Ganas

Ganas is Spanish for “motivation sufficient to act.” We are 75 people who are cultivating the “ganas” to learn how to address the problems and conflicts that come from sharing our lives together. The result is a challenging, rich environment that truly embraces diversity.

We are a group of about 75 people of all ages who are learning to solve the problems and resolve the conflicts that come from sharing our lives and living together. We started in 1978 as a group of six. A core group of 10 of us now serves as our board of directors. Members of the core group share all of their resources and income, and own and manage the community. They include many of Ganas’ founders.

Other members of the community don’t share income but participate to varying degrees in community life and decision making. Some work in the community or one of our businesses; others work outside and pay a monthly share of expenses. Everyone participates in decision making and/or other aspects of managing our lives together, though some more than others.

Our problem-solving process emphasizes personal responsibility, willingness to hear, and intention to disclose what’s happening. Over the past 30 years we have established an innovative dialogue that is open, focused, penetrating, and respectful. Feedback, used with care and consent, is one of our tools.

We have eight houses in Staten Island (30 minutes by ferry from Manhattan), adorned by trees, and flower, and vegetable gardens.

Our used furniture and clothing stores emphasize teamwork and participatory management and are staffed by Ganas members. Encouraging reuse and recycling is fulfilling as a way of right livelihood. We also operate a cafe/used book shop and neighborhood stage.