Participation Guidelines/Expectations for Visitors (2 weeks – 1 year stays)
USTU strives to create a culture of participation, stewardship and skill-sharing, interdependence and cooperation. USTU members regularly participate in activities that contribute to the ongoing functioning of the community. Visitors are also expected to participate in the community during their stay. Visitor participation is essential to facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship where visitors both learn about and contribute to the USTU community. The Visitor Committee will assign you a community member liaison that will help you connect to other members and opportunities to participate in the community.
To help set concrete expectations and guide participation, here is what we see as a minimum level of participation, although visitors are encouraged to find ways to participate that meshes with their skills and goals.
1. Attend at least 1 community meeting per month
Community meetings take place weekly every Monday from 7:30 – 9pm. Community meeting is a space to observe and participate in the functioning of intentional community and consensus decision- making. It is also a good place to get a deeper understanding of the work that happens on committees and to connect with community members on opportunities to meet visitor participation expectations.
2. Attend at least 1 potluck per month
Community potlucks take place every Sunday beginning at 7pm. They are held either in the courtyard or community room depending on the weather. Everyone that attends a potluck is encouraged to bring something to share with the group. The potlucks are generally informal, social gatherings but are also in place to further our goals of living intentionally in community.
3. Organize and co-host 1 work party with your liaison (3 months and longer)
A work party can be scheduled anytime based upon the needs of the community. They are often held Sat. or Sun. mornings to maximize participation. Some common examples are organizing/cleaning the grounds and gardening and other outdoor projects. Feel free to propose your own ideas or discuss ideas with community members and your liaison.
4. Identify 1 or more committees to assist throughout your stay (3 months and longer)
Below is a list of our current committees. Based on your interest and availability, you should identify 1 or more committees to assist while staying at USTU. Please contact a committee when you move in. You can contact the point person to find out when the next meeting is and whether you can attend. You can also coordinate with your liaison and outside of committee meetings to work on ongoing projects/needs that have been identified by the committee.
Committee work can change based on the current needs of the community. As part of your visit, you are expected to take initiative to engage in the work of committees. Your liaison and the Visitor Committee are here to answer any questions and support your ongoing participation.
In addition to your participation of committee support, you are encouraged to learn about and engage in our various ‘multiple centers of initiative’ that are part of the social, economic and ecological fabric of the intentional community. Some examples are listed below. For more information, please also visit our blog at https://laecovillage.wordpress.com/.
COMMITTEES
Bienvenidos (A welcoming committee for membership interest)
Contact: Claire - Claire.bergen@gmail.com
Gardening (Compost, planning and organizing outdoor spaces)
Contact: Carol - crlsprng@gmail.com
Conflict Resolution Team (strategies to build community trust and mediate conflict)
Contact: Aurisha - aurishash@gmail.com
Water (strategies for community conservation and grey water projects)
Contact: Laura - laura.oakland@gmail.com
Emergency Preparedness (planning and prep for emergencies)
Contact: Peter - petrel.harp@gmail.com
Visitor Committee (facilitating visits and visitor policy)
Contact: Zoe - zoe.rawson@gmail.com
Ad hoc Participation (reviewing and planning on member participation expectations)
Contact: Zoe or Jimmy - zoe.rawson@gmail.com
Facilitation (facilitating community meetings and researching/planning on effective practice)
Contact: Yuki - yukidoko@gmail.com
Management (managing building, grounds, employees and projects)
Contact: Josh - joshmay@ucla.edu
Orientation (planning and facilitating orientations)
Contact: Thiago - ticoinla@gmail.com
MULTIPLE CENTERS OF INITATIVE
Food Co-op (weekly produce sort and bulk room) Contact: Brit - brit.manor@gmail.com
Farmers Market (delivering bulk produce and fruit) Contact: Peter - petrel.harp@gmail.com
Long-Term Sustainability Research (researching sustainable practices) Contact: Lois - crsp@igc.org
Music: Thiago - ticoinla@gmail.com
Restorative/Transformative Justice: Zoe or Claire zoe.rawson@gmail.com or Claire.bergen@gmail.com
Sewing: Zoe – zoe.rawson@gmail.com
Bicycle Maintenance: Jimmy – l.a.bikezomie@gmail.com
Mosaic/Craft: Melba - melbathorn@gmail.com
Art Studio: Ianne - iannelav1@juno.com
Learning Garden: Lara - laraeco@hotmail.com
Chickens: Lara - laraeco@hotmail.com
Bees: Josh – joshmay@ucla.edu
Solar Oven: Carol – crlsprng@gmail.com
Compost: Carol – crlsprng@gmail.com