| Dear Folks--
Do you want to change the world, & live with others that do?
The Convergence Institute for Essential Change is still mainly an idea, but it is becoming a reality, with loan commitments of over $300,000 toward a down payment on a facility in the $750K to $2 mil. range.
The Institute is a nonprofit with the mission of promoting dialog between progressive traditions & coalition between progressive movements. We do this both for its own sake & with the hope of groping our way towards a new consensus on the Left about long-term vision & short-term strategy.
To this end, we are building a diverse residential community of progressive activists, scholars, & professionals who want to have such conversations with each other & promote them in the wider community, support each other, & share meals & good times. We aim for at least 6 adults initially, preferably 8 to 12, & maybe children too.
We will create an attractive home for grown-ups, with furniture that matches, art on the walls, a hot tub, etc., transit-accessible, with significant common space for meals, meetings, classes & such. Rents will cover costs over the life of the mortgage, & be roughly market rate. We're exploring options for those who wish to build equity as well.
Besides looking for space & exploring financing options, we're hosting a series of dinner parties (& other events) to bring together activists & scholars from diverse traditions. We hope to become better known, recruit a diverse organizing core, serve our mission & have great conversations over good home-cooked food.
As of 6/06 we are 3: a lawyer doing sustainability activism & research, a mediator & diversity educator taking a break to get a Masters at Berkeley, & an event planner/organizer especially interested in children's issues & in the practical aspects of the project. 2 are white, 1 Native American; 2 are bisexual, 1 straight; 2F, 1M. Affirmatively seeking diversity in our organizing core.
Looking for activists & activist scholars; collaborators who will work to support the mission & make this happen, whether or not you want to live there. People working on economic or racial/ethnic justice at any scale especially welcome.
For our evolving Vision Statement & more info, write hoerner@redefiningprogress.org or golden_c_turtle@yahoo.com. Forward this freely.
Peace, Andrew | |
Population Adult Members: 2 (6-12 target, we hope.) Child Members: (Children welcome) Non-member Residents: (We may or may not have non-member residents.) Open to new children: Yes Open to which gender(s): All genders welcome | Government Decision Making: By consensus (Once fully formed, consensus with some modifications to make it looser and faster.) Leadership Core Group: No (The Board will include residents and non-residents.) | Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances (Possibly some contribution to improving property, if the group or individual members are willing.) Labor Contribution: Expected (House job, cook a meal, monthly meeting, contribute to mission.) Regular Fees: No (Rental & such only.) | | | Food, etc. Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week (Hope to have regular meal plan. Probably set it up so that you are expected to share costs, but no requirement to attend.) Dietary Practice: (All shared meals would have a vegitarian option.) Tobacco Use: Prohibited (Prohibited indoors.) | Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes (Welcoming.) Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No Shared Spiritual Path: No | |
