I need to start looking into getting some willing work exchangers this summer for help with constructing my cob cottage. Hopefully, with the assistance of a few work exchangers throughout this season, progress on the house will go much more quickly. Plus, it’s always more fun to work with other folks. Anyway, I’ve written up a rough draft for my “call for work exchangers” that will go on the Dancing Rabbit website sometime soon. Here it is:
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Interested in learning about natural building? Looking to get some actual hands-on experience building a cob cottage? Want to experience community life in an off-the-grid, sustainable ecovillage?
I am looking to host work exchangers during summer 2008 during the months of May, June, July, and August to help with the construction of a small cob dwelling. The house is a spiral-shaped structure composed entirely of cob (a mix of sand, clay, and straw), complete with a reclaimed urbanite foundation and a living reciprocal roof. Cobbing is largely a hand-built process, with walls that are sculpted into shape by hand.
Other than gaining valuable natural building experience, you will have the opportunity to experience community life here at Dancing Rabbit — partake in community events and activities, eat seasonal and organic meals (largely vegetarian or vegan whole foods) in a food co-op with Dancing Rabbit members, and enjoy a beautiful summer in rural Missouri. As a temporary resident of the community, you will also be expected to partake in community responsibilities, such as weekly cook shifts and cleaning.
Prospective work exchangers should have some previous construction, natural building, or carpentry experience, although it is not mandatory. If you are responsible, have a strong work ethic, and are capable of regularly doing very physical work, you will be fit for this role. As a work exchanger, your cost of living here at Dancing Rabbit will be covered in exchange for 35-40 hours of labor per week. Non-building labor responsibilities will include cook shifts as part of a food co-op, and occasional cleaning shifts.
Host Offers
o Food: Full food stipend. You will be part of a vegetarian/vegan food co-op during your stay.
o Accommodations: Tenting space provided and shared facilities available for use (Common House with kitchen, showers, humanure system)
o Fees: Payment of all residency fees
o Transportation: No coverage provided
o Education and skills: Hands-on experience building a cob cottage, community lifestyle experience
You Provide
o Weekly hours for host: 35-40 hours per week
o Money/Fees/Food costs: None
o Other: strong work ethic, skill, responsibility, attention to detail, desire to learn, enthusiasm, and a good spirit. As a temporary resident of the community, you will partake in community responsibilities such as cooking and cleaning.
Contact Brian for more information!