Communities Directory: Twin Oaks Community

Formed: 1967 Established: 1967

Twin Oaks Community

Louisa, Virginia,

United States

Twin Oaks is an income-sharing community of 100 people living on 450 acres of farm and forestland in Virginia. We were founded in 1967, and our lifestyle reflects our values of egalitarianism, ecology, and nonviolence. We welcome scheduled visitors throughout the year. We are economically self-sufficient.

Members work in our community businesses--making hammocks and chairs, indexing books and making tofu. These businesses provide about one-third of our work; the rest goes into the tasks needed to support a rural village of 100 people--organic gardening, milking cows, equipment and building maintenance, office work, and more. Our work schedules of 44 hours each week are very flexible. In return for member's labor, the community provides all basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, etc. Twin Oaks has an intricate community culture.

Our everyday lives include many recreational activities--social and support groups, performances, music, games, dance, and art. Our culture values tolerance of diversity and sustainable living. We share our vehicles, we build our own buildings, and we share houses of 10-20 people. Some of us work actively for peace and justice, ecology, and feminism. Each summer we host a Women's Gathering and a Communities Conference; see our website for details.

We offer a three-hour tour on many Saturday afternoons; please call during business hours or email to reserve a place. Our three-week visitor program is a prerequisite for membership and must be arranged by letter or e-mail well in advance of the proposed stay. Information about visiting is available on our website or by mail.

Website: http://www.twinoaks.org/

Contact:

138 Twin Oaks Rd
Louisa, Virginia 23093-6337 United States
Phone: 540-894-5126

Links:

Twin Oaks Intentional Community: Twin Oaks community information site.

Twin Oaks Hammocks: Hammocks, chairs and accessories made by Twin Oaks Community.

Twin Oaks Tofu: Twin Oaks Community Soyfoods

Last Updated:2/8/2008

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Read our website visiting section and then correspond with us to arrange a Saturday tour and/or a 3 week visit. Arrangements must be made well ahead of any visit.

Network Affiliations:

FEC: Federation of Egalitarian Communities

Population Adult Members: 85 Child Members: 15 Non-member Residents: 0 Open to new adults: Yes Open to new children: No Gender Balance: 50% M 50% F Open to which gender(s): All genders welcome (policies ensure gender balance) Ethnic Diversity: 5% identify as 'people of color'	Government Decision Making: Other (by current planners, with input and veto by membership) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: Yes	Labor and Money Financial Style: 100% income sharing Labor Contribution: Expected (Weekly work quota, 44 hours.) Join Fee: No Regular Fees: No
Land and Buildings Rural Area: 450 acres (182.1 hectares) Land Owned By: The community (Formally owned by Twin Oaks Community Inc.) Number of Residences: 8 (Dormitory style housing, each member has private room. ) Cohousing: No	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: over 50% Share Community Meals: Nearly all meals Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Seldom used Tobacco Use: Seldom used (Only a few acceptable areas for smoking tobacco.)	Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No Shared Spiritual Path: No Educational Style(s): Home schooling :: Public schooled

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Become an Editor Current editor(s): jmccunep, valerie

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