| We are a mix of Computer Professionals, Spiritualists, Artists, Gardeners, Animal Rights Activists, & a developing Scientist. We share a desire to live in an intentional community which is environmentally responsible, friendly, low stress, & socially liberal.
We are in the planning stages of developing a technologically advanced Ecovillage. We are seeking new members with experience or interest in harnessing renewable energy sources, building monolithic domes, water catchments, organic farming & ranching, etc... as well as in new Eco technologies.
We are currently shopping for ranch land near the Austin, TX area to develop our village; additional investors are needed! Members must purchase shares of the Bodhi Tree Ranch. Share values will grow as the land and improvements appreciate in value. Members can sell/trade shares with new or existing members for financial need (or if they should ever desire to leave the community).
Income generated by Ranch projects will belong to all members; primarily to cover basic living expenses. Most remaining income will be reinvested into improving the Ranch and building homes. Other profits earned will be distributed to members based on labor credits earned. Members are free to earn their own personal money outside of the Ranch as well.
Our primary source of income comes from an Enterprise level I.T. Consulting business. We would love to attract more Eco friendly Computer Professionals to join us.
Not all of our members are computer gurus. Those with different skills plan to earn income from the sale of excess energy harnessed, surplus crops, handcrafted furniture, and art/crafts. One of our current members runs an animal rescue; though all income generated by this non-profit will be used to expand the animal rescue.
Our group shares some similar spiritual ideologies. We respect the positive aspects of the world's religions, but most of us do not identify with any one religion. We generally share a mix of Native American, Humanist, Pagan and Buddhist philosophies.
We practice yoga, drum circles, dancing, music, mindfulness, artistic self-expression, celebration of Mother Earth, oneness with the Universe, meditation, kindness, generosity, sharing, equality, peace, love & acceptance. We also like computers, technology, games and movies. The artists within our group also practice random acts of weirdness (we are doing our part to Keep Austin Weird!). | |
Population Adult Members: 0 (There are 21 people in our group, but we do not have our communal land yet.) Child Members: 0 (Kids are welcome!) Open to new children: Yes Gender Balance: 57% M 43% F Open to which gender(s): All genders welcome Ethnic Diversity: 20% identify as 'people of color' | Government Decision Making: By consensus (We are egalitarian & make decisions via round table discussions.) Leadership Core Group: No | Labor and Money Financial Style: Partial income sharing (Income earned through Ranch endeavors belongs to Ranch community. Members can have outside jobs and investments if desired, but individuals must be responsible for keeping their personal earnings legally separated from community funds.) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes (Pre-existing debt is the responsibility of each individual member. Community funds will not be used to help repay pre-existing debt.) Labor Contribution: Expected (As needed by the community. Labor will be divided equally, based on skills and abilities. Labor credits will be earned per hour and paid through profit sharing. Ranch ownership shares can be earned through labor projects which enhance the value of the property. Value of labor determined by community consensus.) Join Fee: Yes (All members must own a minimum of one share of the Ranch. One share = $1,000.) Regular Fees: No Answer (Adults who choose not to participate in an income generating activity at the Ranch will be expected to pay regular fees to cover their share of food, shelter, and other basic living expenses. Fees to be determined by community consensus.) | Land and Buildings Rural (We are seeking ranch land outside of the Austin, TX area.) Land Owned By: Individual community member(s) (Members will own shares of the land which can be bought, sold and traded amongst new and existing members. Should the community ever dissolve, profits from the sale of land and property will be divided based on percentages of shares owned by each member at that time.) | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: (We plan to grow some of our own organic foods.) Share Community Meals: Nearly all meals (We plan to have a community kitchen and dining hall for energy conservation. However, we also plan to install kitchenettes in the dome homes for private meals.) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (Some of us are vegetarian, some are not. Cost of food will be funded by community income.) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (No alcohol abuse allowed. Alcohol primarily used at parties or festivals.) Tobacco Use: Seldom used (No smoking in common areas or around children. We like healthy lungs.) | Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes (Homophobic attitudes are not permitted at the ranch. We celebrate love between consenting adults.) Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No Shared Spiritual Path: Yes (We believe we can learn from all religions, and all religions have some merit. However, we primarily share a mix of Buddhist, Pagan, Humanist, and Native American philosophies.) Which Spiritual Path(s): Eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions) Educational Style(s): Public schooled :: Other :: Private school off the property :: Home schooling (Schooling is each parents' choice.) | |
