A learning community Education is a round-the-clock activity here at EVI. There is an amazing amount of learning that happens in the process of forming, building and maintaining three cohousing neighborhoods and an organic farm, as well as developing social relationships and village culture. As residents, we are engaged in a fascinating social experiment. We have endless opportunities to test out methods of consensus decision-making, conflict resolution, creative parenting, strategic planning, creating community celebrations, green building, Permaculture and natural landscaping, alternative transportation and much more. We are truly a learning community.

Building the root cellar

A working model At the same time, we are eager to share what we learn with the local, regional, national and global community. Our educational style can best be described as experiential, project-based learning. We see ourselves as a working model that we hope serves as an inspiration for others. We are particularly interested in whole systems thinking that focuses on the positive interactions between human and natural systems. How can we live full, rich lives, while preserving and enhancing the natural environment surrounding us? What practical steps can we take to further our environmental goals?

Ongoing study and support groups at EcoVillage include:

• Men's and Women's groups
• Activity groups
  Photography Club, Garden Club, Handworkers Group
  
• Classes in several kinds of yoga, swing dance, new economics, etc.
• Cooperative home-schooling, including soccer, art classes, science club, and more.
• Kid's fun including chess club, stamp club, and craft nights
• Workshops in consensus and meeting facilitation, food preservation, etc.
  
• Teen Group
• Deepening Relationships groups
• Meditation Circles
• Political Discussion evenings
• Learning by doing - all the legal, real estate, marketing, group development, Town approval, financing, green building, energy efficiency, and more that goes into building a cohousing neighborhood. Once built there is the ongoing learning about cooking for groups, gardening, maintaining physical plant, organizing celebrations, and much more.