As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Sage Valley represents many things to many people, but at its core, it is the foundation of a community of people who believe that better ways of living are right before us, and are dedicated to sharing these through action. Among the many things we share is a vision of a better world, in which we live in harmony with each other and nature. A world where we all have access to whole foods, clean water, and housing provided from the beautiful planet we share. We come together to live by example, to create the change we want to see, and to act collectively in influencing the culture of our society so that it will one day reflect the values we hold. The land operates as an event space, an education center, a farm, and an ecovillage.
Brought together through a collective of like-minded travelers, rainbow family, activists, medicine tribe, music lovers, artists, gardeners, and creators, we began this journey in 2016 when the land hosted it’s first off-grid gathering. Together we built composting outhouses, an outdoor kitchen, a stage, and sacred fire circle. We thought, why stop here? Since then, we have been building community together.
Our Values
The values of the Sage Valley Ecovillage are the ideals shared by residents which guide policy design, decision making, and create a foundation for group cohesion.
I. We acknowledge that our actions have consequences, which impact our own lives, the lives of the people around us, and the world we share.
II. We acknowledge that it is more constructive to focus on what we have in common, rather than what separates us.
III. We acknowledge that we share the planet earth which provides resources for all life that resides on it. Because earth is the home that we share, everything it provides should be shared between us. To be able to sustain our lives, we must also sustain the life support systems of Earth.
IV. We acknowledge that children are our future and that it is essential that every child has their needs met while they are developing, so they are able to express their highest potential.
V. We are dedicated to learning and growth, which require failure and success, and so in the pursuit of expressing our highest potential we will be resilient, forgive ourselves and those around us for our mistakes, and do our best to coexist.
VI. We accept that in order to be a powerful collective which is capable of effecting positive change we must each take responsibility for our personal needs, while recognizing our interdependence, and supporting the needs of those around us.
VII. We believe that all people have the right to be seen and heard, and that we have freedom to choose what is right for us. In this, we empower ourselves and others to live in full authenticity.
VIII. We will strive to make the world better for all life by taking loving, peaceful, constructive, action towards solutions, each for their own reasons and because this is what is optimal for all life
Fostering healthy connections with ourselves, each other, and the planet through education and example.
Event Attendee- Coming to one of our gatherings or other events is a great way to get introduced to the community. Anyone is welcome during public events. No application is needed.
Intentional Camper- During specific times of the year, as determined by the ecovillage residents based on resources/volunteers/availability, campers are invited to learn about our community through an immersive community experience. These are stays for a maximum of two weeks at a time. During the stay, campers will be expected to take a land tour, participate in gardening and/or building projects, join in land stewardship, and enjoy community meals.
Seasonal Volunteer- Seasonal volunteer positions for work-trade are available each year on an as-needed basis. They may be positions for assisting our youth Nature School, gardeners, groundskeepers, or builders.
Duration of the position will vary depending on needs. Seasonal volunteers qualify to stay in community owned dwellings, as availability allows.
Residents
Residents may change with the ebb and flow as we grow and evolve. These resident types are used as a general guide and may not accurately reflect every individual resident arrangement. Residents each have individual agreements based on their personal circumstances and what has been approved by the community.
It is preferred that residents (other than ambassadors) reside on the land at least 6 months out of the year.
Ambassador- An honorary resident who resides elsewhere and participates in our ambassador program. They may stay at the ecovillage for up to six months out of the year and are exempt from the standard visitor application process. They are committed to spreading the mission of Sage Valley Ecovillage, networking and representing us, and tapping back in to support the community as available. They may vote on day-to-day issues while staying at the ecovillage. Contact us to learn more about our ambassador program and how to join!
First Year- A resident who is in their first year of joining the community. During this period, the resident and community members get to know each other to ensure this is the right fit. At the conclusion of the year, each party will review and decide whether to continue the partnership. Vacation or travel should occur after the first year of residency, so there is ample time to get familiar with the community.
May vote on day-to-day ecovillage issues when living on the land.
Long Term Resident- A resident who has completed their first year in the community and has officially been welcomed for long term residency. May be rooted or migratory.
Have expanded voting privileges.
Long Term Invested Resident- Contributed 1000 work hours and/or $20000 to the land payments and/or infrastructure, calculated as an accumulation of work hours and/or donations. May be rooted or migratory. Invested residents have veto power on certain issues; say in the culture and activities of the ecovillage; multi-generational privileges; votes counted even if living off land seasonally.
*Rooted- A person residing on the land 10+ months out of the year
*Migratory- A person residing on the land 6-9 months out of the year
A stay of two weeks or less to visit and/or get a feel for the community. This is always the first step toward other residency status types (excluding interns). Visitors are always welcome here and we are a resting spot for the traveling community. Please fill out our visitor registration prior to your visit: https://forms.gle/KANFuCUUMY261B4Q6
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
More than 50% agreement needed.
Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.
We are non-profit organization with a board of directors that oversees the operations of the ecovillage, but we also have an ecovillage committee where all community based decisions and discussions take place.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Labor: Yes (20 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
We have a unique blend of options to accommodate folks from all walks of life. We strive for a diverse group of community members.
Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Outdoor Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Internet
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
Residential communities focused on providing space for meditation, spiritual practice, and personal growth retreats.
Connecting communities through an intentional online marketplace
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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