The aim is to reinvent the commons
Our model was to involve community members from initial design to construction to eventual programming and stewardship.
We used straw bale, round-wood (wood too small to cut into dimensional lumber), salvaged materials, nontoxic stains and paints, rocks and salvaged trees from the site, etc.
Just like Habitat for Humanity involves people in construction of homes, we involved them in construction of the spaces between our homes — gathering places.
Projects usually logged between 1,000 and 2,000 volunteer hours. This created pride and ownership. We promoted the generous use of hands, or things handmade.
Whenever possible, we invited young people to work with us and, in the process, introduced them to topics as varied as participatory democracy and consensus processes, art, crafts, dignity of hands, and more.
