~Work trade and scholarship options available–food and lodging included~ https://www.lostvalley.org/community-experience-week-1 Lost Valley Education Center and Meadowsong Ecovillage is hosting a series of Community Experience Weeks this year. This is an incredible opportunity for people who are curious about living in an intentional community and want to learn more about what skills, values, and attributes are useful when engaging in any sort of community with others. Participants will receive 19+ hours of in-person instruction/guided activities from residents of our community as well as opportunities for connection and reflection on our beautiful 87-acre property. During the week we will explore these tools in the context of our community as well as our sustainability efforts and goals as an ecovillage. Participants will also have the option to observe our meetings and participate in our community meals, gatherings, and work parties. Accepted applicants will receive a full schedule in the weeks leading to their arrival. Sunday, DAY 1: Arrivals/ORIENTATION Participants will receive a tour of our land and review rules and expectations for the week. We will also go over the schedule and get to know each other and the community. Monday, DAY 2: THE ETHICS AND PRINCIPLES OF PERMACULTURE Lost Valley has been a permaculture education center since the early days of our founding. In many ways, this is foundational to our identity and goals as a community. We will examine how the ethics and principles of permaculture not only relate to our land stewardship but also how we relate to each other, and the more-than-human world. Tuesday, DAY 3: SOCIOCRACY AND COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE The community governance of Lost Valley Education Center and Meadowsong Ecovillage is inspired by a system called Sociocracy. This model is especially useful for communities who also run a business/non-profit. It allows for a balance of group decision making with freedom and autonomy that create conditions for efficiency when that is necessary, but also values consent as an essential principle. We will also examine the different needs and challenges that arise within any community governance framework. Wednesday, DAY 4: NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION We use nonviolent communication as a conflict resolution framework as well as a shared language for reflection. Conflict is an integral part of any community experience. Learning about healthy conflict is an essential part of growing the skills necessary to thrive in a shared living environment with others. Thursday, DAY 5: SUSTAINABILITY As an ecovillage we strive to live more sustainably. We will look at the strategies we have used on this front as individuals, and as an organization. We will also discuss other existing practices and tools that could be applied in any home or community. Friday, DAY 6: REVIEW/Connect This will be a day to reflect on what we’ve learned, as well as generate ideas and action steps to grow communities now and into the future. We will help connect you with more resources and networks to get started on your journey. Saturday, DAY 7: DEPARTURES There will not be anything scheduled for this day. However, participants can have the option to stay an additional night to audit our Weekend Permaculture Design Course in the Spring […]