OUR VALUES

Our community contains elements that nourish a vibrant, meaningful life for every member.

Following the Cohousing Model

We plan to follow the cohousing model where residents design their own community, parking is on the periphery, units are individually owned and the common facilities and land are commonly owned. Units will be affordably priced and may include rentals if possible. The individual units are arranged in building clusters in order to maximize open, green space. Regular community meetings shape the direction and growth of the community. Residents share community work.

Valuing Children

Children are valued as full members of the community. Our resources support children as well as adults. Children will be included in the daily life of the community. As a community we value children as unique individuals and treat them with respect and compassion. As a community we strive to practice and model non-violent communication and actions with children as well as with adult members of the community.

Sharing Goods and Resources

We will share goods and resources such as tools, transportation and childcare. We will share food costs for common meals and do bulk buying. By providing storage facilities, child play areas, workshop, common gathering and dining space, we will be able economically and efficiently to provide quality spaces. Shared laundry, office and guest space are also being considered.

Living Sustainably

We are committed to reducing consumption and conserving natural resources. Our community design will conserve energy and water. We plan to use ecologically sound maintenance practices and building materials where possible. Vegetarian food will be available at all common meals. We will offer nontoxic options in our building materials. We recognize that the choices to live in town (reducing our driving miles) and engage in a social situation that shares responsibilities (reducing isolation and repetition) are steps towards a sustainable lifestyle.

Sharing Community Life

We wish to enable each person to create a satisfying balance between solitude and large and small gatherings. We will have regular gatherings to celebrate events such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and the life of the community.

We will resolve conflict peacefully and with a spirit of goodwill based on mutual respect, support and trust. We will treat every person in the community with respect and kindness. We govern ourselves through a form of consensus decision-making that includes delegating responsibility to committees.

Encouraging Diversity

We accept all people for who they are. We value the strength of diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experience to build a community.