Why we Created the Cultural Agreements
- To establish our values of nonviolent communication, mutual care, and deep respect.
- To nurture our relationships with each other, neighbors near and far, and the earth, ensuring that our actions are aligned with our principles of compassion and cooperation
- The five sections set our ideals and pathways through which we aim to create a resilient community that honors human and ecological well-being.
- We note: These are our goals but we will sometimes fail to achieve them; we take breaks, will keep learning, and try again, as we move forward in a shared journey.
The Community as its own Entity
- We recognize the community as its own entity, deserving respect.
- The impact on the community is considered in addition to the impact on individual persons and our interpersonal relationships.
The Land and their Communities
- We acknowledge our responsibilities to listen, respect, and respond to the needs of human and non-human others.
- We are mindful of projecting our own feelings and preferences onto others, both people and non-human beings, and attempt to make decisions involving the land with humility.
- We will grow or obtain food locally and return to the land what we can, developing reciprocal, non-harmful, and regenerative relations with the land.
The Wider Net
- We value reciprocal relationships beyond our immediate community, including the neighborhood, region, country, and world.
- We commit to learning and growing with these communities towards justice and harmony.
- We know we can only do this by developing earned trust and respecting unique identity and boundaries.
Care and Consideration for Each Other
We think about our way of being with each other, how we communicate, and ways we use technology.
- The approach we take with each other
- We enjoy being and working together and also value our privacy and others’ solitude.
- We consider the “Platinum Rule”: treat others how they ask to be treated.
- Listen and be curious, open about others’ needs, goals, and beliefs.
- We receive others’ intentions and trust that we mean well.
- When relating doesn’t work out, we talk about how we feel, but also listen to the truths of others’ experiences.
- Relationship tensions and conflict are opportunities to learn. We can get help in working through conflicts.
- We allow for mistakes and their value – these are part of learning and growing.
- Taking (reasonable) risks is valued in our community – we can try ideas that are “Good Enough for Now, Safe Enough to Try” (GENSET).
- We don’t have to judge ourselves or others as ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, instead we inquire with grace and generosity.
- We savor our successes, attempts, and seemingly everyday moments.
B. Communication with each other
- We listen to each other, share our own truths and llet others speak for themselves.
- We use Sociocracy for decision making to give everyone a voice and create transparency
- We aim for compassionate and clear communication.
- We know people express themselves differently. Sometimes we have to listen for the core truth and take time to feel and understand others’ communication styles.
- We explore how our cultures affect our thoughts and actions, and the ways in which we approach, even judge, internal and external conditions.
- We try to notice how our own assumptions and expectations impact our feelings.
- We think about the power we have, and the power we don’t think we have.
C. Appropriate technology use
- There are practical matters when it comes to communication. One such matter is when, how, and with whom to use the internet and email.
- We suggest email or other digital platforms for providing information rather than to explore/decide community-related issues
- We encourage time away from screens to connect with nature and each other
Care and Consideration for Ourselves
- We value taking time to be aware of our emotional and physical well-being, listening to our bodies and communicating without blame.
- We recognize that our mental and physical health has an impact on others.
- We know personal growth is often non-linear. We can and do learn from setbacks.
