Who
we are:
The Arcosanti Community Council was formed twelve years ago
by residents to mediate conflict and to give a voice to the
community within the Arcosanti Project. The Council continues
with these core objectives as well as other goals stated in
our mission statement (circa 1997).
Priorities and focus are also shaped by our diverse and shifting
community. In addition, each council member adds the flavor
of their individual strengths, experiences, and intentions.
Council members are democratically
elected by residents at the quarterly All
Site meeting and serve a term of six months as community
representatives.
As a body, the Council operates as
a self-governing, separate organization from the Cosanti Foundation/Originals.
However, we also maintain a 501(c)3 Non Profit status by operating
under the Cosanti Foundation’s financial umbrella. This
enables us to receive tax-deductible donations. The Council
also manages 10% of the monthly co-use fee
paid by residents for community use.
Our
Mission:
It is the mission of the Community Council to help foster
and support a more satisfying and fulfilling lifestyle for
Arcosanti residents so that they may best achieve the completion
of the arcology. To do this the Council will act as a sponsor
of community activities, a facilitator and mediator in issues
of community and individual interaction, a clarifier and initiator
of policy pertaining to the community, and a generator of
income for community needs.
Current Responsibilities
(include, but are not limited to):
A) Acting as advisor and/or advocate for residents concerning
community related issues.
B) Sponsoring and/or hosting activities,
projects and events
to help foster and support a more satisfying and fulfilling
lifestyle for Arcosanti residents.
C) Acting as clarifier and initiator
of policy pertaining to the community
D) Mediating conflict within the community.
This may include facilitating complaints between residents
related to the Noise, Violence, Smoking, Drug and Alcohol,
Quiet, Cat, and Vehicle Policies. For more information about
these community policies please contact any current
Community Council Member.
E) Acting as custodian of community
funds. This includes choosing a treasurer, making direct budget
allocations, fielding funds proposals, and attempting to generate
new income.
F) Acting as an advisor and/or
advocate for residents concerning employee related issues.
G) Welcoming workshoppers, helping
them understand who and what Community Council is, and integrating
them into community life, educating them about site guidelines,
recycling, etc.
H) Welcoming new community members.
Receiving "letters of intent"
from prospective residents for review. Maintaining a right
of refusal to invite new residents into the community.
I) Organizing the quarterly All
Site Meeting.
J) Arranging Adopt-a-Highway
at least 3 or 4 times a year.
K) Deciding how to maintain community property,
areas and spaces.
L) Deciding who represent Community
Council at the Board of Trustees meetings.
M) Acting as members of a joint judicial
committee of Council Members and the Operations
Group to handle certain community infractions.
Related Links:
Clarification of Terms:
Adopt-a-Highway:
A program allowing groups to volunteer
to pick up litter off Arizona's highways saving nearly
$800,000 in tax payer's money. Arcosanti residents
do a clean up once a workshop (every 5 weeks). Snacks are
usually supplied for participants by the Council.
All
site Meeting: A quarterly meeting of all employees
and Arcosanti residents. In the business section of the meeting,
Managers give progress reports about their departments, and
business related info is disseminated. In the community section
residents raise issues they would like to discuss and Community
Council elections are held.
Community
Areas: Residents can use most areas of the site.
However certain areas of Arcosanti are designated as Community
Areas. Some areas include the Community Room, Community Kitchen,
Ferguson's (our free thrift store), Laundry Room, and Octagon
( a hang out space in Camp)
Community Property:
Over the years the C.C. has purchased items with community
funds for community use. Some items include a R/O filter,
pool table, washing machine, and computer.
Co-use
Fee: An amount paid by all residents (other than
volunteers) to the Cosanti Foundation each pay period in exchange
for living space, utilities, and use of facilities.
Letter
of Intent: A form filled out by workshop participants
if/when they wish to become a community member. The Letters
of Intent are presented at the last C.C. meeting of each Workshop
program.
Operations
Group: A business related, decision-making body
consisting of Cosanti Originals and Cosanti Foundation department
managers.
Workshoppers:
Participants of the Arcosanti 5 week workshop program
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