"All that you touch
You Change.
All that you Change
Changes you.
The only lasting truth is Change.
God is Change"
Earthseed, Lauren Oya Olamina, from Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.
Lauren Oya Olamina is a main character from a novel that helps us imagine that even when society and governance descends into a worst case scenario, love and care and inspiration are still available to those who choose it.
This way of being with humanity is an inspiration for the place (and practices) we call "Olamina Commons & MicroVillage"
We aren’t meant to do life alone. Olamina Commons & MicroVillage is a place to move beyond “me, my, mine” to “us and we”. Life is more delicious when we collaborate, live equitably, treat the land with care, and engage community practices grounded in listening with care to one another.
Olamina is the name we give our place, YasVille is how we practice here.
When we village, we relate to one another, the land, and the nonhuman beings here as kin.
In practice, that means we:
Show up regularly. We see each other often enough to really know each other.
Share space. We gather around gardens, fires, meals and creative expression.
Make things together. We grow food, make art, and build projects.
Circle. We meet one another in brave space.
People Permaculture. We belong ourselves to a full spectrum of Folx.
Listen with care. To each other and to the land.
Land Stewardship: see what’s growing on the Olamina Commons land
Inspiration: see some ideas that inspire Olamina MicroVillage
Yashapi is our nonprofit partner for care and culture. A 501(c)(3) led by BIPOC people and women, it grounds its work in three pillars: upliftment, connection and sustainability. Its motto is “Love-in-Action for the Highest Good.”
YasVille is Yashapi’s community gathering. It holds circles, celebrations and “brave spaces” for belonging and meaning, both in person and online. YasVille offers some of the circles, land walks and gatherings at Olamina Commons.