The straightforward practical goal of this project is to convert a retired boarding school into an intentional community. That goal exists in parallel with many others, some more specific and some more general, some in hierarchy and some not. This page represents a work in progress expression of those priorities and values, and will be updated as the founding members of the community come together and figure out where their expectations overlap and diverge.
We intend to achieve most to all of these things, and when two of them conflict the one higher on the list will probably win out.
Enable many people to make use of the amenities of this property, in some proportion to their contributions of time, money, effort, and undertaken risk for the project, and in ways that would not be possible or feasible individually or elsewhere.
Protect the time, money, and effort contributions to the project from being wasted or lost.
Give control over the future of the project to the people who have contributed to the success of the project.
Enable other groups to replicate our success.
Expand the community and organization of this project to include additional properties.
Like the priorities above, these are things we want to see happen. Unlike those priorities, these will be balanced against each other in context, often coexisting, occasionally conflicting.
Sustainable agricultural practice and food production
Decreasing reliance on non-renewable energy
Decreasing negative impact on the natural environment
Encouragement of family and personal lifestyles that are not responsible for harm to others
Enabling members to become financially self-sufficient
Resolution of conflict between members based on reason and objectivity
Holding members accountable for their commitments and responsibilities