Early in our process we met and brainstormed our values. This was a great exercise as we each had the opportunity to suggest values statements that we personally brought to the group. After posting those on a wall we then honed in on the things that we shared in common. It was so gratifying to see that our group values very fully reflected our individual priorities and passions. After that we took a few minutes to similarly reflect on issues and priorities that would make it either possible or impossible for each of us to commit to the community. These are listed as our "non-negotiables". Again, there was generally tremendous consensus around these items as well.
These decisions are made thoughtfully and after everyone is heard. Consensus decision making takes more time than voting but allows for much more comfort with the agreements that we make with each other.
Our Values:
Spiritual without religious
Honesty, truthfulness, caring, responsible
Arts
Sharing (resources, space)
Peace and Social Justice
Environmentally sensitive, not automobile-centric
Diversity, multi-generational, families
Gardening
Animals/pets welcomed
Learning
Non-negotiable:
(to be read as “must be…”)
Pets allowed
No proselytizing - Secular
Multi-generational
Organic gardening
Everyone contributes
No streets in the property
Solar/efficient/sustainable
Private space for each home
Able to travel away for extended periods
No more than 12-16 units
No smoking tobacco
In January, 2019 we revisited the topic of values. Membership of the group had changed somewhat, but there is significant overlap in values.
The Evans Oaks Cottages foundational values for life together include:
Peace
Love
Respect
Diversity
Gratitude
Social Justice
Compassion
Welcome
Hospitality
Kindness
Neighborliness
To enhance our life together, we will find ways to bring the following into our homes, common space, and gatherings:
Creativity
Beauty
Art
Learning
Playful
Fun
Tranquility
Balance
Because we want to treat our environment well, we will find ways to embody and practice:
Simplicity
Sustainability
Sharing
Teamwork
Generosity
Unity
Effectiveness
Collaboration
In order to promote healthy relationships, satisfaction within the community, and good communication, each member of the Evans Oaks Cottages will:
Communicate directly with other members
Practice authenticity
Be accountable to each other
Strive for consistency
Assume best intentions
Offer forgiveness and grace
Have integrity
Accept difference
Provide security
Develop awareness of self and others
Be sensitive to the needs of others
In our community, we agree that the following items or practices are not part of our intimate life together. It doesn’t mean we don’t honor the rights and desires of our neighbors who might have these things or use these items, but we agree not to have them in Evans Oaks Cottages.
We will not have guns stored on property
We will not use noisy equipment, including gas-powered leaf blowers
We will not leave vehicles idling
We will not allow invasive plants to grow on our property
We will not allow tobacco smoking on the property
We will limit light pollution and only use downward directional exterior lights
We will not own livestock or outdoor pets that disrupt other members’ private space or common areas
The Evans Oaks Cottage residents embrace a vibrant life together that includes:
Gardening and cultivating our natural environment
Sharing life with our pets
Striving to use hand-powered gardening tools over gas-powered tools when possible
Fostering healthy families and developing new family-like relationships
Making space for children and honoring the gear/toys and energy they bring to community
Embracing a multigenerational perspective and experience of life together
Allowing members to travel regularly without guilt
Value for each member’s privacy
Because we want to grow deep, healthy, committed relationships within our community, all members in Evans Oaks Cottages will:
Respect quiet times and those who request a quiet space
Maintain a clutter-free exterior and common space
Be considerate of lower income households
Offer support and find ways to be helpful to other members
Share skills and learn from/with each other
Celebrate differences and create space for individuality
Honor the spiritual practices of others but not proselytize each other
Commit to recycling, reusing, and reducing to the greatest extent possible
Be present at community gatherings often to maintain connection and strengthen relationships
Continually find balance between community expectations and privacy/independence
Make efforts to build relationships with neighbors and invite them to gatherings