PLANNING | EcoVillage Chicago

Lets do this!

How to build an EcoVillage, in 1 simple step- consult permaculture design principals- follow to a T!

community partnerships

Successful communities thrive because of the awesome people (or plants, or animals) contributing their skills everyday. The permaculture principals inspire us to Use & Value Renewables, Integrate (Capitalize on how things work together), Use & Value Diversity, and Value the Edges & the Marginal.

To this end, the Ecovillage vision includes many community collaborations which will result in a stronger group of intelligent and creative minds who will contribute to shape the village of our dreams.

These collaborations may include:

- Partnership with local high schools to offer opportunities to students to get hands-on experience with sustainable farming and construction techniques.

- Permaculture group partnerships

- Local municipal relationships

- Farm to table programs for local schools, restaurants, senior living homes, food kitchens, etc.

- Job training for the formerly incarcerated

farm store

One of the for-profit aspects of the EcoVillage will be our year-round farm store. The store will be stocked with seasonal produce, fresh herbs, fruit, fresh eggs and also value added goods such as:

Apiary products: honey, chapstick, skin lotion, salve, candles

Dried Herbs/Tea: mint, chamomile, nettles, lavender sachets

Locally made sustainable crafts: jewelry, pottery, etc.

Elderberry Extract

Apple Sauce, Canned goods

financial sustainability

Permaculture design isn't just about plants. It is about sustainable living for humans, and can be applied to all parts of life. Finances are a vital part of the vision, and an awesome opportunity to find creative solutions to complex challenges.

The legal form(s) of the EcoVillage are yet to be decided, but may include some of the following:

- B Corporation

- Cooperatively run For-Profit Business

- L3C

There will be non-profit and for-profit aspects of the EcoVillage. The aim of the overall community is to provide opportunities for a meaningful and healthy life to those who live in the EcoVillage, and inspire and educate others about a sustainable and delightful way to thrive and do good.

education

Education is a vital component of the EcoVillage's mission. The community will aim to incorporate many opportunities for people to come see and learn from the project, and contribute to its awesomeness.

Local schools will be solicited for partnerships with classrooms who would like to provide student volunteers, and come for workshops and presentations on certain topics. Experiential education will be offered by way of work days (farm help, harvesting, weeding, construction, etc.), and internships.

Monthly film series will serve as an opportunity for our community members to enjoy a movie together, and learn more about topics of interest.

Yoga instructors-in-training will be welcome to come offer yoga classes in our community space in order to keep us limber and ready to claim the day!

Have another educational partnership idea?

Let us know!

Email: ecovillagechicago@gmail.com

phases of development

1) Observe & Interact: Gather information, research other cooperative housing projects, look into land options

2) Catch & Store Energy: Gather resources, human and financial, (compile resources of potential collaborators)

3) Obtain a Yield: Synthesize information into coherent plan for finances/budget, construction, timeline

4. Accept Feedback: Approach investors about project, learn from their expertise and refine business development plan. Secure financing.

5) Use & Value Renewables: Make creative use of all the resources available- consider architects, sourcing for construction materials, investors, community members, design models. Choose land, consider zoning and have land surveyed. Purchase land and secure construction and parking permits needed.

6) Produce No Waste: Solicit aid of an architect to design the space. Pursue LEED certification.

7) Design from pattern to detail: Solicit advice from permaculture trained folks about land design plan, fine tune design theme/inspiration and shape. Review, revise and then approve building plan. Make sure all processes are taken into account in planning (transportation, farm needs, future business considerations, forest garden spacing, etc.), water use, composting, etc.

8) Integrate: Hire contractors to complete construction. Consider timing and steps for forest garden.

9) Use small, slow solutions: Engage local community and begin educational collaborations. Complete building inspections.

10) Use & Value Diversity: Engage community to advertise apartments and secure tenants for the units. Identify tenants and helpers who would contribute to a rich community culture.

11) Use Edges: Consider property management and cooperative living structure. Grand opening! Tenants move into their new home, and begin their new life.

12) Creatively Use & Respond to Change: Support community evolution through regular community meetings, events, and events.

13) Turn attention towards Edible Forest Garden. Start back at step 1.

"Dreams can change. If we'd all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses."

- Stephen Colbert

"Real leadership...comes from realizing that the time has come to move beyond waiting to doing."

- Madeleine Albright

"If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on."

- Sheryl Sandberg