Values
From EcoReality
This has been agreed among the members by unanimous consent on 20060401-1.
Since it has been agreed, the page is locked.
Contact WikiSysop to make small corrections (spelling, grammar, etc.) or add an agenda item to re-visit this decision at an appropriate meeting.
Since it has been agreed, the page is locked.
Contact WikiSysop to make small corrections (spelling, grammar, etc.) or add an agenda item to re-visit this decision at an appropriate meeting.
The process work that went into these values has been moved to a separate values/process page. This list was created and prioritized from those exercises and discussions.
Please see also the related pages on vision, mission, and purpose, which are also derived from the values/process work we did.
EcoReality Values
These are the values we hold in common, in priority order. These values are the basis upon which our other guidance documents have been formed, and should be consulted whenever difficult or contentious decisions are made. These values may change over time; please place additions or comments on the discussion page, together with your name.
- Sustainability in all its forms: food, energy, economy, society, politics, more.
- Simplicity: everything should be kept as simple as possible.
- Ecological action:
- Permaculture for the entire land,
- land stewardship,
- ecological preservation: preservation of ecological & energetic services in designated areas,
- ecological agriculture in designated areas,
- living on the land while honouring its carrying capacity.
- Commitment to growing organic foods and gardening for community consumption and possibly sales via farmstand/farmer's markets and value added products.
- Low-impact, as part of the sustainable model: working with the land as much as possible to keep as many natural resources intact (or in a renewing cycle as determined through careful study and management) as possible.
- Sustainable actions:
- in building, food production, development,
- energy generation & use; ideally with an off the grid system that is tied in to the grid for use during low self energy production periods and the option to sell back during surplus times.
- Preservation of tools and resources and efficient use of skills.
- Habitant-built housing. Nothing provides a closer connection to your habitat than building your own dwelling, with your own hands.
- Freedom from debt with the outside world. Doing our best to not make large banking corporations more money.
- Growth of the ecovillage in population and development is carefully managed, balanced by new members, children, project action, decline and death.
- Attention to details in all aspects of actions and skills.
- Resource sharing: assessment of skills and owned items inventories within the ecovillage, with clear guidelines on what is available for use and the conditions or special considerations with each item/skill. Sharing of items, ideas, and skills that are existing within the community or brought in by one party, neighbour or partner intentional community. Working together to share hard work in all aspects of the ecovillage: labour, administration, emotional well being, day to day tasks etc.
- Clear, written process and agreements for managing our interactions among ourselves and with those outside, supported by appropriate tools that everyone agrees to use.
- Adherence to non-violence in all its forms, including to non-human animals.
- Compassionate truth-telling using non violence, blame- and shame-free sharing of concerns, and empowerment of others.
- Progressive conflict resolution with facilitators within the community and outside resources available.
- Emphasis on empowering people, through personal responsibility and accountability, supported as needed by others.
- Encouraging and empowering others in all areas of their lives.
- Respect for personal space within the sharing community.
- Communication & feedback: self-expression, consistent effort to improve & listen to others & self, acceptance, cooperation, prevention of conflict through behavior.
- Practicing consensus in decision making/governance. Having training/facilitation as needed.
- Building trust between members, committees, visitors etc through honest communication and transparent documents.
- Open communication within the community and with others. Having the reputation as a reliable group to work for or with.
- Openness to understanding of others. Keeping an open mind during deliberations, decision making and conflict resolution.
- Positive thinking and positive expression.
- Radical transparency in finances, documents, agreements etc.
- Respect for others- to be upheld in all situations. To be healed and rebuilt as needed.
- Supportive conflict resolution with facilitation if needed, within the community or a healing soul sought and introduced for the purpose.
- Administration kept tidy and organized for all to use, tools returned to proper place. Ease of use to encourage participation.
- Village feel, walking to/from houses, creating more chances of meeting and interacting with others.
- Adherence to non-violence in all its forms, including to non-human animals.
- Spiritual awareness & connectedness: acceptance of spiritual/philosophical/religious diversity, agreement-based practices, celebration & ritual on community/personal level that is non-religious, yet accepts many ways & paths.
- Compassion & love: honoring others as self/family, gifting, heathy vibrations & willingness to change.
- Sharing thoughts, ideas, and concerns during shared meals, social occasions, meetings, working alongside each other etc.
- Loving relationships between families, households, the community as a whole, visitors etc. Caring about/for others.
- Giving love, good thoughts, hugs & positive feedback
- nurturing, embracing for all humans and animals.
- Inspirational creative activities- Yoga, music, photography, wildlife, carpentry, crafting, dancing etc etc etc
- Education: learner-centered, ecologically-based, living and non-living systems-based teaching within the community for children, teens & adults. Groupwork will be a mainstay of education.
- Teaching and guiding children as an ecovillage as a whole and by those who choose to take on teaching children within the community.
- Teaching: goodwill to share information (personal, skill-based, other) and set up times for workshops or classes on specific skills/expertise. Willingness to be taught and continue to learn -- to say, "I don't know," when applicable.
- Global impact/benefit. Inducing global change by leading by example and spreading the knowledge.
