We cooperatively own buildings (including dwellings), equipment, supplies and tools, animals, and 130 acres of beautiful hills and hollows with springs and stream in southwest Wisconsin. Current group projects include shared annual and perennial gardens, firewood, meat animals, wildcrafting, food processing, and learning how to best tend the land and water in our new climate. We continue to hone our practices for living collaboratively, harmoniously and sustainably with each other and with the land.
We gather weekly for potluck, and there are often additional common meals, especially during harvest season in our bustling summer kitchen. We meet at least twice a month, making decisions by modified consensus with emphasis on collaboration. Depending on season and projects, we have scheduled work parties up to 3 times a week. Housing units are clustered so we cross paths often as we go about our daily lives, sharing food, work, childcare, song, play and spirit on an informal basis. Though currently each couple/single lives in their own household, we feel like an extended family.
Some individuals make their incomes at home while some have jobs off the land. Income is not shared. Each adult buys a share paid over a period of time, as well as paying a monthly fee for group expenses.
We are surrounded by an extensive progressive community, including food co-ops, community centers and great libraries, good public and alternative schools, holistic healing community including a progressive hospital, many small non-profit organizations, farmer’s markets, CSA’s, and the headquarters of Organic Valley–USA’s largest producer cooperative.
We are open to helping other groups get started by providing advice and copies of our legal documents and policies.
We have been blessed with a stable membership and have openings for new members.
See “Dancing Waters” page on Facebook.
To live cooperatively in healthy, respectful relationship with each other and in reverent, sustainable partnership with the land
Prospective member must attend at least three meetings, meet and work with everyone. After group approval, trial membership begins. People live here through a year’s trial at least, then may ask for permanent membership.
Visitors are welcome with advance arrangements. All inquirers: please send, along with your inquiry, some bio, current residence, and explain your interest in community living.
The whole membership decides collectively.
Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
We strive to be egalitarian. We have modified our blocking procedure to prevent unreasonable blocking but get the benefit of small minority perspective. Emphasizing collaboration and listening all along the way has meant we haven’t had a potential block for many years.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Regular fees: $250
Labor: Yes (0 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
In addition to monthly share of expenses, a minimum monthly equity payment of $150/month is required until full share is paid. The first $5000 of that is non-refundable, and constitutes the membership fee.
Work structure consists of committing to work roles and teams, and participating in work parties.
Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Outdoor Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Internet
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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