Founding Goals of Ecovillage at Ithaca

As I reach the one-year anniversary of moving to Ecovillage at Ithaca, I have been reflecting on the idea of evolution. Personal evolution, community evolution, planetary evolution . . . where am I, we, all of us headed? And is the direction of our evolution proactive or reactive?

One way to connect with the mission of this place I call home is to revisit the founding goals of EVI as they were stated in a planning document from September 1991. Though they are over 30 years old, I find the principles remain evergreen and serve as a touchstone for how I personally live in sustainable community but also for Thrive’s role within EVI and outwardly to the greater movement of intentional community.

1. To demonstrate that the technology, engineering know-how and societal demand exist for the successful establishment of environmentally and socially responsible communities. 

2. To demonstrate how we can mitigate our deleterious impact on the environment and through sustainable development promote a restoration of natural systems. 

3. To foster the development of ecopreneurship—that is, the establishment of cottage industries, craft enterprises and small-scale flexible industries which provide socially and environmentally responsible goods and services. 

4. To promote the implementation of year-round food production utilizing low-input sustainable agricultural practices. 

5. To preserve "forever wild" portion of the Town of Ithaca which has been rapidly developed in the last 5 years. 

6. To strive to build a community of neighborhoods that represent a cross section of America, one which is inviting to all people regardless of race, gender, social status, sexual orientation, or physical ability. 

7. To serve as a model for neighborhood development in other communities through the provision of research and education programs.