- Values Statement
Life Perspective:
We acknowledge, share, and celebrate a broad perspective that
includes honoring the interconnectedness of all life, creating
meaning in life, and becoming the deepest and fullest expression of
our truest selves.
Integrity:
We recognize that community is founded on individual and
collective integrity. While each person has evolved his or her own
personal values, together we will uphold the values of kindness,
compassion, honesty, trust, responsibility, and respect for the
values and needs of others, and use these values to guide us in
our interactions with each other.
Personal Freedom and Growth:
We will choose our own lifestyles, pursue our own spiritual and
personal goals, and have no political or religious affiliation as a
group. We believe that personal freedom enhances a strong sense
of community.
Inclusion and Acceptance:
We recognize that each individual is an inherently valuable member of our community and honor each person for
his/her unique being. We will make a conscious decision not to exclude or discriminate against anyone who
adheres to the basic values and tenets of the community. Thus we will celebrate our differences: age, gender,
ethnicity, couples/singles, sexual orientation, households with and without children, physical ability, spiritual
belief/practice (or lack thereof), and individual political and artistic expression. We uphold the values of diversity,
inclusion, and acceptance toward all, encouraging each person to fully express him/herself.
Individual Privacy:
We will greatly respect and provide for every member’s personal space and privacy, as we believe these are
fundamental needs. We will respect individual and family needs for privacy, quiet, and alone time. We also
understand that the need for private space and private time vary.
Cooperation:
We will seek to create an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual support, and willingness to help each other,
especially in times of need, including giving a helping hand, being able to listen and share, and having an open
heart and mind in all such endeavors.
We will all share in the many roles of community, participate in group activities, and maintain the property. A
reasonable contribution of time and energy from all members is necessary to ensure proper maintenance and
operation of all common facilities and functions.
We must all care for the welfare and safety of the community and ourselves by recognizing and attending to
problems and by giving of our energy when and where it is needed. We will also strive for this same willingness
and cooperation, when feasible, in matters concerning the surrounding community at large.
Affordability:
We will responsibly manage resources in the creation and ongoing operations of the community. Project
development and construction will be constrained by our individual and collective financial resources and will be
cost-effective. Our investments will be protected through responsible financial management and by providing for
resale should the need arise.
Environment:
We will make every effort to provide a clean, beautiful, well-maintained, and ecologically sensitive physical
environment that is health-supporting and free from harmful toxins.
Self-governance:
We will recognize the need for everyone to have the opportunity to be involved in decisions affecting the entire
community, and that we may have to make some hard decisions limiting certain behaviors or actions within the
community. We will expect continued involvement of all in the planning, growth, development, and management of
the community. Toward this end we will develop guidelines for participation in group discussions and conflict
resolution.
Communication:
We strive to cultivate open-hearted, clear communication that can be shared without fear of rejection. In all
communication we strive to be respectful and sensitive to the impact we have on others, seeking to understand
differences of perspective. We seek to talk directly to people rather than about them, in language that is not
judgmental or demeaning. We avoid collusion and gossip. Feedback is encouraged and is given in a caring and
constructive manner.
Decision-Making:
As a community it is our intention to make decisions by consensus within a process for encouraging full
participation of the group in major decision-making that includes dialogue, full exploration of dissent, and
agreement.
Conflict Resolution:
We will resolve conflicts and disputes as soon as possible with kindness, respect, and open heartedness. We are
mindful of the understanding that each individual view is inherently limited, and there are wider perspectives and
issues than any single individual has knowledge of. Therefore we see conflict as a more inclusive process that
alerts our community to issues of balance and understanding. We seek win-win solutions with the assistance of
mediation or facilitation when necessary.
Peace and Nonviolence:
We strive not to inflict individual attitudes, desires or ideals on others. We seek to speak up to stop actions of
manipulation, intimidation, coercion, or disrespect. We monitor our own internal levels of anger and reactiveness,
seeking to act mindfully.
Sharing of Resources:
We will create opportunities to exchange, combine, and share our resources and our responsibilities for
community projects.
Participation:
We acknowledge that our individual differences bring experiences, ideas, and insights that strengthen and enrich
the community. Individual skills, such as gardening, cooking, computer, construction, or interpersonal skills, are
essential to making the community function effectively. We all willingly participate in committees, community
events, and short- and long-term projects.
Community Events:
We will have regular gatherings to observe individual and community events such as birthdays, anniversaries,
deaths, holidays, and the life of the community. The gatherings may include celebrations, potlucks, barbecues,
dances, musical performances, and various activities as relevant for other significant times of the year. Events
may involve or include, when appropriate, the surrounding communities.
We recognize that each individual is an inherently valuable member of our community and honor each person for
his/her unique being. We will make a conscious decision not to exclude or discriminate against anyone who
adheres to the basic values and tenets of the community. Thus we will celebrate our differences: age, gender,
ethnicity, couples/singles, sexual orientation, households with and without children, physical ability, spiritual
belief/practice (or lack thereof), and individual political and artistic expression. We uphold the values of diversity,
inclusion, and acceptance toward all, encouraging each person to fully express him/herself.
Individual Privacy:
We will greatly respect and provide for every member’s personal space and privacy, as we believe these are
fundamental needs. We will respect individual and family needs for privacy, quiet, and alone time. We also
understand that the need for private space and private time vary.
Cooperation:
We will seek to create an atmosphere of cooperation, mutual support, and willingness to help each other,
especially in times of need, including giving a helping hand, being able to listen and share, and having an open
heart and mind in all such endeavors.
We will all share in the many roles of community, participate in group activities, and maintain the property. A
reasonable contribution of time and energy from all members is necessary to ensure proper maintenance and
operation of all common facilities and functions.
We must all care for the welfare and safety of the community and ourselves by recognizing and attending to
problems and by giving of our energy when and where it is needed. We will also strive for this same willingness
and cooperation, when feasible, in matters concerning the surrounding community at large.
Affordability:
We will responsibly manage resources in the creation and ongoing operations of the community. Project
development and construction will be constrained by our individual and collective financial resources and will be
cost-effective. Our investments will be protected through responsible financial management and by providing for
resale should the need arise.
Environment:
We will make every effort to provide a clean, beautiful, well-maintained, and ecologically sensitive physical
environment that is health-supporting and free from harmful toxins.
Self-governance:
We will recognize the need for everyone to have the opportunity to be involved in decisions affecting the entire
community, and that we may have to make some hard decisions limiting certain behaviors or actions within the
community. We will expect continued involvement of all in the planning, growth, development, and management of
the community. Toward this end we will develop guidelines for participation in group discussions and conflict
resolution.
Communication:
We strive to cultivate open-hearted, clear communication that can be shared without fear of rejection. In all
communication we strive to be respectful and sensitive to the impact we have on others, seeking to understand
differences of perspective. We seek to talk directly to people rather than about them, in language that is not
judgmental or demeaning. We avoid collusion and gossip. Feedback is encouraged and is given in a caring and
constructive manner.
Decision-Making:
As a community it is our intention to make decisions by consensus within a process for encouraging full
participation of the group in major decision-making that includes dialogue, full exploration of dissent, and
agreement.
Conflict Resolution:
We will resolve conflicts and disputes as soon as possible with kindness, respect, and open heartedness. We are
mindful of the understanding that each individual view is inherently limited, and there are wider perspectives and
issues than any single individual has knowledge of. Therefore we see conflict as a more inclusive process that
alerts our community to issues of balance and understanding. We seek win-win solutions with the assistance of
mediation or facilitation when necessary.
Peace and Nonviolence:
We strive not to inflict individual attitudes, desires or ideals on others. We seek to speak up to stop actions of
manipulation, intimidation, coercion, or disrespect. We monitor our own internal levels of anger and reactiveness,
seeking to act mindfully.
Sharing of Resources:
We will create opportunities to exchange, combine, and share our resources and our responsibilities for
community projects.
Participation:
We acknowledge that our individual differences bring experiences, ideas, and insights that strengthen and enrich
the community. Individual skills, such as gardening, cooking, computer, construction, or interpersonal skills, are
essential to making the community function effectively. We all willingly participate in committees, community
events, and short- and long-term projects.
Community Events:
We will have regular gatherings to observe individual and community events such as birthdays, anniversaries,
deaths, holidays, and the life of the community. The gatherings may include celebrations, potlucks, barbecues,
dances, musical performances, and various activities as relevant for other significant times of the year. Events
may involve or include, when appropriate, the surrounding communities.
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