Welcome to Home Ecovillage Project!

 

This is the start page for newcomers to Home Ecovillage Project, where we explain who we are, what we're doing and how you can participate.

 

We are a community of more than 100 people, working together.  We are creating a secure and beautiful home: where we are free to be fully ourselves, in harmony with other people and the Earth; where we can raise our children and grow old in peace -- knowing that in doing so, we have made it possible for others to do the same.

 

We hope that our vision inspires you and that you would like to join us in making this wonderful dream come true.

We don't pretend to have all the answers, but with your help, we know we can do it. Together, we can move mountains!

 

In brief,

 

"Our purpose is to live happily in a beautiful ecovillage: a human-scale, mixed-use community that works towards ecological, economic, cultural and spiritual sustainability."

 

..more on the Purpose, Principles and Vision 

 

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How do we make decisions?

 

We make decisions by a process called 'formal consensus'. You can read about the formal consensus process on their website here. Don't worry if you don't understand it all right now - it will all become clear and we offer training.

 

If you want to know about how we apply formal consensus to our particular circumstances, you can see the full governance agreement here.

 

The easiest way to understand all this is probably to come to a meeting, and talk to some of our members.

 

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How can you get involved?

 

There are two levels of membership:

 

1.Online Membership

 

If you just want to check us out and chat to some members, you can join the Ning social forum here. This is free and open to everyone who wants to join, and is a good way to keep up to date with progress. You are also very welcome to come to meetings and give your opinions and input.

 

2.Active Membership

 

We would like as many people as possible to take an active role in the creation of the ecovillage. There is always lots to do, and you will have the full support of all the other active members.

 

You will only be expected to take on as much responsibility as you are ready and/or have time for, and no matter who you are, you have skills and understanding to share!

 

While everyone is welcome at meetings, only active members can block decisions and be part of the consensus. To become an active member, you must:

 

1) attend at least one meeting

2) agree to support and enact the Purpose, Principles and Vision of the community, and

3) contribute £5 a month to the community (Bank details are available from the Treasurer, who you can contact here.)

 

Of course, we hope that you will be able to do more than this. A really good way to start is by thinking about what skills you have to offer, and in which area(s) of the project you would like to be involved. Then contact a member of the Organising Committee and talk to them about it.

 

There are several groups (development working committees) which have been formed, and which could do with your help. Anyone on the Organising Committee can put you in touch with the most well informed person for a certain area (or you might just be that person!). We encourage leadership, creativity and initiative!

 

Some of these are:

 

Organising Committee - overall project management

Finances (for development) - working on business plans and models for investment

Community Economy - the internal economy, implementation of LETS system

Legal Committee - all aspects of legal structure necessary for incorporation

Funding and Grants - tracking down grants that may help us to get what we want done (national and EU level) 

Communications Committee - internal and external

Planning Committee - site design, planning, contacting planners and local authorities

 

There are also other groups dedicated to planning more specific, site-based projects:

 

Heart school - community learning centre

Wellness and Healing Centre

Woodland Management

Food Production

Birthing Centre

Arts and Crafts spaces