When I last referred to "our permaculture community" (in a room full of permaculture veterans), there were questions about whether such a thing actually exists.
I think it does. It is a wonderful community but it could be a lot more wonderful if we designed it - especially for new people coming in: proceeding in an haphazard way it can take far too long to find your niche... I certainly didn´t even find the door for a few years after learning about permaculture. Perhaps it could be a lot more supportive than it is. ... What is your vision of what it could be? Of what you would like it to be, for you?
A first step in design is to think of the design specifications... (that´s the question above).
Then it´s a good idea gather information - and it seems reasonable to look at what decades of now successful communities have distilled as guidelines.
Here is some basic stuff we give out on our Design Courses on Community:
(People-Care Module - see www.geocities.com/reddepermacultura - if you wanto read contents in Spanish)
¿HOW CAN WE APPLY THESE TO OUR COMMUNITY HERE AND GLOBALLY?
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From Creating Harmony (Conflict Resolution in Community) Ed. Hildur Jackson:
A) Six Ingredients for Forming Communities
1) They identify their vision & create a Vision Statement
2) Learn what they need to know in order to take on this complex task
3) They use a fair, participatory decision making process in which they have had some training, & they have a trained facilitator at meetings. If they decide to use consensus, they learn HOW to do it first.
4) They draw up clear agreements, in writing.
5) They learn good communication skills, and they make clear, clean communication a priority. This includes ways of reducing and mediating conflict.
6) They select for emotional maturity in co-founders and members.
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Thanks to Maddy Harland, Editorial, Permaculture Magazine Autumn 2004:
B) Community Guidelines
Surely the most unsustainable aspect of our world is the conflict between us, as individuals as groups, from small communities to nations? It gives me heart to experience at first hand positive intention & co-operation between people & genuine efforts to understand & transform the wars within ourselves. This inner work is vital. An ecologically balanced community cannot be the whole story – its people also need to be working towards harmony & balance.
Findhorn community guidelines that can be used in any circumstance where people meet and work together.
1) Practice the Art of Personal Presence. Embrace the tension of opposites and tolerate and encourage the abstract, the unexpected and the discomfort of expanded consciousness.
2) Practice Mudhita, the ageless Buddhist practice that is the other side of the coin of compassion. Identify with the joy, gifts, pleasures and awakenings of others. This is the art of vicarious joy that banishes cynicism & envy.
3) Make your communication mindful and compassionately brief. Be appropriate, both on a one to one basis and with the whole group.
4) Do not ‘triangulate’. If we have issues or conflicts we should clear them with the individual concerned & not report to others. This is all about cultivating a culture of direct communication rather than gossip.
5) Practice punctuality. Time is limited. It demonstrates a respect for group process.
6) Practice consensus by default, perhaps the most difficult ideal to achieve at all times.
7) Practice Random Acts of Kindness & Play (added by Stella cos 7 is a nice majik number…)