1) Social and
Interpersonal Objectives
- Community governance by a
90% or better consensus
- Openness and availability to
special needs members
- Racial, cultural and
spiritual diversity through honesty, trust, education and
cooperation
2) Sustainability
Objectives
- Energy: decreased dependence
on fossil fuels and unsustainable energy
practices
- Using more people power and
decreasing dependence on machine
power
- Using more energy efficient
and alternate energy fueled machines
- Growth and development of a
variety of sustainable fuel sources
3) Food and
Water
- Reduction of our need on
outside commercial agricultural systems for food and
water
- Growth of most or all of our
food using a variety of sustainable gardening and
agricultural practices and systems
- Each participant or family
would have a large "personal" garden
- Utilization of rain
catchments, springs, wells and other non-municipal water
sources for potable and non-potable
water
- Recycling of food and animal
waste back into food systems
4)
Shelter
- Reduction of our need on
commercial energy intensive building systems, practices
and materials for shelter
- Use of recycled and "Old
World" traditional and untraditional building practices,
materials and to create energy efficient buildings and
shelters.
5)
Economics
- Creation of spaces where
'right livelihood' will be encouraged and
pursued
- Cultivation of plant and
animal life that will enable a sustainable income from
the land
- Creation of enough public
awareness that will enable groups and individuals to
utilize our property for public and personal
uses
6) Activism
Objectives
- Engagement with our
neighbors in a mutually beneficial barter
system
- Looking for opportunities to
present and teach alternatives to the modern consumptive
lifestyle
7) Ecology
Objectives
- Raising awareness of the
impact on nature with our processes and consumption
patterns
- Seeking out systems and
practices that will lessen the impact on our
environmental infrastructure, both in and outside the
community utilizing the guidelines of: --no resources in
the defined area consumed faster than their natural
replenishment --the enclosed system continuing
indefinitely, without degradation of its ecosystem or
internal resource base, without degradation to the
standard of living of the people in it, and without
contributing to the non-sustainability of ecosystems
outside the collective
- Choosing recycled materials
when possible and practical and encouraging our neighbors
in doing the same
- Choosing energy efficient
and sustainable systems when possible and
practical
8)
These
are some other considerations we've come to value:
1) The Community of Light is
an intentional community dedicated to following the
principles of environmental responsibility,
sustainability, and a holistic approach to health and
living.
2) The Community of Light
seeks energy independence, food independence and
community-based forms of income generation.
3) The Community of Light is
open to persons from all walks of life. We do not
discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, age, or
socioeconomic background. The Community of Light
encourages personal spiritual growth, however, we do not
subscribe to a particular spiritual or religious
tradition.
4) We embrace the principles
of multiculturalism, activism for positive change,
cooperation, and the interdependence of its members based
on mutual trust and honesty. We value improving
interpersonal communication and deepening our connections
to each other as well as with the world around us.
5) Currently we have a
committee that meets on line to discuss issues. We use a
simple majority rule to make decisions in this setting.
However, we intend to have a consensus model of
leadership for the community. Consensus, for the time
being, will consist of a super majority of 90%. We will
create provisions, a community meeting to hear dissenting
opinions and resolve differences.
Those applicants with special
needs or physical impairments shall be considered
individually based on the ability of the Community to
meet their needs. Members shall be afforded health care
based on a holistic approach incorporating many healing
traditions and the resources available to the
community.
They'd have a responsibility
to be honest and open with us, as we would have to be
with them
I am assuming that we would
be learning as we went, find experts who we'd work with,
or even have a conventional health plan if financing
allowed it.
6) There will be a place or
area set aside for celebrations and services which will
be maintained both by and for the community. Everyone
will have an opportunity to make use of the
space.
Practical
matters:
At
some point we'll have to determine the capital we as a
group have. I'd estimate that by the time we have
substantial capitalization, say over one million dollars,
just to be optimistic, we will have organized our selves
legally, as an entity, and have begun meetings in person
as well as sent out explorers for
sites.
We
might like a property as large as 500 acres, with good
water, wells, or springs. It is possible to work with dry
or even desert land as long as the property had some
seasonal flooding, indicated by dry washes. In these
locations however the work would be more difficult, but,
as might be imagined, the price per acre would be less.
We prefer land below the snow line.
Other
items:
- If
you would like to know more about community life see The
Fellowship for Intentional Community web site. This
organization publishes information that gives a good
overview of what community living is like. You may write
to them at:
F.I.C.
.
- The
following link The
Northwest Intentional Communities
Association
has a great deal
of good information if you are considering forming a
community or want to know more about
them.
|
News
Section
|
Community
of Light's News Log
Affirmation:
The land we seek is first found in the heart, then
in the mind, then in the world
!
|
02.09.12
|
By
Daniel Brady and Wendy
Wolters
|
|
The
Word From Here
... New
Contacts
... Letters
...
Communities
Forming
... For
Your Information
Interest
Survey: Preferences
... Special
Commentaries
The
word from here
03 - 30 -
15:
Hello,
I have not been
able to focus on this project for several years. My career,
health and family concerns all were very demanding aspects
of my life and although I have now retired I am still
"catching up" and "finishing" what needs to be done. I still
harbor a hope that I'll once again be able to become active
in this project.
In order to
organize we'll need to get to know one another and that
would best be done by building a core group of some six or
more to make initial decisions. Email me if you want to
discuss any issue.
Thanks, Dan:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
New
Contacts
Usually I post
this information on the Yahoogroup, but I have these here as
examples of what people say when they want to join. These
posted as of 02/2012
Letters
This section
will be for postings that come from both members and from
other sources, which may be of interest. Usually I post new
contacts and letters to the Yahoo Group. What I post here
are things those looking in at the C.O.L. for the first time
may find useful.
Community
Forming and Land Opportunities
This will be for information
from or about other communities that comes our way.
For
Your Information
Fellowship of
Intentional Communities:
The Fellowship
of Intentional Communities is a great resource for anyone
wanting information about communities that are established
or forming. You can find which ones are near to you and do a
good deal of research with the information they provide, who
knows there may be a place within a relatively short
drive.
Their
Communities Magazine comes out regularly. The directory that
they have is a great primer in the variety of the community
universe. You can write them:.
Communities
Magazine, 138 Twin Oaks Road, Louisa VA 23093 USA or call
them at: Tel/Fax: 540-894-5126. Their website is at
Intentional Communities
This list of
places seeking members, communities forming and the like.
It's at the F.I.C.'s website:
http://directory.ic.org/iclist/
Our listing on
the F.I.C.
We encourage you
to review the Community of Light's listing
using
this link.
Listings
at directory.ic.org are also used for the FIC's print
version of the Communities Directory.
Northwest
Intentional Communities:
The resources on
the Northwest Intentional Communities site might be
valuable. There are lists of legal documents, process advice
etc. They're at:
http://www.ic.org/nica/resource.htm
California
Farm Link:
Here is an
organization, California Farm Link, which attempts to match
aspiring farmers with landowners. I've filled out and sent
in the
questionnaire
They
operate mostly in northern California, and I've seen some
listings of interest. If we are able to get a match for a
farm, we could likely negotiate a sharecrop rental until we
got our businesses going, then buy the land on doable
payment terms.
Giving to
Good Causes?
A very easy way
to give food to the hungry is to set the Hunger Site as your
browser's home page. Check out the Hunger
Site
to
see what it is about and how it works.
Special
Commentary or Writings
This will be place for
commentary of various kinds.
Our
Preferences
If you are a
member of our
Yahoo
group
you
can access the current polling data, or vote. These are the
current statistics as of June 2011; they had been stable for
some long time and so I am posting them here.
Would you
consider a location outside the United
States?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Outside
the U.S. preferred
|
2
|
8%
|
|
depending
on country chosen
|
5
|
20%
|
|
Neutral
- no preference
|
2
|
8%
|
|
would
but not first choice
|
11
|
45%
|
|
NOT
consider outside U.S.
|
4
|
16%
|
Should we have a
membership fee of some kind?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Income
of entering members
|
6
|
30%
|
|
Money
making capacity of the community
|
14
|
70%
|
If we had an
entry fee what should it be based upon?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Number
of entering members
|
0
|
0%
|
|
Income
of entering members
|
3
|
12%
|
|
Money
making capacity of the community
|
2
|
14%
|
|
Other
|
4
|
23%
|
|
A share
buying system
|
8
|
47%
|
Areas or regions
we'd like to consider: (See the site for details)
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
AZ, NM,
W. Texas
|
0
|
0
|
|
Cent.
US: NB KS OK DA
|
0
|
0
|
|
G.
Lakes, AK, MO, IL, IN,WI, KY, TN
|
1
|
5%
|
|
E. KY,
E. TN, WVA, W.VA, W.,PA,
|
2
|
11%
|
|
G.
Coast, FL, LA, MS, AL
|
1
|
5
|
|
E. PA,
NY, NH, VT, CT, RH ME, MD
|
0
|
0
|
|
N.
Idaho
|
1
|
5
|
|
NW/W
OR, W. WA,
|
9
|
52%
|
|
CA, NV,
UT, E. OR, E, WA, MT, CO, Wy
|
3
|
217%
|
What kind of
climate would you want to live in?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Tropical
|
2
|
8%
|
|
Subtropical
|
6
|
24%
|
|
Forest
|
7
|
28%
|
|
Woodland/meadow
|
10
|
40%
|
|
Tundra
|
0
|
0%
|
What land
locations would you like?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Island
|
15
|
18%
|
|
Peninsula
|
12
|
15%
|
|
Land
bound w/coast
|
16
|
20%
|
|
land
bound no coast
|
12
|
15%
|
|
High
altitude
|
13
|
16%
|
|
Low
altitude
|
12
|
15%
|
What sorts of
things would you want to use the land for?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Farming
|
22
|
13%
|
|
Raising
livestock
|
16
|
10%
|
|
Raising
feed crops
|
12
|
7%
|
|
Hunting
|
7
|
4%
|
|
Gathering
|
17
|
10%
|
|
Fishing
|
15
|
9%
|
|
Utilitarian
crops
|
12
|
7%
|
|
Fruit
bearing trees
|
25
|
15%
|
|
Lumber/milling
|
6
|
3%
|
|
Water/solar
for alt. power
|
26
|
16%
|
Would you
consider a buy/sell/relationship with the outside world?
|
Choices
|
Votes
|
%
|
|
Yes
|
24
|
100%
|
|
No
|
0
|
0%
|
|
Newsletter
Archive
Member
Profiles
|
..
|
|
|
This list has not been
updated since 2011 and so is out of date.
I used to ask persons
who wished to join for an introduction. I provide a
prompt of ten question and if they responded I
placed the information on this profiles page. The
value of this listing now lies in the fact that it
provides some idea of what we're looking for in
terms of members.
I keep the profile here
until such time as they ask to have it removed.
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
|
|
|
..
|
|
1
|
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.
|
..
|
|
4
|
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.
|
..
|
|
8
|
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
|
..
|
|
10
|
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
|
..
|
|
13
|
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
|
|
|
21
|
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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33
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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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41
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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 paper
making.
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 omnivores (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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42
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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. Ive 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 80s.
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 academically 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. Im 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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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 lifestyle 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 possibilities. 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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51
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1) Describe your idea of a
desirable community
One where all types of religions and
beliefs can be honored 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 & honor
3) Why do you want to join a
community?
i am thinking more in terms of
starting my own in either Canada ; or Arizona
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 center 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; semiretired 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
center; 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 occasion
<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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52
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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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55
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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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58
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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 reasonable in little cabins
with studios for painters, writers, composers, musicians,
philosophers, scientists etc. There would be communal
gardens, building bees, events etc but each couple, single
or family would be living separately 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 public 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 drunkenness, 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 a community to hold?
The community would be of talented,
conscientious, capable, independent, 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 dependent 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,computers perusal things,
student loans,parents,clothes etc...today you cannot live
without some personal money...Individuals, couples or family
pay a small amount for accommodations, 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,
philosophers that do have a 'product' can give local people
classes 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 woods 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 likely log
or earthen. I live alone with my dogs and hope in the next
year to have some facilities built.
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60
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Hi Dan! Hi Friends ! My Mind is my
God! How I think ? And why?
It's all a matter of criteria! If we
choose to enjoy Life, first we choose our criteria for joy.
I "realize" ! The Death make all without meaning! But, when
the Man search the Joy in the simple things. In Knowledge.
Then, all become new beauty! New goodness!
I search my "Way with Heart",and my
true Friend for this Way ! With "unbending Intent" for
goodness, joy and love! (or Peace, Love and Freedom) You can
see my profile in http://milushlovejoy.zaazd.com
1) Describe your idea of a
desirable community.
It's nice to know that you can find
all your friends at "home". Community of Light -"Houm" for
me and my Friends! Great Internet Community. A Criteria:
Peace, Love and Freedom) Community of Light Community of
Love Community of New Age
2) What ideals do you feel are
important for a community to hold?
For great Community three criteria:
Peace Love and Freedom! For Community of Light : Peace Love
and Freedom! + independant, overcoming the "EGO",respect for
the web of life and the earth,and "Knowledge","Knowledge"
which gives the Power to be wise,capable and
loving!and.................... For(my) small "Houm"
Joy,"Abstract Love" and "Knowledge"
3) Why do you want to join a
community?
My Life is only one! I wish to live in
Joy with like-minded Friends at" Home"!
4) Have you visited a community or
been part of one?
Only in Internet.
5) What skills could you
contribute?
I have more skills! Building,
gardening,farming and more, but, I wish working with joy for
our goals!With smile friends!
6) Do you have a family coming with
you?
No.
7) What does your primary diet
consist of?
I wish to give all necessary for my
Brain and my body!
8) Do you have any health concerns
or issues?
I am very sensitive for
(E121,123,....)
9) What kind of management system
would you like?
Discussion.(Socrates) Give joy others!
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?
To began, I would be create a small
basis for sleep and food. If, near by all good Heart, stand
another good Heart P.S. I have one idea!
In other community, with WWOOF
principles (ensure bed and food for 4h work) , we can become
they experience. Clear ours criteria. Founded small group
for began. TheTrue friendship build self in work
together!
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61
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1) Describe your idea of a
desirable community.
I would like to live in a community
based on love, friendship, team work, spiritual growth,
creativity, open-mindedness, freedom, natural ways of living
(e.i. solar power, wind power, water power, growing organic
food, etc.), just to name a few.
My thoughts have been on an area just
southwest of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The reasons for
this are: that the area is around 5,000 feet above sea
level, which is paramount considering the flooding that has
begun to envelop this part of the world. it has a good
growing season.
it is close to a number of
communities, yet it can be and feel secluded. The
scenery is awe inspiring. It is full of wildlife and many
beautiful and useful indigenous plants and flowers. The
people around that area are very friendly and welcoming. The
weather is not too hot or cold, with warm Chinook winds
gracing the winter months periodically.
2) What ideals do you feel are
important for a community to hold?
Integrity, love, supporting and
celebration of differences, embracing all with compassion
and understanding, fairness.
3) Why do you want to join a
community?
I believe that a community would be a
welcomed change in this world. Violence and unjust treatment
of Gaia, animals, and human beings must stop, and only
community living can stop these atrocities. A community
based on love and mutual interests, song and dance, fun,
healing, and the ability to help ourselves and others means
a lot to me.
4) Have you visited a community or
been part of one?
No. My cousin belonged to
one years ago, though, and I believe that she turned
out to be a much better person in many aspects because of
it.
5) What skills could you
contribute?
I have landscaped for over 18 years,
have driven truck, and still have a license to drive a 5 ton
truck. I worked in greenhouses for 4 years. I have worked
with computers for decades, and have managed businesses
before, including an aggregate business for 2 years, a
restaurant type of business for 6 months, and a landscaping
store for a year.
I have run Bobcats (skid steer)s,
front end loaders, tractors, packers, and even 35 ton rock
trucks. I have worked with hand tools, power tools, air
tools, woodworking tools, welders, etc. I have helped to
build structures, and done some wiring, painting,and
plumbing.
I have gardened, and I love growing my
own vegetables and herbs! They taste so much better when
they are home grown! I love making walking sticks and canes,
whittling, and doing other creative things with my
hands.
I have a horse, and he loves to be
ridden! I attended an Equestrian riding school as a child
(hunter/jumper), and worked on a horse breeding farm a few
years back as well.
I am a Reiki
Master/Teacher/Practitioner in many different forms of
Reiki. I became a Minister of the Universal Life Church a
while back, but have been continuing my education before
pursuing any type of Ministry.
The list goes on...but I won't bore
you...
6) Do you have a family coming with
you?
No. My son is grown up and owns his
own house.
7 What does your primary diet
consist of?
I eat a high protein, low fat diet,
with lots of green leafy vegetables. I prefer organic food
to ones with any sort of preservatives, hard to find
nowadays .
8) Do you have any health concerns
or issues?
The doctor says I have a few concerns,
but I have managed to minimize the effects with diet and
self-Reiki treatments.
9) What kind of management system
would you like?
I prefer consensus by the group.
After all, don't we all have to live with the results of
each decision? Should it not make sense, then, to all have a
say as to what that decision might be?
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?
As I have stated above, I have
experience in many fields, so finding work has never been a
problem for me. Presently, and for about the past 6 months,
I work as a calltaker doing data entry into
computers for a taxi company in Calgary, Alberta. I was
landscaping before winter hit.
Pretty much every second business in
this province has a help wanted sign on the door, and has
for a while. Minimum wage has gone up recently, and there
are many places competing for workers. Some of the
warehouses in Calgary, which, incidentally, is not too far
from the area I was thinking for that would be a great place
for a commune, have had to travel all the way to Mexico to
get workers because they are having a hard time keeping
Canadian workers even when the starting wage there is I
believe $16 an hour plus benefits!
As far as small towns in the area,
Turner Valley, Okotoks, and Black Diamond, are all
about 15 miles away,and High River about 25. Calgary is
about 20 miles away in the other direction, but you can't
see it because of the hills. The area I was thinking of is
called Millarville. The only businesses there are just
a general store, a gas station, a small engine repair shop,
and, believe it or not, a travel agency! Outside of town is
a race track that doubles as a farmer's market every
Saturday during the summer months.
I believe that this world is changing
big time, and we need to learn to change with it. This can
only be done with love, understanding, camaraderie,
community, peace, unity, and again I say love.
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62
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Our names are
Michelle and Robert. We are pleased to be part of The
Community of Light. This on line experience will be a bit
erratic for us because we are on the road for the next 6
months and will only be visiting internet cafes a couple of
times a week. We hope to visit and volunteer in some
communities next spring (written as of 12/07)
1. Describe your
idea of a desirable community.?
Provide for the
well being of the community, live in balance with the earth,
and preserve her biodiversity. Provide infrastructure and
organizational education and support to other
communities.
A community has
many dimensions: location, geography, spirit, size, goals,
financial basis, etc. Our ideal community would be located
near or adjoining large areas of public land which supports
abundant wildlife. The community land would be in an
agricultural area where we could trade food with our
neighbors. Community land would need to have water rights
for irrigation and natural water features: spring, stream,
or lake. We are partial to ecological and geological
transition zones like you would find at the base of a
mountain.
We would like a community that strives
for sustainability and give back to the area by including an
animal sanctuary. The social agreement should include mutual
service and support system that would enable work sharing.
Income for the community members could include educational
and contracting outreach to others interested in sustainable
practices. In the beginning we hope to build a community of
10 to 20 "families."
2. What ideals
do you feel are important for a community to
hold?
Integrity,
responsibility, and commitment to the common purpose are
important and respect for the individual's rights of life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Permaculture could
form the organizing principles sustainable living with the
land while natural capitalism could form the organizing
principles for the business part of the
community.
3. Why do you
want to join a community?
We believe that the
planet and humanity are starting to experience major changes
and it is important to band together as a community to face
these challenges
4. Have you
visited or been part of a community?
Michelle has lived
and studied at Heartwood Institute for six months. Heartwood
is a massage school in northern California. She also visited
two other communities in northern California about 15 years
ago. Robert has not lived in or visited any
communities.
5. What skills
can you contribute?
Michelle grew up on
a farm in France. She has been a massage therapist for 17
years and she owns her own business.
Robert has many
hard skills in science and technology. He worked as an
Outward Bound instructor and can organize groups and is
handy in emergency first aid situations. He is skilled in
construction and maintenance of buildings, water systems,
electrical systems, and mechanical systems. He has owned his
own business and most recently ran a solar contracting
business.
6. Do you have
other family members?
Robert has a
daughter that is 16. She isn't presently interested but
things might change.
7. Primary
diet?
We eat a
semi-vegetarian diet. Occasionally we eat fish.
8. Health
concerns or issues?
None
9. What kind of
management system?
We believe that the
community should be ruled by the principles that it agrees
to through consensus. These principles can be amended over
time again by consensus. There should be management
individuals or groups for specialized tasks chosen by
consensus. Once the guiding principles and management is in
place then a simple democracy should be sufficient. There
needs to be a method decided on ahead of time through
consensus to manage conflict, bring in new individuals, and
let individuals leave.
10. What kind of
work would you be able to do outside of the
community?
Michelle is a
massage therapist. Robert can do a variety of jobs:
plumbing, water well installation and service, electrician,
computer work, solar installation and service.
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63
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1) Describe your idea of a
desirable community:
Like to find a community that respects
people's different views on life,religion..Family
oriented..helps with needs of others..Possible to have
schooling,home schooling program for all the children to
attend..Daycare for those that just need to have a break..I
feel that everyone needs a certain amount of privacy,maybe
cabins to each person but a center where we all can meet for
entertaining,cooking..gathering..
2) What ideals do you feel are
important for a community to hold?
Respect for others and there
views,ideas,opinions,religions....
3) Why do you want to join a
community?
I feel the way the economy is
going,that it may be in many people's best interest to join
and come together to help one another..
4) Have you visited a community or
been part of one?
I have visited and stayed for an
entire summer.
5) What skills could you
contribute?
I enjoy gardening,Organic foods. I
deal with alot of herbs,herbal medicines,holistic care.
.Currently Real Estate Investor/Associate Broker in a
economy not doing so well in the market.
6) Do you have a family coming with
you?
It would be my son and I. I do have 2
dogs?? I am 38 and my son is 12.
7) What does your primary diet
consist of?
I eat alot of fruit and
veggies/salads. Fish and Chicken -mostly Organic and free
range
8) Do you have any health concerns
or issues?
I have no health concerns treat myself
and son with natural medicines and we are rarely ever
sick.
9) What kind of management system
would you like?
not really sure??
10) If we were to be located near
enough to a community of 5 to 50 thousand, what kind of work
could you want you consider besides what you'd do in the
community?..
I'm a Real Estate Investor/Associate
Broker. Airline Attendant,other jobs I have done: waitress,
cleaning
business,secretary,kitchen,factory,carpentry,painter.
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