Get involved

From EcoReality

There are many levels of involvement, from least to most:

1. You can add yourself to our email list, using the form to the left (or our mailing list management form), to be notified of events and happenings.
   • This is a low-volume list, and we try to keep it focused on EcoReality happenings. In the winter, you may only get a newsletter, once a month. When we have important events, there may be a few more notices besides the monthly newsletter.
   • You can remove yourself from this list at any time.
   • This is a good way to begin your involvement, so you'll learn more about other levels of involvement on a monthly basis.
2. You can join our Advisory Council.
   • This is a group of people who have an interest in the ecovillage we are forming. Some of them intend to become members at some point; others are simply interested, and willingly give their time in advising us.
   • Joining the Advisory Council adds you to our email list (as above) and also gives you edit/add access to this website.
     • The website is the centre of our information management system, and all agreements and other important information is recorded here.
   • It costs nothing to join, and you can get off the Advisory Council at any time by asking.
   • This is a required level of involvement for those who are considering becoming full co-op members, and for those actually living on the site.
3. Come for a brief visit.
   • We have potlucks, work parties, site tours, and other ways to come and meet many of the people involved in this project.
   • Check our meetings/events page to see what is scheduled.
   • If none of our planned events suit your schedule, please call or email to arrange a visit at a time of mutual convenience.
     • We have busy lives, and unscheduled drop-in visits outside of our public events are strongly discouraged!
4. Come for a longer visit.
   • Generally, visits of up to two weeks can be arranged easily.
   • Visits of over two weeks are possible at our convenience and with the approval of all residents.
   • Please read and understand our welcome letter, which we request you sign upon arrival.
   • We suggest a modest voluntary contribution (as described in the welcome letter) to help offset the cost of having you here.
   • We may be able to arrange work-trade during your stay, but cannot guarantee it, especially if you arrive on short notice, at a time of your convenience.
     • If interested in work-trade, please see our WWOOF FAQ for more information on work-trade, and fill out the application form linked to that page.
5. Rent living space.
   • We prefer that those renting from us be prospective members (see below), but we understand that some may feel more comfortable living on-site before committing to the membership application procedure.
   • We also have room for people who have no intention of pursuing membership, if they have needed skills and considerable time available to work on EcoReality projects.
6. Become a prospective member.
   • You will be included in all routine email and meetings.
   • You do not have "blocking rights" in our consensus agreement-making process.
   • (See our membership FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a member.)
7. Apply for membership.
   • This is an involved process, and is not undertaken lightly!
   • You are, in effect, asking to become a business partner. We ask for a lot of information, including full financial disclosure, that would not be asked (for example) if renting an apartment or even buying a house.
   • (See our membership FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a member.)
8. Become a provisional member.
   • Provisional members have all the rights and duties of members, except:
     • they do not have the right to block agreements, and
     • they or the co-op can terminate membership and liquidate their member share with 30 days notice (normally up to three years).
     • Provisional membership continues for a period of time, possibly with qualifications.
       • As of August 2009, Members have agreed to eliminate provisional membership, substituting a Board of Directors who manage the business of the co-op, which has a residency requirement.
9. Become a resident member
   • Resident members are expected to invest an equal share for the equity in the land, and differing amounts to cover the equity in their dwelling. As of February 2010, our business plan calls for thirteen units of $100,000 each to cover land costs and common infrastructure, and approximately $50,000 for the cost of common-wall dwellings, built using "zero-mile" natural building materials and practices.

If you choose to join the Advisory Council by clicking on any of the join links on this page, you'll be taken to a form, where we'll ask for the following information:

• first and last name (this will be your login)
• organization you represent (if any)
• your web site (if any)
• your full mailing address
• your day and evening phone numbers
• a brief statement about your interests
• how you heard of us
• anything else you think might be of interest

All information except your name and website remain private within the Advisory Council. About once a month, we "introduce" new members to the group by broadcasting their interests.

Thanks for your interest in in our project!

Click here to join the Advisory Council!