Each community has the ability to succeed and thrive or fail and collapse based on the foundation it has established, the strength and sustainability of that foundation, and the potential for holistic growth the community can facilitate for future generations. At Thrive Sanctuary each community member agrees to uphold and nurture the community based on the foundation we have established and the pillars we hold near and dear to our way of living.
The purpose of this endeavor is to create a scalable and replicable model of living that provides and fosters a physical home, basic living needs (food, clean water, sustainable energy), human connections, creative outlets, education for healthy living and conscious stewardship of the environment, and empowering self-realization and reliance practices. As a species, we have come to the understanding that living in a community is advantageous to our well being and survival. This community model is predicated on the idea that a community of like-minded people working towards a set of common goals and sharing core intentions of how to live is superior to communities based solely on economical, cultural, racial, generational, or circumstantial factors. In essence, this project is an experiment to prove that communities that incorporate multi-generational, multi-racial, multi-class, and multi-faith population with a common, intentional purpose that supports their ability to thrive outside of a dominantly monetary-based system is part of the natural evolution of human living.
The Foundation*
Thrive Sanctuary is built on a foundation of sustainability, holistic living, connection, personal empowerment, and creative expression. This principle of sustainable living practices not only provides all our basic needs, but facilitates the opportunity for growth, thriving, sharing and future develop.
Pillars*
Healthy Lifestyle choices in the community are expressed in the following ways:
- Holistic diet choices that are congruent with regenerative and human farming and food sourcing
- Alternative self care programs and techniques readily available for all members
- Moderate use of media and technology mediums balanced with creative outlets and recreational areas for play and enjoyment
- Outdoor activities for a variety of ages
- Regular exercise and group activities to foster strong bonds and bodies
- Mindful practices including meditation, yoga, Chi Gong, pilates, and self awareness modalities
- Biodegradable body and home care products
- Clean, drinkable, chemical-free water readily available for all members
- Balanced allocation of time between self, family, and community service
Community Inclusiveness is expressed in the following ways:
- Multi-generational, cultural, racial, and economical diversity is highly valued and woven into the community demographic
- Regular dining together
- Common areas for socializing, processing of goods, and working on projects
- Dance/Music/Art events
- Group meditation
- Holistic, vocational, functional and creative schooling for youth and young adult university program
- Communal arts and craft workshop
- Playground
- Other gathering areas throughout property for shared experiences or secluded relaxing in nature.
- Community Pool, exercise and dance/yoga studio
- Individual homes for members to relax, rejuvenate, and integrate
Eco-Conscious Building Practices are expressed in the following ways:
- Sustainable building materials for all structures
- Use all functional cleared landscape materials in building, composting, craftsman’s projects, or firewood
- Furnish all structures with energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly interior goods
- Clearing no more than 1/2 of the total acreage of the property
- Sourcing energy, water, and necessary resources from sustainable means with the intention of being fully off grid or closed circuit, grey water system, and positive-producing reverse osmosis machines to maximize filter water output
- Utilize recycled, repurposed, or renewable materials for home interiors
Financial and Resource Sustainability and Functionality of Daily Operations in the community is expressed in the following ways:
- Those who wish to contribute through labor efforts are compensated through multiple streams of income including but not limited to financial compensation, reduction in cost of living, no cost amenities, free-education in community
- Those who wish to contribute financially receive labor support for various needs including but not limited to grounds upkeep, on-site amenities, educational opportunities in community, prepared items in general store.
- Those who are without the ability to contribute through labor or financial means are placed in specialized jobs suited to their talents and skill set including but not limited to administrative work, marketing and outreach programs, and managerial tasks to maintain daily operations.
- Children, elderly and all necessary expenses are supported by the community through the 30% commission received from all sold creative projects, goods, and services, the tuition from university students, financial contributions from residents receiving labor support, and all profits from events, gathering, products sold by the community, and workshops.
Producers:
Those working within the community in various aspects of daily operation
Water bearers:
Those who financially contribute to the community in lieu of working
Seedlings:
Those who receive the benefit of the work and financial support in the community (e.i. children and elders who have no means to contribute financially)
Combination Contributors:
Those who offer a blend of work and some financial contribution
Educators:
Those who offer classes, workshops, and seminars within the community
Flower Power:
Seasonal supporters, work exchangers, volunteers, etc. that stay for a short period of time and contribute their labors efforts in exchange for food, shelter, and the knowledge gained from their experience. These individuals may also contribute financially to participate in educational programs, workshops, or events. This group can stay for longer periods of time if they are interested in living or becoming a member of the community when/if there is space available.
Pollen Population:
These are individuals who have chosen to become educated, trained, and prepared to develop and replicate our model of living in another part of the world. They are the interns and apprentices that are prepared to create a similar community based on the foundation, pillars, and principles outlined in the community by-laws, daily operations, and standardized practices established within the community.
Receivers:
Visitors, workshop participants, and guests to the community who are here to receive, replenish, reflect, recharge, and renew. This is the group that the community is in service of during their time with us. *Whether they join us for a celebration, educational program, or workshop intensive, they are cared for by the community members and reminded of their beauty and value.
*Because community members have a variety of tasks and responsibilities within their area of contribution for the community, we open the community to ‘receivers’ during certain parts of the year and allow rest and rejuvenation for community members at other times during the year. Balance between doing and being is vitally important for the longevity of the community and all its inhabitants.
**This is an emerging outline for community development. As it is a collaborative endeavor, core founders will be entrusted with the responsibility of writing all important by-laws and guidelines members would commit to adhere to during their residency.