EVO: The Emerald Village in Vista, CA

Vista, California, United States

Last updated: October 16, 2018 (2 seconds ago)
Listing created on: January 20, 2014

Mission Statement

The Emerald Village is a chosen family of healers, educators, and creators building space for heart centered community. Our vision is the creation of a home for our members in which everyone contributes, utilizing natural abilities while developing new skills, and sharing the responsibility to maintain the sacred nature of the space. As a group we strive to support each other’s personal, spiritual, and economic growth, to be in service to our greater community, and to be good stewards of our land. We do this because we are passionate about creating a sustainable, conscious environment in which to raise families and deepen our connections with each other, because we believe in the importance of innovation, and because we wish to live a life in which celebration and love are important components of our work.

Community Description

Community Culture Statement and Application Process

The Emerald Village is a multi-generational community whose focus is a practice of living from higher guidance to be of greatest service to ourselves, our families, our greater community and the planet.

We practice the following as part of our personal and spiritual cultivation:
Non-violent/ compassionate communication and radical responsibility
Mindful meditation
Qi gong, yoga, dance and flow arts
Monthly men’s and women’s groups
Regular sweat lodges
Sharing community meals
Regular group process meetings
Land and Animal Care

Those who intend to stay with us should be prepared to participate fully in the aforementioned activities as a part of integrating into the fabric of our lifestyle.

Application Process

For those who are serious about wanting to become a seasonal resident (due to the rigorous nature of living communally- physically, spiritually and emotionally), we have compiled a comprehensive list:

Must be 21 or older (we currently do not have housing for families), no substance abuse or active recovery (min. of 5 years sobriety).
No pets
Complete the online application including $50 application fee (to cover background checks)
2 professional/academic references
Willingness to undergo background check
Interview either in person/Skype/Hangout
Attendance at 2 community meals*
Pre-payment of two week trial stay at $375 (includes room, food, laundry, utilities and administration)
Attendance at one of our monthly work days*
Proof of Driver’s License & Car Insurance (if you have vehicle)
Non-violent communication intro*
Attendance at one of the following: sweat lodge, men/women’s group, qi gong/ yoga/ movement class*
*Can occur during trial stay

About

Type(s): Ecovillage (organized around ecology and sustainability), Cohousing (individual homes within group owned property)

Programs & Activities: Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner’s Association, Festivals, Conferences, Events

Location: Rural

Housing

Status: We have land we have developed on

Area: 9 acres

Current Residence Types: Single-family homes, Room(s) in a house or building, Yurt, tee-pee, dome, treehouse, or tent

Current Number of Residences: 5

Planned Residence Types: Room(s) in a house or building, Yurt, tee-pee, dome, treehouse, or tent, Natural built structues

Housing Provided: Rental

Land owned by: A subgroup of community members

Additional Comments:
LLC

4 main structures, several outbuildings

Membership

Adult Members: 16

Child Members: 7

Non-member Residents: 6

Percent Women: 41-49%

Percent Men: 51-60%

Visitors accepted: Yes

Visitor Process:
Visit the website and complete the request for visiting or email the contact there prior to visiting. www.emeraldvillage.com/connect/visit

Membership Process:
Accepting seasonal residents only, not permanent members.

Additional Comments:
Open-minded and tolerant.

Government

Decision Making: Sociocracy

Identified Leader: Yes, multiple identified leaders

Leadership Core Group: Yes

Additional Comments:
There are ten original founders.

We are currently using primarily a Sociocracy model of governance.

Economics

Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes

Shared Income: None

Required Labor Contribution per Week: 10

Open to members with existing debt: No

Additional Comments:
Everyone contributes a minimum of 10 hours per week toward the operations of the community. Each member is expected to join one primary circle in garden, animal husbandry, maintenance, marketing, events and general management as well as other project based contributions and cooking once per month.

Sustainability Practices

Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.

Current food produced: Up to 25%

Lifestyle

Common Facilities: Garden(s), Swimming pond or pool, Hot tub or hot springs, Large Scale Kitchen, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Gym or sports area, Internet

Internet Available: Yes, community provides it

Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.

Cell Phone Service: Good for most people.

Shared meals: 2-5 times per week

Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (plants and animals), Paleo (no grains, dairy, processed foods, or legumes), Local (food sourced within 150 miles), Organic (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers), GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms), Gluten-Free

Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No – people may eat however they wish.

Special Diets OK: Yes

Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.

Tobacco Use: Yes, used occasionally.

Additional Diet Comments:
2 Community meals a week

Mostly omnivore, vegetarian and gluten free options.

Common Spiritual Practice(s): Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Catholic, Native American, Paganism or Earth Religions, Agnostic

Education Style(s): Up to each family or individual

Expected Healthcare Practices:
Because we have individuals practicing varying levels of both eastern and western medicine practices…we follow general safe care around washing hands and staying home when contagious disease is present. We communicate openly about our practices and health status often.