Our By Laws (you may ask to see a copy) allow for a systematic method of growing membership. Here is a basic outline. It is to be considered as guidelines rather than laws written in stone.
Mutual Exploration: We have taken the time to share a great deal about us, our philosophies and what we have already accomplished. Take the time to read through the myriad links along the right-hand side of our site. Make note of questions, 'red flags' as well as points that you feel particularly resonant with. Share your these thoughts/feelings with us via email and/or phone. We would also appreciate seeing a picture of your smiling face(s), so we can see you in our mind's eye as we communicate together. Some people write easily, others communicate better by phone. Either way is fine as long as you are sincere in your inquiry and not engaging us just for the pleasure of bouncing ideas back and forth.
Visit: If, after the initial exploration, conversations and emails, it seems like a good fit, we will invite you to come and visit. This will give us an even deeper "feel" for each other. After a visit, if there is a mutual desire to explore membership, you would become a "provisional member".
Provisional Membership: Our By Laws require a transitional (provisional) membership phase of 6 to 12 months (but this is flexible). There is no way of truly knowing of our compatibility without actually living together. During this time, you are required to keep personal assets separate from the group (i.e savings accounts, investments and real estate). We ask you to "freeze" these assets while you are living with us so that your private ownership does not raise your standard of living higher than other members. Exceptions might be made, on a case-by-case basis if, for example you needed money to make a trip back to where you previously lived, and wanted to use your own money; or a health crisis with an aging parent required immediate travel. The point of freezing assets is so there isn't one member who's able to buy special food, or clothing or superfluous belongings that no-one else has access to; or a person is able to go on an extended vacation leaving everyone else here to tend to day-to-day life.
Living Expenses: During this time of exploration, you would (of course) bring your personal belongings--clothes, books, tools, musical instruments etc. If there are things you don't want to be used by the group, you would keep them in your room and out of the common space. If they choose, single adults will have their own room; couples might share a room and young children might share with each other too.
Provisional Members are asked to contribute to expenses for food and utilities. If you have a car, you will still need to cover the cost of gas, maintenance and insurance. If you don't, and you use the community vehicles, you'll be asked to contribute towards costs of their use. If you are not able to contribute financially this does not necessarily exclude you from joining; we will discuss this on a case-by-case basis. Everyone will participate in communal projects, preparing food and the basic upkeep of the grounds and household "chores" etc; to the best of their ability. If we are offered paid work (landscaping, handy-man work etc) any wages earned go into a common fund.
Full Membership: Once it is clear that there is a sense of mutual compatibility, and consensus is reached by existing Full Members that we want to fully embrace life together as a family, the transition to Full Membership is possible. Full Members have all expenses covered out of the "common purse". Food, shelter, vehicle maintenance and fuel, utilities, basic clothing and toiletries...all are covered by the community. In addition, each adult member receives monthly stipend - to spend at their discretion (movies, restaurants, etc). Currently this is $100/month per adult. Full Members also are required to participate in meetings that decide community policy.
Full Membership also means sharing all assets with the group. If you have investments, savings, real estate, vehicles, tools or other assets, you are asked to donate them to the community for all to share. This is probably where the greatest leap of faith is required and yet it is also at this point that one stands to experience the greatest blessings. This kind of whole-hearted letting-go generates a vacuum that invites the support of God/Life and the Universe to rush in and carry us in miraculous ways. This is our belief and it has also been our experience.
In a very real sense, living communally and sharing all things common, is like a marriage, both in terms of the commitment needed, and the ability to put the needs of the group before our own personal desires. Many other communities are so eager for members that they will look the other way from obvious incompatibilities and make it easy to join just so they have more members (and the assets they bring with them). We have a saying at the Full Circle Family, that it is "harder to get in than to get out." We want people to be very sure; to feel inspired and guided to be a part of this family, just as you would when joining your life together with someone you love, in marriage. For this reason we will never pressure you to join. In fact it is up to you to convince us that joining is what you wish to do. We also don't wish to have anyone feel trapped, or stuck once they've joined. If there comes a time when we are no longer a good fit, we will bless you on your way, and do our best to help you make a new start elsewhere.
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