Loomio
Mon 18 Nov 2013 8:44PM

Umbrella organizations

GC Gene Cox Public Seen by 8

This isn't high priority, just something I am uneasy with. I have been working with Jae and One Community in a personal level for quite a few months, concentrated in the design of the Earthbag Village, SEGO center. I also follow the FEC blog and communicate with some of their members as they appeal to the egalitarian part of me. I don't feel comfortable talking on behalf of the group without group consensus. So, I would like to start a discussion on adopting an umbrella organization and the level of collaboration, such as partnership/membership or just tossing ideas back and forth. Thanks! :)

SM

Summer Moon Tue 19 Nov 2013 1:52AM

sounds good

LN

Lee Nelson Tue 19 Nov 2013 3:00AM

Just for the sake of throwing another option out there.
http://www.fundingtealeye.com/

I share your hesitation. Lots of opportunities and choices is great to have options and at this point we should look at many options until we find what works for us that everyone can agree on.

GC

Gene Cox Wed 20 Nov 2013 4:40AM

Just to do some comparing and contrasting.
One Community has a Pioneer Team with a high amount of formal education and lots of successful projects in their different skill sets. Even the "heads" (not in a traditional sense) of the different areas are highly skilled. They are kind of a mix between the traditional IC and mainstream. They currently don't have a physical model that they are living what they propose, so it's very difficult to see or understand how all the elements will blend.
The FEC has lots of life experience education and doesn't have the long lists of paper to say how educated they are. Just between 2 of their members there is over 70 years of IC organizing, building, and most importantly, living. They also have a health insurance program, a labor exchange program, and help physically, possibly financially, with start up, as well as many other projects.
I don't want to include Teal Eye as I am unfamiliar with them except what they have on the website. If Lee would like to give some input, I would appreciate it. :)

LN

Lee Nelson Fri 22 Nov 2013 2:10PM

Teal Eye is just starting so nowhere near as much experience but I do like the way they are set up with complete transparency. As of right now they have internet and power supply co-op service that reduces rates quite a bit. Something to keep an eye on I am curious to see where they go.

Health insurance program is one thing I have been thinking a lot about lately. We just went through open enrollment at my current job and talking about how Obummercare will become mandatory within the next year or so. So having alternative health care set up seems very important to make sure we don't have to pay fines for not having health care (how messed up is that? people who cant afford health care or dont want it having to pay fines?!)

I also like New Earth Project and have recently been talking to Mike Phelps about it as he likes them as well. Even though they have a lot more experienced staff they are just starting out as well. The benefits of an already established group like One Community are looking better and better to make sure we get started off on the right foot.

KMF

Kelli Marie Frances Mon 25 Nov 2013 4:40PM

I have not had any personal contact with any of these groups. However, based on both of your descriptions, I am confused as to why we cannot toss ideas back and forth between all? What would a membership/partnership entail?

JB

Justin Breen Mon 9 Dec 2013 2:43AM

Right, its not as if we are going to merge with them, no? Collaboration and idea sharing might be extremely beneficial...