Why do you want to join a community? At this point, I'm not sure that I do but, it has always been my belief that we can achieve greater things by working together... a sense of belonging and a place to call home are not things to be taken lightly... this is what a community should be... 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? ...no... 5) What skills could you contribute? ...there is no limit... I have building experience (construction and carpentry)) and the tools to go with it... I have problem solving skills above and beyond the average Joe... I have an ability in applied logistics that maximizes effect with the least amount of work (I know how to accomplish daunting tasks)... I can teach myself anything and I have the verbal and writing kills to help teach others... (I substitute taught for the better part of a year and come from a family of teachers)... I am mechanically inclined and can probably fix and get running many types of machinery (proper tools provided, of course)... I play music, write songs and there are a number of artistic endeavors I am aching to learn more about (for example... pottery, weaving, basket weaving, etc)... I am also planning on getting into some advanced first aid and wilderness first aid courses in the coming months. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? ...no... 7) What does your primary diet consist of? ...I actually eat very little... I'll eat anything but have no problem with a vegetarian based diet or a "vegan" diet. To be honest, eating is almost an after-thought for me. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? ...yes... I want to live to 135 years old... 9) What kind of management system would you like? ...open to suggestions... but one that allows "voices to be heard" would be best... 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? ...ideally, what I would want to do on the "homestead" would be enough to create all the income I would need but if I were to go into town for work, I wouldn't want the work to become the focus... it would be merely diversionary for me... therefore, it wouldn't matter what kind of work was available... I'll change light bulbs, or bag groceries if it's something fun to do... however, having a school (college or community college) nearby might be a big plus! I am currently using the yahoo instant messenger but I might be willing to switch in order to get in on a brain storming/intro chat session. Let me know... |
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I am looking for a community seeking peaceful and meaningful interaction. As I grew up on a farm, the farm thing is a simple given. It is necessary, for nourishment of the soul, to commune with nature in the cooperative effort of promoting the growth of plants. Farming gives the participants a feeling of achievement no matter what the results. These efforts also make subject for conversations that bind the participants together. With the assumption of farming (and forest management) I can move on to the issue of animals (meat). My background includes horses, cattle and chickens. I have no problem with eating meat but have developed a taste (through religious practices) for leaving pork out of my diet. I am completely convinced of the health benefits of this practice. Now that religious practices have been mentioned I should tell you that I am comfortable with Coptic and Rastafarian practices. The main beliefs I support have to do with peace, love, cooperation and contemplative meditation. Because of this I believe I would be happier with a spiritual rather than religious structure. More of a celebration of nature than a worship of a deity. As for skills, I would prefer to work with computers as this has become a fascination. Not many fields are still so young and undeveloped. There are still so many things to learn and accomplish. I have made my livelihood developing conventional community and am not satisfied with the "norm". There is a great peace to be found through extended "family" relationships. It's nice to know that you can find all your friends at "home". This situation leads to greater "inner" development and less need to "dress and impress" for public interaction. If working outside the community were not required there are many forms of art that I have dabbled in and enjoy tremendously. The art makes me feel better and more accomplished than anything else I have done. When it comes to my experience with other communities I have found that many are strongly influenced by the physical (what's outside) rather than the spiritual (what's inside). While I don't want to offend (name) any of them, it always seemed to be a popularity contest. When a community works together all members should benefit, be happy and feel respected. A more difficult job than finding a complimentary group of people is hard to imagine. For everyone to get along requires re-thinking of self-importance by all parties. Achievements of the group rather than the individual must become everyone's goal. I come to this group hoping that I might meet your approval. I bring with me a small family. My wife, Ginger and a nine year old daughter, Marie. We have the makings of a seed community. Seventy three acres with a good water spring and a separate medium sized stream. If we work together to construct earthship type housing on this property I believe that by the time we complete this small "seed" community we will all know who the permanent members of the "family" will be. At that time we could vote as to whether to seek a larger place, perhaps in a different location. The land is located in Alabama. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in pursuing this goal. At this point I feel that if we never start we will never enjoy the benefits of belonging to a wonderful family, promoting the causes of peace, love, caring and sharing. Owl |
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. A group of persons who live in close proximity, some families, some individuals, all of whom have similar (not necessarily exact) goals and values with regard to sustainable living. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? There should be respect for the web of life and the earth, of which we are only a part, not the master or owner. There should be acknowledgement and respect for all individuals, including race, religion, background, age, appearance, personal values, and personality. There should be a desire for fellowship and shared work and play while still providing for privacy for rest, meditation, and just being by oneself. 3) Why do you want to join a community? I believe I can more readily find a way of sustainable living in a group than on my own. I have been living alone since my husband died five years ago (5 years ago today--Dec. 23, as a matter of fact). I enjoy my neighbors' company and that of friends and other family. However, in the past year as I have become so much more aware of the stress we are placing on the environment, the terrible destruction modern society is wreaking on the planet, I find I am "moving away" from the values and modes of living of the people around me. While I endeavor to share what I'm learning with others in an effort to slow or stop the "train wreck" our culture is headed for, I find few in my circle of friends and family are interested in listening, much less making the changes needed to make a difference. Therefore, I have sought for people of like minds in other places--primarily via the internet. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? Not yet. I have inquired about a visit to Twin Oaks this coming summer. 5) What skills could you contribute? I am a registered nurse with 35 years experience. I have a master's degree in health education. That said, I guess I'm woefully lacking in "real" survivor skills, such as carpentry, gardening, and so on. (I have done some gardening but on a very small scale.) However, I'm a quick learner and open to whatever I can do with the limitations I have. I can write, have good spelling and grammar skills, and I like to teach. I'm a capable "organizer" and have put together workshops, classes, support groups, gatherings, etc. over the years. I've worked with all kinds of folks through the years and feel I have good "people skills". I've done a lot of public speaking, both in my professional life and as a volunteer for several local organizations. I also have some experience in leading small group discussions. Although it may not seem apparent by what I've written so far, I have a good sense of humor and fun and I love to laugh. I tend to see the glass as half full, rather than half empty. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? No. Just pets. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? I'm gradually eliminating red meat. I eat quite a bit of tofu, drink soy milk, and eat a lot of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. I buy as much of my food as I can at a local organic co op. (Once in a while I have a chocolate attack and give in!) 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? Yes. I've had back surgery and knee surgery--both for osteoarthritis. Both surgeries were successful, but I have some limitations on lifting and I have a lilttle difficulty crawling on the floor, since the knee scar is sensitive. Other than that, I'm in pretty good health. I'm "short for my weight", but I'm working on that. I walk about a mile every morning, do all my own housework and shopping, and so forth. 9) What kind of management system would you like? Consensus agreement on major issues. Perhaps an elected committee to take care of every day details so there doesn't need to be endless debate over trivial items. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? That's difficult to say. I've been retired for over 2 years. I really would prefer to not work in an outside community, but I could take care of kids, cook, clean, and whatever in the IC. If it was necessary to work in the community, I could do private duty nursing (I do not not want to work in a hospital or nursing home ever again), or clerical work. Some additional info: I have three cats and an African gray parrot. I like to paint in oils, I play the piano and sing (love to sing), and belong to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship nearby. I love animals and kids. I like to read; Daniel Quinn, Derrick Jensen, Thom Hartmann, and Duane Elgin are some of my favorites. Thanks for the opportunity to share this info. |
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I would like to have more to show for my life than an office job and a cookie-cutter suburban house. I can't help but feel that a simpler life would be one in which I could be more fulfilled, instead of feeling like my life is slipping away with nothing to show for it. I would love to find some place that I could be myself and not worry about appearance and what everyone thinks. Someplace I could voice my opinions and thoughts without worrying about being embarrassed. I realize this is long and rambling, but I guess I had sort of an epiphany last night and realized how unhappy I was with how my life was going and that it had nothing to do with the checkbook balance or the size of the house or the age of the car but rather with the world I was trying to fit into. Describe your idea of a desirable community. Although unfortunately, I'm not sure exactly what it is that I am looking for; I am quite clear on what I'm not. I'm tired of spending so much time chasing the dollar that I have no time for myself, no patience for my husband, no real friends to speak of and no energy for my daughter. I look around my garage/house/life and see so many accumulated things that I don't really need, but can't give up because that is what I am expected to have. I don't think I would miss cable tv and dvds and all the other little extras nearly as much if I had something more in my life. What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? I think the everyone needs to be both supportive of other's needs, desires and opinions, while at the same time being responsible for one's own life. There is definitely a nurturing that is possible in community situations, however, in my experience, the potential for abuse of the situation is very great. Have you visited a community or been part of one? I haven't yet but am very interested; we are planning on visiting friends in Baltimore, MD this fall and there is a well-establish community (Heathcote) there I would like to see. What skills could you contribute? I can machine and hand sew clothing, bedding, quilts, etc. I am excellent cook and have a very strong interest in gardening. I am also interested in spinning, but have yet to master the art. I have a Master's degree in Library Science, specializing in the restoration of rare books; I am also skilled at book binding and have an intellectual (if not practical) knowledge of papermaking. My husband has worked as a chef, restaurant manager, technical support, computer networking, hardware support, sales and as a teacher/trainer. Do you have a family coming with you? I am closing in on 32 years old, my husband is soon to be 30 and we have a bright and perceptive 3 1/2 year old daughter. What does your primary diet consist of? We are definitively omnivors (my husband insists on meat every evening); I am much more flexible. We both enjoy a wide variety of cuisines. Do you have any health concerns or issues? Outside of standard healthcare checkups, not particularly. If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? I would be very interested in returning to the library field, ideally in a university/archive setting, but any institution, public or private would be fine. My husband would need something in either computing/telecommunications or education. Kristin, Michael & Tori Little Elm, TX |
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1. I would like to live in a community as described at www.cloister.cc. In this community, the only leader is God, the creator of all. We are equals, treating each other with perfect respect. There is constant mutual healing between the ecosystem and the people. That includes a year-round garden, clean air and conservationists. 2. I have a solar power system, and have practiced conservation of natural resources since 1975. I have one year of experience organic gardening. I have been testing a natural, holistic healing program. Living about a half-mile away from others has been ideal for me. I have stayed that secluded for several weeks at a time. I appreciate the quiet, so I can study. 3. I would like a safe place to sleep with organic fertile soil, clean air and clean water. Instead of renting, moving and shopping, I can focus on the art and science projects I began in the 80's. 4. Although, I was raised Christian, I operated an ashram, where the instructors taught exercises for stress reduction. I also studied New Age philosophies and Zen Buddhism in college, to develop communication skills. I have visited several retreat centers and intentional communities to learn how they operate. 5. SERVICES AND CONSULTING: Health Sciences Research; Biomedical Disease Prevention; Ergonomic Injury Prevention; Technical Writing and Editing; Spiritual Center Management; Certified Holistic Fitness Instruction; Therapeutic Massage; Organic Gardening. 6. A few women are interested in joining a retreat with me. Some are family farmers since 1725 and still using organic methods. 7. organic vegan 8. The property must be a private valley that is free of all distraction or disrespect for the healing process. It must be quiet when dark, except for birds. It must be safe from all human predators. I require a community of pacifist, chaste healers or spiritually mature people. Community members must be capable of unconditional love and virtue. 9. Even the most timid are encouraged to share needs and opinions. Any action requires 100% concurrence by all involved. 10. I would probably not look for work in a city. I would prefer publishing results of art and science projects, and receiving contributions by mail. |
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Describe your idea of a desirable community. I cannot say for certain. I generally think in terms of smaller groups, maybe twenty members tops but without practical experience, this may be off. I want a place that is secular, preferably with a various types of spirituality represented. Also a variety of age groups; I feel we cheat ourselves when we segregate ourselves into our own little age groups. Decision making needs to be flexible but not so flexible nothing can be decided. I probably favor direct democracy over consensus though both have their problems. Partial or full income sharing depending on circumstance sounds like a good idea to me. I can see strengths in both urban and rural communities and can see myself going in either direction on this one. What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? Hmmm Tolerance is a big one. I‚ve been working on being more tolerant of intolerant people for years. Voluntary simplicity, sane use of technology, a sense of experimentation because ultimately we don‚t always know what is going to work, sustainability. Why do you want to join a community? Because the above values are the ones I hold and our current society doesn‚t. Because I want to know someone has my back in exchange for me having theirs. Because we are by nature social creatures who can only take greater control of their own life in conjunction with others. Because I want the sense of neighborhood and fellowship that the small towns lost here in the Deep South sometime in the early Œ80‚s. Have you visited a community or been part of one? No. I live in Alabama and everything that truly interests me is generally 500 miles or more away. 5) What skills could you contribute? Pardon me if it sounds flip, but whatever the community needed. I worked my way through nursing school back in ‚96 and while I am not currently licensed, I remain convinced that people can learn anything if they are determined enough. I currently work at a TV station doing data entry. I am scademically oriented, decent in the garden and love herbs. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? My partner of the twelve years, William Edwards. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? Octo Lacto Vegetarian. I love chickens. They are like little two legged composters, eating table scraps and laying eggs. Ours were unfortunately killed in a recent flood. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? None. I‚m 32 and still get carded for alcohol and tobacco products. 9) What kind of management system would you like? Something that can take into account the needs of the members and respond accordingly. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? Open. I live there now and do the TV station gig. My partner is a potter. |
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Please repost your link, and put me on your email circulation list for your quarterly newsletter. |
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Hi. Put me on your list of interested potential participants. I live in the Southwest USA right now, and want to be near a larger city doing community supported agriculture in sustainable ways, or something similar. Look at the Everdale website. They are in Canada and have a home made with one wall a vertical garden. I e-mailed them to find out how they set that up--just today. I like what is on the opening page |
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1)Describe your idea of a desirable community. Industrious and abundant, balanced with nature, helpful to one another,supportive of children, diabled, and elderly members 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? Similar to the Bill of rights and the constitution. Diversity in belief, checks and balances in the administration of the community, respect for the individual, commitment to the posterity of the community. Appreciation for nature. 3) Why do you want to join a community? To connect with others who also want to make this dream a reality. It is easier to work with others who want the same thing, versus trying to change an existing city. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? No 5) What skills could you contribute? I have electrical, electronic, and computer skills. I am young and able enough to also do manual labor. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? Yes, a wife 33, a son 4.5 years and a daughter 0.8 years 7) What does your primary diet consist of? Indian vegetarian foods 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? No 9) What kind of management system would you like? A democratically elected board to manage all the affairs of the community, and perhaps some kind of appointed or elected Executive leader to share power with the board. I would like to see an infrastructure that is conducive to the incubation and establishment of the various cottage industries that we will pursue. An alternative means of barter, or A paperless currency system that is accountable, and has open books. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? No preference |
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Hello, thank you very much for the kind welcome. 1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. A desirable community to me would consist of loving people that are all willing to work together for a family of peace. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? The way the livestock and animals are treated. If it were up to me, I would make sure the animals were free to roam the town and live a happy life. (Until of course the time that we must kill them.) 3) Why do you want to join a community? So I may live with like-minded people and we may live off of the land that we have been provided with. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? Not as of now. 5) What skills could you contribute? Higher thinking, being a leader, and many other things I can't recall now. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? Not blood related, but my girlfriend and I have discussed this type of thing before. 7 What does your primary diet consist of? Soy protein and tofu. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? Not physical problems, but I was curious about the issue of drugs in the community. 9) What kind of management system would you like? Everyone living equally except perhaps for 'elders' of the community. They are who we all go to for problems and what not. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? I woudn't want to work in the outside world. Only in the community. If that is what this means, I would want to work in any position I could, as long as I get to work with others. I hope that this is suffiecient for the contact profile list. I hope to be hearing back from you or others on the list soon.
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. I would see the primary focus on ecological balance and nature preservation. While I would like a spiritual focus as well, that tends to lead to a multiplicity of paths that can cause devisions if it is held to, to tightly. If is kept loose and as a sharing it can be a growth experience, If it is controlling and limiting it tends to break communities apart. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? Mutual respect for all. Others as well as self. And the animals. the plants, the rocks, and the soil. Sharing and caring, with an emphasis on self responsibility. 3) Why do you want to join a community? Reality is a reflection of our perceptions. It is easier to hold a healthy, positive perception when surrounded by those of like mind. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? I was on the "Great Peace March" from L.A. to D.C. in '86. It was a nomadic community of sorts. I have been involved in some start up attempts, and witnessed some of the problems involved. Most of these had limited, if any success. Primary reasons were ... A) financing. Lots of people without means wanting equal control over decision making. Very few (if any) with the means, not wanting to be out vote on something that they were the primary financier of. I can see both sides. B) Differing degrees of priority to various aspects of the whole project. Single mothers looking for child care solutions. Religious, dietary, or (fill in the blank( zealots wanting to impose their personal restrictions on everyone else. And most of all, everyone wanting to be the leader and no one wanting to do the work. It seems that at some point we all had the feeling that god gave us alone this vision. That's not exactly true. We each were given our little aspect of the vision. The trick is to fit all these pieces together. I did attend a workshop led by members of the Ananda community. Strong points of their method were... (A) Personal Responsibility. Paying your own way for Shelter and maintenance costs. Basically buying in, and selling back out within community parameters. (B) Working outside the community. This both stimulated the economy within the community and aided in outreach to the surrounding "society". Letting the neighbors see the members as fairly normal human beings instead of some weird cult to be feared. As a whole it also kept the community financially solvent, a major concern in these kinds of projects. Another important point was spending sufficient time together focusing on the group vision. Keeping everybody on the same page. 5) What skills could you contribute? I could be the leader (HA, HA) I just had to say that along with everybody else. But seriously, a leader that can't get in there an do the dirty work is worthless. I'm very creative and inventive. I do Building labor, Have a strong plants background. Worked previously as a cook, baker, security/ bodyguard, managed a variety of businesses including a bakery and a health food store. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? No. I/msingle with no children. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? I'm an ova/lactate vegetarian. Not into tofu, but lots of beans and nuts. I'm not into imposing my ways on others. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? No, illness is practically unknown to me. But I do smoke. Not in your face so don't be a Nazi about it. Sanitation is everyones concern. 9) What kind of management system would you like? Council/ consensus is a good way to see an issue from a number of sides. Still I have seen so many long drawn out arguments, wasting countless hours using this method. The more we increase personal responsibility the less we need any form of government in our lives. Perhaps subdivided lots within a general area. personally owned and operated would give individuals the freedom to live life on their own terms and keep governance to a minimum. Community is a consensus of the mind , not a physical location. There are many three-acre lots in my area on Hawaii going for around $20,000 (sometimes less) 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? I'm pretty versatile as far as work goes. Any of the things listed above. Open to learning something new. I am currently living about 15 miles from Hilo, Hi. The biggest city (ha!) on the island. Plenty of rainfall and open space. |
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Paula Hamilton My name is Paula. I would like to move to a community where the residents are interested in protecting the environment and living a life-style closer to the earth. I have been a metaphysician for thirty-five years. Currently I support my family selling my own line of natural living products, which I handcraft and sell at farmer's markets throughout the southland. I teach an eight week course on the everyday use of essential oils for health, beauty, home ,and garden, at adult schools in the San Bernadino area. And I teach herbal soap and lotion crafting at the local park and recreation center. I am a certified life skills coach and hypnotherapist. I had a practice in Tarzana, Ca. until two years ago, when I relocated to the mountains seeking a simpler way of life. In my practice I specialized in helping children and adults with ADD and ADHD learn coping skills such as organization, purpose and priorities, communication, and relaxation techniques. I look forward to communicating with the group in the future. Presently I have no suggestions on how to proceed. This is all very new to me. At this point I'm not even sure what my expectations are. I expect I'll learn a lot from all of you, and gradually form a clear picture all the possibilies. I hope that my talents and skills will serve as a useful addition to what you plan to create in your community. |
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community One where all types of religions and beliefs can be honoured and respected they all root to the Tao i celebrate all culture; and all types of beliefs; except those who worship the devil 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? love, respect, room for people to grow, spiritual beliefs, truth, trust & honour 3) Why do you want to join a community? i am thinking more in terms of starting my own in either canada ; or Arizonia 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? no, but, i am familiar with a few people who live in some that have run for a considerable length of time, and, it seems like a viable way for me to run current business, while rewarding others for their efforts; and; the spiritual aspect of what this centre will do; could have huge benefits for the individuals involved 5) What skills could you contribute? i was assistant vp of a major fortune 500 co; semi-retired at 29, and; have run my own home based business; (at the same time) for over 25 years i am good at everything from sales/accounting/production/inventory control/ purchasing/sourcing & being innovative I know how to run a business in the "black ink" & i am easy to work for, and/or work with i am a teacher of akashic records, and, i run spiritual adventures on a global basis part-time; if i was to create a centre; there would be work for all kinds of different people; from cooks to maintenance personal 6) Do you have a family coming with you? there are currently one/or two of us; who are considering this along with several other teachers; who have spiritual skills that are complimentary that hope to join us 7) What does your primary diet consist of? vegetarian ; but i have been known to still eat lobster/shrimp on occassion <chuckle> 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? excellent health , no issues 9) What kind of management system would you like? i guess; that depends upon whether or not i finance it 100%; or; i look to joining an already existing community; i do have some ideas of how people could earn they portion; and; i also have some ideas about the creation of an old age home (for old souls) which could foster a program of teaching care for aging people -- but ; that would not be in the first 5 years of operation 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? i am able to create my own work by running highly lucrative spiritual retreats; along with moving my own business; to this location; which i require only a local post office / or ups for pickups or delivery i am also considering making space for artists ; etc; so, they might run 1 week retreats; which might incorporate spiritual development / with art run by qualified art teachers i am also considering making space for people who never got an opportunity to learn music/dance; etc., & have them running a half day program music/other half of the day spiritual development i have some pretty interesting ideas |
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I am 18 and have lived over half my life in community, in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and England. They're all part of one movement in which people share things in common. They live very close to the land and have joy with each other whatever their doing. They have their own business of making handicap equipment. Now I'm living on my own with my two brothers and am looking a lot into meditating and thinking about what a community should be like and what it should be based off of. This is just a little taste of my history but I am now looking to see how other communities do things and learn/network with like-minded people. Have you started the Community of light or is it still in the preparation state. I would love to here from you. |
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We are a family of 4 (1 just left home) and are into gardening, herbal remedies and healing with a variety of building construction skills looking for a community to build our last home (i hope). |
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Hi Dan, I answered the questions you sent in your first email below. As far as dryer areas of Oregon... I think it is essential to have good access to clean water. But I would like to investigate all of Oregon, although we like the idea of being closer to the coast. This trip we only have enough time to see Eugene and Klamath Falls. Catherine 1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. My idea of a desirable community - Several families clustered around a community area in the center which consists of garden plots, fruit trees, maybe a large well, and in the best of worlds, a clean creek. If feasible, a windmill or two would be somewhere on the property. The community would be self sustaining if need be. In other words, off the grid. The homes would be built in a way that is harmonious with the surroundings. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? I think they should agree to leave a small footprint on the Earth. In other words, people with large Hummers might not be the best neighbors. While I say this, I also hate being restrictive, as I do believe in leaving people alone. Like, if I want to have chickens, I could have them. Sometimes when people get together they start making rules, and soon the community is so anal that the original reason I went to live there is gone. A community like this requires common sense, and two basic rules: " Do all that you have agreed to do," and "Do not encroach on others or their property." 3) Why do you want to join a community? I feel that the Earth, and in particular this country is headed towards disaster. We use up many more natural resources than nature can replenish. Energy and food is shipped many miles because of cheap oil. We drive long distances to and from work because of cheap oil. Everything, suburbs, energy distribution, modern buildings, food distribution, mass transportation, all of it has developed the way it has because of cheap and abundant oil. I believe that era is very close to being over, and the only way to survive is to live in a community of like minded, ecologically involved human beings. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? My husband lived in the Miccosukki land coop in Tallahassee, Florida. I tried getting involved in another before I met him, which was attempting to buy several acres on the Wakulla river. But the coop fell apart. The reason it fell apart was because of disagreements on petty issues, such as could this person's cat run free if this person likes birds in her yard. That's what I was talking about earlier. 5) What skills could you contribute? My husband is a builder, and a contractor, is especially interested in straw bale and alternative housing. We have both attended straw bale workshops in Arizona. My husband teaches building in the LA school system, and is even now experimenting on alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar and alternative fuels with his class. I am a writer, and have a masters degree in film production, and another one in screenwriting. I taught screenwriting and film production. I've also worked as an artist. My husband has taught me a lot about building. I roofed our house in the mountains, and did some of the electrical. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? I have a husband and one 14 year old boy. Another son is attending college in Stockton, CA. 7) What does your primary diet consist of? We eat mostly vegetables, which I buy from the local farmers market every week. In addition, we eat poultry and fish. We try to eat whole grain foods as much as possible. 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? No. We are all very healthy. 9) What kind of management system would you like? I kind of went into that. Two basic rules should guide us. "Do all that you have agreed to do," and "Do not encroach on others and their property." In setting up the coop, we should make clear that we intend to respect the land. Every rule should be stated before we start, things that apply to cutting down trees, fouling water, the types of houses that are built. People's taste is their own, but this is an environmentally friendly place, and no McMansions. All homes should be built to conserve, and not waste energy. If we state these things to begin with, then people who don't like the rules, need not apply. Other than that, democratic rule seems the best in a small community. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you want to be able to look for? I think my husband and I would try and start our own business. He could teach others how to build, or help build their homes. I could do any number of things, teach writing, practice my artwork, make films of the community, write books, and continue to write spec screenplays. |
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Brett Harris .......... maize5@yahoo.comI'm very interested in starting a commune with an eye toward business. I, myself, make soap and I want to find metal smiths, artisans, farmers, and dairy workers. |
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1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. A desirable community to me is what I will be trying to achieve and will require a lot of screening. The community would live co-operativly but not dependent of each other. There would be no 'communal pot' of finances. living would be very reasonalable in little cabins with studios for painters, writers, composers, muscicians, philosphers, scientists etc. There would be communal gardens, building bees, events etc but each couple, single or family would be living seperately as in a community, not commune hippie style. There would be common buildings such as library, shops, cafe etc to provide independent earnings. 20% profit to the community for development then the rest goes to the individual be they a painter, hairstylist, mechanic whatever. Quaint old fashioned shops for the general publc would provide a free venue for entrepreneurs. A special venue would provide residents with a space to teach classes, and charge the public. of course an art gallery etc. the group would be a think tank for science, arts, economy, special projects, performances etc. There would no physco babble stuff, no weirdo stuff, no smoking, no drunkiness, no drugs, no swinging, just normal back to earthers who want to live in a setting that is healthy for the body, spirit and mind. Tolerance for different cultures, races would be the standard. The 'center' would be a place open to the public to visit. No secrets. and commerce would be welcome as we all need to survive financially and we cannot be unrealistic to think that a bunch of people can run out to the bush, hug a tree and live together.... 2) What ideals do you feel are important for acommunity to hold? The community would be of talented, conscientious, capable, indepenent, spiritual but not fanatic, culturally aware, generally healthy, emotionally stable, intelligent, back to earth but not earth zealot, financially stable meaning no one is chasing you and you are not hiding from creditors, no gun happy zealots, no negative feeders, people that appreciate the woods, ambitious but not willing to climb on others, and no depressive, anger management dependant people. People need to want the life style and have something to offer in themselves. The center would not be a place for those looking for a free place to live or place to hide from something. picky...yes....always be protective of your environment...you choose to be careful what you eat, be also careful what you put in your mind and heart. 3) Why do you want to join a community? I want to build the community. I already have the land, in northern Alberta. 240 acres of bush connected to miles of crown land...I have dreamt of this center since I was 19..I am almost 52...now I will begin. 4) Have you visited a community or been part of one? No 5) What skills could you contribute? I can build, do computers, organize, design, garden, good in group, ideas and problem solver. i would market and promote resident businesses as a center so the community can survive. 6) Do you have a family coming with you? perhaps 7) What does your primary diet consist of? I do not have do and don't rules. I do not generally drink milk but love cheese.? lots of veggies, do not eat out much. Have a great garden. Not fond of hamburgers...No alcohol, no drugs, no cigarettes, no coffee...I do not begrudge others anything but for the center...NO SMOKERS 8) Do you have any health concerns or issues? not generally 9) What kind of management system would you like? A non profit society. No grande Poohba, no communal pot. People need to be able to be independant and still live in a community...not commune...independant thought and a cottage business for individuals in their own little shop..People still need their own cash to buy meds, gifts,coputers persoal things, student loans,parents,clothes etc...today you cannot live without some personal money...Individuals, couples or family pay a small amount for accomodations, a percent of their income and free venue for their business. That way people do not have to be tied to the place in case of family emergencies etc. They can have their own biz, earn and save their own money, pay 20% OF PROFIT so if they do not make a profit they do not end up drowning in stupid rent etc. but a quaint little 'village' will emerge of artisans. Scientists, philosphers that do have a 'product' can give local people calsses and charge for them. 10) If we were to be located near enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work would you seek? My land is half hour from a town of 12 thousand that has a great college , box stores, tons of tourists in summer etc. I stay in my woulds now and work on computers. I live in a shack, build trails, clear some land etc. and work toward finding people for a community. I will build cabins that are quaint, stylish, and most liekely log or earthen. I live alone with my dogs and hope in the next year to have some fascilities built. |
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My name is Clint Stevens, a native of Texas, and a current resident of South Carolina. I have lived here for the past 4+ years taking care of my mother who is ill. My father has finally decided to take a more active role in her health and wants me to restart my life at the age of 51. I have a bachelor's degree in computer science (1976) and a master's degree in human nutrition (1991), and 65 hours toward a doctorate in community health sciences, which I did not complete, having moved from Houston to South Carolina in 2001. My hobbies include nature photography and coin collecting, and I enjoy reading, music, good conversation, and much more. I am a registered dietitian who has at times been vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous. I am open-minded about most things, and I enjoy both the shared and different aspects of people. I am probably best described as spiritual, but shared religious services as an expression of spirituality can be fine also. 1) Describe your idea of a desirable community. My desirable community is one that fosters the best within while making as positive an impact on this earth as possible. I believe in emphasizing what is right as much as possible, while remaining a realist. My desirable community would be one of nature and nurture, camaraderie and private time, of intellect and expression, and of hope, peace, and light. 2) What ideals do you feel are important for a community to hold? A) Purposefulness B) Thoughtfulness/kindness C) Justice D) Reaching our potential both individually and synergistically, emotionally, physically, an intellectually E) Self/Group-sufficiency F) Environmentally sensitive 3) Why do you want to join a community? I seek not to hide, but to share with others. I am concerned about the direction of our country and our planet. I am working to shed more and more of my materialism, although I am not an ascetic. I seek to grow and to be influenced by caring, patient, and knowledgeable others. I care to share what I can with others. I wish to spend my time away from as much commercialism and gross consumption as realistically is possible.</ |