Join Eco Villages Australia

Shared purpose.

Shared values.

Shared behaviours.

Accepted differences.

Getting to know each other is the first step. The EVA membership process is about building relationships and trust over time.

FLEXIBLE. SOLUTIONS-FOCUSED. SELF-AWARE

These are key elements that people need to enjoy life in an eco village.

No problem is too big when people support each other to find solutions.

Four Step Membership Process

Membership Process

This process is adapted from tried and tested models that have been used by other eco villages around the world. A long membership process supports the community to have a good chance of finding people who align with the vision and values of the community.

4 step

Step 1

Village Work Parties

Step 2

Friends of the Village

Step 3

Provisional Member

Step 4

Full Member

Step 1

Step One - Eco Village Work Parties

There is a standing invitation for people to join monthly work parties. Work parties involve a shared lunch, a short talk and the opportunity for a tour and Q&A from villagers. Those with physical limitations can do tasks that are appropriate to their ability.

Participants would be encouraged to:

read the Eco Villages Australia documents,
read other material relating to communities,
connect and interact with the existing villagers and
visit other intentional communities.

People are welcome to become a ‘Friend of the Village’ at any time (step two)

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Step 2

Step Two - Friends of the Village

Those wanting to explore the community further are welcome to become a Friend of the Village by donating $100 to support the eco village and attend any volunteer events and work parties. If you are not local to the eco village, there will be other ways to demonstrate your interest and commitment from afar rather than attending regular work parties.

Step Three - Provisional Membership (Resident)

A Friend of the Village could then apply to be a 'provisional member’. They will need to have:

become a 'Friend of the Village'
attended a number of work parties

Provisional members:

would usually be a full-time resident of the village,
will have an influence on the culture of the village and take part in the consensus process of the day-to-day running of the village,
are eligible to attend the AGM as a non-voting member (full members are voting members).

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There will be an application process (detailed below) but it's important to remember that this is just as much about potential residents exploring if the community is a match for them as it is about the community deciding to accept new residents.

1) Online residency 'expression of interest'

2) A free-form written letter (approx 1 page in length)

3) Interview

4) Application form which includes nomination of personal referees

Residents are given 'Community Living Course' training in conflict, communication, decision-making, etc.

Acceptance as a provisional member will be made based on: