Notopia is a lot like some of the other hopeful communities on here, but it is also totally different. I (hopefully we) am concerned with the direction of the consumer driven society but even more than that I just don't like it. I know that there is a better way to live day to day. I also know that there are much more rewarding options than what is in the mainstream. That is about enough rhetoric.
Notopia will be located in central or southern Illinois and will aim to be off the grid within three years. I don't think it will take a lot of people to start off (maybe 8-10 with some help from friends and family). There will be no land ownership (we will all own it) and food produced will be shared. Beyond that I am totally open to suggestions and I hope everyone else will be as well. It would be ideal to position ourselves close to other IC's to help develop a larger community. I have some ideas about businesses we could start that could help us out once we get started.
mike mayberry 4109 sunderland dr decatur, Illinois 62526 United States
This page last updated:10/29/2005
Visitors Accepted
Visitor Process: Since there is no where to go right now, it may not be worth the trip. however, once things get going all visitors of all stripes are certainly welcome.
Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:
No Answer Provided
Population
Members(adults and children):
1
Non-member Residents:
0
Open to new members:
Yes
Government
Decision Making:
By consensus
Identified Leader:
No
Leadership Core Group:
No
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
Partial income sharing
(Produce of community will be shared, private income is allowed)
Labor Contribution:
Expected
(probably more than 40/week at first, hopefully down to 30 or so after initial period)
Join Fee:
Yes
(it isn't possible to say at this point)
Regular Fees:
Yes
(if we are all working outside of the community this may be a good idea for property tax and a fund for maintenance.)
Land and Buildings
Rural
(maybe near a town of 50-100k)
Area:
200 acres (80.9 hectares)
(it isn't bought yet, but it looks good in the little box)
Land Owned By:
Community-controlled land trust
(open for discussion, whatever is most economical)
Number of Residences:
0
Cohousing:
Yes
(not a requirement but may be a good idea at first)
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
over 50%
(100% would be ideal)
Share Community Meals:
Nearly all dinners
(again this is up for discussion, but common dinners seems economical)
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
Diet is up to each individual
Dietary Practice:
Omnivorous
(all are welcome)
Alcohol Use:
Used occasionally
(open for discussion)
Tobacco Use:
Used Occasionally
(open for discussion)
Social Factors
Common Spiritual Practices:
Yes
(tolerance of one anothers faith seems a good starting point, notopia will definitely not be a religious community though)
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