LAND USE
We intend to listen to and observe the land carefully as we plan the village, and in our daily lives there. We will be mindful of our land use: it will be appropriate to the land, our own needs, and the needs of future generations. Organically farmed vegetables, livestock, field crops, forest farming, a community orchard, native plants, edible landscaping, and permaculture principles are possible components of an interdependent landscape. Land and home-based businesses will be encouraged and supported. Our methods will use no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, but rely instead on crop rotation, compost and cover cropping to maintain ecological balance. Our agricultural role is that of steward: managing natural processes to provide balanced nutrition for human beings. Farming in this way requires the cultivation of a sensitivity to natural rhythms and forces, with the aim to always grow the highest quality food.
BUILDINGS AND TECHNOLOGY
White Hawk will explore the use of alternative energy sources, and will choose the most appropriate technology solutions for each situation. On an individual or community basis, composting toilets, passive solar design, photovoltaics, wind-generated power, and a car-sharing program are being considered. The community’s homes and common buildings will be energy efficient and constructed primarily of locally and sustainably harvested natural materials. Homes and buildings will be clustered to minimize environmental impact and to maximize the amount of land preserved for agriculture and wildlife. An aesthetic of natural beauty will influence a design in which human and natural elements are closely linked.
SHARING
At White Hawk we will strive to find a balance between privacy and community. Homes will be individually owned while most of the land and some buildings, such as a common house and a workshop, will be commonly owned. The common house will include a kitchen and dining area so that members can share some meals each week. Common meals will be based on a diet of whole, organic, and sustainably and locally produced foods and will accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of the members. Other sharing between members of White Hawk can develop as the need arises, and may include shared work, celebration, a common house, a play area, care of farm animals, fruit crops, gardens, tools, appliances, etc.
CHILDREN AND EDUCATION
White Hawk’s children will be educated in ways that are appropriate to the needs of the individual child and family, which may include Waldorf Schools, home schooling, unschooling and other conventional and alternative schooling options. Children will be included in the life of the community, and will be allowed to be a part of adult work and play to a great extent. Respect for age differences and what we have to learn from young people, as well as what we have to share with them, will be an enriching part of village life.
DIVERSITY
White Hawk seeks a diverse membership and strives to welcome and accept all ages, races, religions, differently-abled individuals, income levels, skills, interests, backgrounds, genders, sexual preferences, and family types. We welcome pets, and we welcome everyone but will balance the needs of individuals with the needs of the environments and the community.
GOVERNANCE and COMMUNICATION
White Hawk will be governed by the consensus process and all members will have a voice in decision-making. Our decisions will be based upon what is best for the whole community of living beings and systems, encompassing, but surpassing the needs of any one individual. We will create agreement to guide our actions and communication, not make rules. The growth of the village will be planned, but growth will be allowed to develop organically, and we will pursue simplicity and flexibility in planning. A balance will be sought between accomplishing material goals and building and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Members aspire to compassionate, transparent, and responsible communication.
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