About
We don't exactly have a very full list of questions but as I receive them, I will post them
Q: Is this a Welfare System?
A: No. As it has been said before, this is not a hand out, this is a means for those who really want it, to help themselves improve their situation. Initially, the project will be oriented towards those who are already able to hold jobs, it just makes their minimum-wage lifestyles more affordable and thus expands their horizon of opportunities.
Every individual is part of and supports a greater community which in turn supports its individuals, however, EVERYONE is expected to pull their own weight. In such a community, parasitism will be nearly, if not completely, impossible. All members are always under one another's vigilant watch simply because human nature does not like being taken-advantage of. If an individual is unable to support themselves, and as a result, the greater community, then the community is only willing to assist them for so long before they become a burden.
Harsh as this may seem, it's important to understand that there are always exceptions to the rule, and if it cannot be helped, the community would be more understanding for such a circumstance than they would be for someone who is obviously at fault... but, as always, a line must be drawn somewhere. However, until such time as the individual is able to find work, they can use their down time to maintain the facility, learn and acquire marketable skills, and search for employment.
As the Community Help Center continues to expand and develop, it should eventually become self-sustaining. Our services would then be able to expand to those unable to hold jobs. With enough support, we would be able to provide workshops and facilities to people without work and help them find and secure employment.
Q: Is this just for poor people? What if I would like to be a part of the community?
A: The community's focus is on assisting those in need, but is not opposed to people who are not. What is paramount is that all individuals involved with the community be of honest and noble intent... this community is for people willing to help one another more than just themselves. If middle to upper class people are willing to participate in this endeavor, they would have comparably more income that could be contributed to this endeavor that would enhance our facilities and services faster than we could have otherwise.
Q: What’s expected of me as a supporter?
A: Faith and optimism in our cause. You know as well as anyone that it takes both time and money to make the world go round. We are not demanding of you anything. Although we would greatly appreciate monetary donations, however small they may be, we equally appreciate you discussing the idea with friends and bringing us your questions and concerns. We appreciate your ideas, suggestions, or events that benefit the continuity of this noble endeavor. But more than anything, we appreciate a genuine hope, however out of this world it may be, that we can change the world one bit at a time. Start small, go big, and don’t stop.
Q: What’s expected of a member?
A: We are in the process of developing a rigorous training program for supporters who have a unique passion and drive for building a better world. This option would be for those amongst you who were told what little you can do in this life, and what little impact you’ll have, and said “Nonsense! I make my own destiny”. Currently, we are considering an 8 week training program that will bring potential candidates the opportunity to rise above themselves in pursuit of a greater mission. These individuals are not expected to give up their jobs or families, but adjustments in livelihood may be required. Bear in mind that 73.6% of Americans do not volunteer. Those that did, their volunteer activities ranged from 36-90hrs a year for those 25 to 34 years from ‘08-’09. That’s about 45 minutes to an 1hr 45min. a week! We all know we have more time than that. We at UNITI know, that to make a difference, to be sincere in service, we must commit more than that. We expect more from ourselves and our members than we do of everything else in this world.
Q: What is an Intentional Community?
A: ”An intentional community is a planned residential community designed to have a much higher degree of teamwork than other communities. The members of an intentional community typically hold a common social, political, religious, or spiritual vision and are often part of the alternative society. They typically also share responsibilities and sometimes, resources. Intentional communities include cohousing communities, residential land trusts, ecovillages, communes, , kibbutzim, ashrams and housing cooperatives. Typically, new members of an intentional community are selected by the community's existing membership, rather than by real-estate agents or land owners (if the land is not owned collectively by the community)”. -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intentional_community
There is often a stigma attached to the idea of Intentional Communities thanks to the hippie, free-love communes of the 60’s which was only a brief spurt in the larger history of Intentional Communities. UNITI does not classify itself nor have its communities as “Communes” but to be fair, communes have apparently changed.
Andrew Jacobs of The New York Times wrote that, contrary to popular misconceptions, "most communes of the 90's are not free-love refuges for flower children, but well-ordered, financially solvent cooperatives where pragmatics, not psychedelics, rule the day."Jacobs, Andrew (1998-11-29). "Yes, It's a Commune. Yes, It's on Staten Island.". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): pp.. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
That aside, a better planned community allows for the purposeful development of resources and facilities that cater to developing new skills and advancing the general well being of the individual or family to a position beyond where they once were.