We embrace a bioregional approach whereby we align our living patterns in balance with what the ecosystems of our geographical region can support. "Buying locally" and using products native to our area helps to eliminate fuel consumption required for transporting goods. The bioregional approach adopts a stance of conscious consumerism, selecting products that don't have a negative or harmful impact on the environment, its resources or any living inhabitant.

We see the need to coordinate resources and services as a means of reducing expenses, lessening our collective toll on the land and having greater control of our consumer intake. Through sharing of food costs, purchasing in quantity, community organic gardening and food processing, we are able to reduce our food expenses. With the sharing of guest rooms, laundry and storage facilities, common gathering, dining and office space, we are able to economically and efficiently provide quality spaces that encourage the interaction of community members. By cooperatively recycling and composting, we are greatly reducing the volume of waste material we produce, while significantly decreasing our waste removal expenses and minimizing our contribution to local landfills. As we continue to grow, our ability to share utility services, child care, transportation and resident expertise become increasingly more cost effective and energy conscious.

A Rich, Shared Spirit Life

As a community we believe that a healthy, vital spirit life is fundamental to the continued growth and survival of a group of people who have chosen to build their lives together. We understand the essence of a vigorous, nourishing spirit life to be one that is built on diversity and commitment to growth toward a common vision of a relevant, sustainable future. Our community intends that we have a rich, shared spiritual life, one that comes out of the wisdom of our individual traditions and backgrounds, and embodies the diverse perspectives and practices that each individual and family brings to this community.

In our daily living we exercise our beliefs, which are based on the fundamental premise that the planet is in critical need of healing, and that we choose to play a significant role in allowing that healing process to happen. We symbolize these beliefs through ritual/drama that we adopt or create, and continue to gather in fellowship, calling upon our mutual care and support for who we are and what we believe to nurture our spirit.

Honoring Individual, Family and Community

For the continued well-being and growth of the individual, the family and the community as a whole, we understand the importance of gathering as a group, as well as the need for solitude and introspection. We feel it is essential that, as a community, we create space and time for coming together, as well as encouraging family and individuals to find space and time for their own needs, and that a distinction be articulated between these so that neither loses its significance and a balance is held.

We respect individual and family needs for privacy and alone time. We allow for the creation of private and sacred space and property that encourages contemplative and ritual activity, and we educate our children and youth to honor these.

We create ways and appropriate spaces for people to give clear communication without fear of rejection. There is space and time for bringing issues to resolution, such as sharing circles (held in a spirit of love), role playing groups, and the appointment of mediators.

We seek to create an atmosphere of cooperation and willingness to help, especially in times of need. Caring for each others' children, giving a helping hand, being able to listen and share, and having an open heart and mind in all such endeavors are of utmost importance.

We have regular gatherings to celebrate individual and community events such as birthdays, anniversaries, deaths, holidays, and the life of the community. The gatherings include potlucks, barbecues, dances and dramas. We also gather to symbolize such events as Earth Day, Solstice and other significant times of the year.

One of the fundamental tenets of our community is life-long learning. We take the posture that everyone in the community, from infant to elder, is a learner as well as a teacher. We see ourselves as a learning community.

Regardless of age or educational background, we all have experiences, ideas and insights that are worthy of sharing with each other. Each of us brings particular skills, whether in gardening, cooking, computer, construction, interpersonal skills, etc., that are essential to making community happen as we work together.

We seek, as a community, to create an environment of learning, bringing in people with expertise and experience to share their knowledge with us, and tapping into a variety of outside resources, e.g. Earthwise Learning Series, In Context Institute, etc., as we experiment with new models of community living. As we study subjects of common interest, it is our hope and intent to design curricula, to be spiral-bound, for children and people of different ages and backgrounds. Ultimately, as we gain insight and understanding about community in action, we feel it is important that we document and make available our learning to others who are interested in community.

As a community we make decisions and govern ourselves by consensus. To allow for full participation of the entire group, it is important that we all share in the decision-making and management process. Major community decisions are made only after a process of dialogue, and only once unanimous agreement is reached.

We all share in the roles of community, such as facilitating meetings, participation in group activities, and maintenance of the property. We also strive for this same willingness and cooperation in matters concerning the community. A reasonable contribution of time and energy from all members is necessary to ensure proper maintenance and operation of all common facilities and functions. We must all care for the welfare of the community by recognizing and attending to problems, and by giving of our energy when it is needed.

We see ourselves as an active part of a larger community, one that includes our neighbors, our friends and colleagues in the area, and other groups and networks with which we share common interests. We participate in gatherings, seminars, celebrations, etc., with other groups, as well as hosting such events, inviting others to visit our community. It is important that we maintain a creative exchange of ideas and encourage a strong social interaction between ourselves and others. We hold an inclusive posture, and choose not to isolate ourselves from society.

We are deveoping our resource coordination, both within the community and with others outside the immediate group. Pooling our food purchasing and building a food program, equipment sharing, and carpooling with neighbors are some of the ways that we are building connections and supportive networks with others.

We are also part of a larger global network, one that brings people from all over the world through our community. This is kept alive via regular newsletters, electronic mail, and correspondence. It also takes the form of continued sponsorship of ICA Rite of Passage Programs. These are summer adventure programs for youth, which the ICA has been offering for over 25 years, and which the current community has been affiliated with since 1986