Co-operative Activities
Cooperative
efforts are more the norm than the exception in the Stelle
community. Experience has shown that activities which incorporate a
shared vision, pursued in a cooperative spirit, have increased chance of
success and longevity.
Cooperative activities currently existing in Stelle are: A community garden co-op, a tool co-op, a Monday night dinner co-op and a Chicken co-op.
Stelle
members also interact through frequent lunches, brunches, and dinners
prepared by the community's many cooks. Shared activities include
childcare, beautification projects, shopping, meal preparation for
others during times of illness or childbirth, as well as making baby and wedding
quilts (click here to see examples of some
baby quilts displayed in the community center).
Click pictures to enlarge
Our experience with cooperative efforts seems to show that less structure is better. We seem to work best together if the structure (rules and conventions of an organization) develops after the energy of the group has been brought together for a common cause. With this approach individuals are free to involve themselves in whatever manner they choose.
Garden Co-op
The Garden Co-op provides an enjoyable opportunity for exploring our sense of community while 'playing' with something we all love - FOOD. Besides providing wholesome sustenance for the body, this activity offers an opportunity to create together in a useful, unrestricted manner.
The basic operating principle is that anyone interested can become involved in the garden co-op at whatever level they wish. Harvests are shared during the growing season. Any food beyond what the membership can use is made available to non co-op members. Members choose which crops they will take stewardship over (grow for the general membership.) There is a common garden bed by the community pond open to the membership for planting. Some members have partitioned off part of their personal gardens for general co-op usage. Members are free to harvest from any area designated as a common bed, including the areas partitioned in the private gardens. Keeping the organizational structure loose allows members to engage in activities to which they are most attracted. We have found that some members prefer to plant while others prefer to harvest and still others prefer to preserve. Some members enjoy all activities. Members come together in small groups, as time and desire permits to perform the various tasks needed in a gardening project. Occasionally we all meet for a meal prepared from our garden produce (as much as possible). The growing season normally culminates with a fall harvest potluck dinner. Visitors are always welcome. Come by some time for a 'taste' of this activity.
Tool Co-op
Over the years, some residents have chosen to share tools in an effort to save money. Begun many years ago as a lawn mower co-op, the tool co-op has expanded to include a presser washer, a log splitter, a snow blower, a chain saw, a table saw, garden carts and many hand and power tools. Imagine having access to all these tools at a minimal per year cost. Another plus is that the tool co-op is located in the garage of the Center for Sustainable Community, which means members have a place to work without needing to use storage or work space in their own homes. Donate tools and become an automatic lifetime member - another small step in cooperation, simplification, and prudent use of resources.
Monday Night Dinner Co-op
Stelle has a Monday night dinner co-op where members partake of a shared dinner in the Community Center every Monday evening. Each week a different member is responsible to cook for the entire group. With approximately 20 members, each member can enjoy a delicious meal and conversation while only needing to cook a couple times per year. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors.
Rhonda and crew relaxing. Easter morning brunch.