Introduction

EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA uses a decision-making system called sociocracy to set policies and rules efficiently while respecting each other. Sociocracy originated in The Netherlands. Originally envisioned in 1945 by Kees Boeke, a Dutch educator and pacifist, as a way to adapt Quaker egalitarian principles to secular organizations, sociocracy allows us to give and receive effective leadership while remaining peers.

Brief History

Gerard Endenburg, a pupil of Kees Boeke, developed Boeke's vision into a body of well-tested procedures and practical principles. After World War II, Gerard Endenburg's parents (socialists before the war), set up their own (successful) company to try out their advanced ideas. Gerard trained as an electrical engineer, gained expertise in cybernetics (the new science of steering and control), and worked briefly for Phillips Electronics, designing a flat speaker that is still used in small electronic equipment today. Then his father challenged him to manage a small, failing business he had purchased. In less than a year Gerard had made the business profitable and merged it with his father's company. In the late 1960’s, Gerard's father retired, and Gerard became manager of Endenburg Electrotechniek with the mandate to run it both as a profitable business and as a real time laboratory for testing innovative management ideas. Sociocracy is a product of that experience.

Today, Gerard has retired from day-to-day management of Endenburg Electrotechniek to devote his time to running the Sociocratisch Centrum, a consulting business that assists a wide variety of companies and organizations (including cohousing communities) to implement sociocratic structures. Gerard is also a professor at the Economic Science and Industry Department of the University of Maastricht where sociocracy is part of the curriculum and academic practice.

Why Sociocracy?

Initially the group used consensus to make their decisions. This proved inefficient and exhausting and led to serious rifts. Introducing sociocracy was a relief. The group became more efficient and subsequently has been able to make many difficult decisions in harmony with one another.

What Is Sociocracy?

Sociocracy vests the power to rule in the "socios," that is, in the people who regularly interact with one another and have a common aim. Each member of the "socios" is believed to have a voice that cannot be ignored in the managing the organization. In contrast, democracy vests the power to rule in the "demos," that is, a collection of people who may or may not know each other and have only general aims in common - such as the right running of a country. The majority of the "demos" can ignore the minority of the "demos" as they make their decisions.

With sociocracy, the basis of decision-making is consent, which uses the principle of no objection. Whereas with democracy, the basis of decision-making is voting, which uses the principle of numeric majority.

How Does Sociocracy Work?

Sociocratic organizations use four ground rules. These are described briefly with an explanation of how they apply to EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA.

Consent

The principle of consent governs the decision-making process. (Consent means no reasoned and paramount objection.) This means that a policy decision can only be made if nobody raises a reasoned and paramount objection against it.

Circles

The organization consists of circles of semi-autonomous groups. Each circle (usually referred to as a committee) has its own aim and performs the three functions of directing, operating and measuring/feedback.

Double link

The connection between two circles consists of a double link. This means that at least two persons from one circle participate in the decision-making in the next higher circle: the circle’s leader and one or more elected representatives.

Elections

Persons are elected exclusively by consent, after open discussion.

How the Four Basic Rules Apply to EcoVillage of Loudoun Co.

EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA uses consent decision-making, the first basic rule, when setting policies. Because consent decision-making looks for objections not agreement, a broad range of tolerance is generally represented in final decisions.

Concerning the second rule, the new EcoVillage Community Association is forming eight committees to run the community in the settlement phase:

• a. Architectural & Environmental Design Review
• b. Common House
• c. Covenant Compliance
• d. Economic Development
• e. Facility Maintenance
• f. Finance
• g. Land Management
• h. Social

Each committee operates freely within given parameters in its own area of responsibility for the community. Each is responsible for educating its own members in its work and keeping its own records.

The body that manages general operations of the whole community is the General Circle. The General Circle consists of the General Manager, chairs of each of the committees and a elected representative from each committee. Having two persons from each committee (the chair and the elected representative) forms the "double link" referred to in the third basic rule. Representatives are selected in each circle by consent elections, the fourth basic rule.

Finally, the Top Circle (equivalent to a board of directors) is composed of the General Manager, elected representatives from the General Circle, and other persons invited because of their special expertise in areas vital to the community.

Training in Sociocracy

For more information about sociocracy, contact the Sociocratic Center.

There is much to learn about the sociocratic model, and all Future Residents are encouraged to take one of the periodic training classes offered. Contact the office at: 301-662-4646 for more information.

Get Experience Now!

EcoVillage of Loudoun Co. is using sociocracy right now during the development phase. Please consider volunteering for one of the development committees (Land Development and Construction, Marketing, Economic Development, Finance/Legal). Volunteering for a committee offers a wonderful opportunity to gain experience with sociocracy and - contribute to the creation of your new community.

Introduction

EcoVillage Community Association (EVCA) began in February, 1998 with an interim Board appointed by Sycamore Springs Limited Liability Company's (SSLLC) Top Circle. That group's work culminated with EVCA's incorporation in January, 1999. Charles Nazare, Tena Meadows O'Rear, and Randy Williams were named as Directors of EVCA. They have appointed other EVCA Committee Chairs, drawing from the original interim Board as well as newer Future Residents interested in leadership roles. Hopefully those committee Chairs will begin to pull their committees together as we approach move-in.

Organizational Structure

EcoVillage Community Association is organized to serve as the governing body of EcoVillage of Loudoun County. Similar to other "homeowner associations", EVCA has a hierarchical organizational structure. Unlike more typical associations, however, the vast majority of our community's work and decision-making will occur at the committee level. Eight committees are planned for EVCA as follows:

Architectural & Environmental Design Committee

The aim of this committee is to establish standards to protect and enhance the enduring environmental quality, visual beauty, and property investment value of EcoVillage; promote maximum energy independence of EcoVillage; and process requests for specific architectural and/or environmental design changes throughout the Property.

Common House Committee

The aim of the Common House Committee is to oversee Common House uses, establish and manage Common House systems, and to make certain that the Common House is clean, orderly and inviting.

Covenant Compliance Committee

The aim of the Covenant Compliance Committee is to provide fair and timely enforcement of Covenants.

Economic Development Committee

The aim of the Economic Development Committee is to initiate and promote economic activity for the financial and social benefit of the Association, the residents of EcoVillage and the greater community.

Facility Maintenance Committee

The aim of the Facility Maintenance Committee is to provide for inventory, preventive maintenance, repair, and security of buildings and equipment held in common; provide community trash pick-up, and promote well-maintained residential exteriors.

Finance Committee

The aim of the Finance Committee is to ensure integrity of the fiscal and administrative systems and appropriate operation of financial transactions of the Association. The Committee assures that financial transactions and records meet generally accepted accounting principles, that the Association's cash is managed most advantageously for the organization, and that appropriate measures are taken regularly to collect revenues due and minimize expenses.

Land Management Committee

The aim of the Land Management Committee is to ensure that land management activities are carried out so as to preserve and restore biodiversity, quality and abundance of natural resources and balance of natural systems in accordance with Governing Documents, and that outdoor amenities, such as roads, pedestrian paths and trails are maintained to support community life.

Social Committee

The aim of the Social Committee is to foster a spirit of community, neighborhood collaboration and residents' ongoing understanding and knowledge related to EcoVillage goals and objectives, and promote positive relations with the larger world.

Are you considering signing-up as a Future Resident of EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA?

It is important that you understand your options for participation during the development process. Some individuals may wish to secure a "place in line" for lot/home purchase, and not want to become involved in the development process. Others, however, may want to participate in social events designed to help people get to know one another. Still others may wish to participate in various tasks which are part of the development process, which will define more specifically how EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA looks, how it works and what it costs.

Participation offers multiple benefits, such as:

• Getting to know your future neighbors better
• Getting a chance to be sure that your fundamental aims are in concert with those of the new community
• Offering an opportunity to influence the decision-making process

Taking part in regular social events which are dedicated to helping future residents get to know one another, as well as meeting others who are considering signing up as Future Residents, is fun. These events may include work parties, such as planting trees on the land, joining in our many potlucks, or events, such as attending a concert together. Usually some Future Residents can attend social events and some cannot due to schedule conflicts, so attending multiple events might result in getting to know the whole group.

Participation by Future Residents in decision-making committees may involve many volunteer hours, or few, as fits your schedule and your desire to influence decisions. In mid-1996, we adopted the Sociocratic Method of administering the project. This method involved a hierarchical committee structure which offers opportunities for participation in a wide range of decisions that must be made in order to realize the development's success. Decisions are shared through this method, though there is no guarantee that your participation will result in decisions which you consider favorable. On the other hand, through participation, you are guaranteed the opportunity to have your ideas considered by the appropriate committee, and through this process you have an influence on the direction taken by the EcoVillage Community.

From our experience, as well as the experience of other co-housing communities, there are several typical phases of engagement. When individuals first hear about EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA, there is usually a "honeymoon" period, when the wonderful ideals of this project are the primary consideration. Moving from our ideals to developing this community, however, involves many compromises as our ideals clash with the realities of cost, regulation, group energy, risk tolerance, etc. On top of the sometimes frustrating external dynamics with which we must contend, conflict resolution is a constant process, as we try to integrate differing views into decisions and action. Those who stick with this process are learning about each others strengths and weaknesses at a deeper level, developing trust in the group's process, and organizing patterns of problem-solving which will stand the community in good stead for years to come.

Obviously, successful completion of a project of this magnitude has many challenges. We are hopeful that you will join with us to whatever extent you feel comfortable in making EcoVillage of Loudoun County a reality.

Statement of Mission, Values, Goals and Objectives

• articulates the direction of EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA
• serves as a touchstone for the community to evaluate where we are vs. where we want to be
• as we move forward and identify areas of concern or ideas for new initiatives that have not been addressed in documents to date, the Statement of Mission, Values, Goals and Objectives provides a context for determining our position and direction on any given issue.

Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Easements and Restrictions for EcoVillage of Loudoun County

• defines the rights and authority of Sycamore Springs LLC and subsequent rights and authority of EcoVillage Community Association over the northern section of the property. (The southern section of the land will be subjected to the force of the Declaration when it is approved for subdivision.)
• defines the Powers and Duties of the Association and the Association’s membership
• documents that the Association recognizes its subjugation to applicable VA laws, e.g., VA Nonstock Corporation Act and VA Property Owners’ Association Act
• documents the relationship of Sycamore Springs LLC and eventually EVCA vis-a-vis Loudoun County. Provides the County with reassurance that this private arm of government known as a community association will carry out certain responsibilities, and that those responsibilities will not be thrust upon the County, e.g., private road maintenance
• documents the rights of public service entities, such as utility companies and emergency service companies vis-a-vis EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA and individual Owners
• documents the rights and restrictions upon individual Owners during the construction process
• lays out the powers and basic procedures for levying assessments on individual Owners
• documents the remedies that the Association can use to deal with non-payment of assessments and fees and other covenant violations, therefore providing a basis for subsequent action within the legal system
• identifies the rights of EcoVillage Institute with respect to EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA
• lays out the restrictive covenants to which each Owner, Resident and Guest is subject while on the property
• defines the types and levels of insurance that must be purchased to insure Common Property, thereby assuring all Owners that that portion of their investment which has paid for Common Property is protected
• defines procedures for reconstruction and repair of Common Property that is damaged
• defines the dispute resolution procedure that will be used by the Association and documents individual Owner’s and Resident’s waiver of their individual right to take legal action against the Association prior to going through this procedure; also the individual’s waiver of their individual right to take legal action against another Owner or Resident regarding a covenant violation prior to going through this procedure
• documents the rights of Mortgagees; documents the assets that are actually being bought by individuals to whom they loan money. (Mortgagees will generally require a copy of the Declaration when an individual requests a loan.)
• provides the foundation of legal force for all Governing Documents through the following definition:

Governing Documents means the EcoVillage of Loudoun County, VA Statement of Mission, Values, Goals and Objectives; this Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation of EcoVillage Community Association, the Bylaws of EcoVillage Community Association, the Rules and Regulations of EcoVillage Community Association and the Architectural and Environmental Design Guidelines, as such documents may be amended or replaced from time to time.

Articles of Incorporation of EcoVillage Community Association

• defines the purposes and limitations of the corporation
• documents the corporation’s subjugation to the VA Nonstock Corporation Act
• defines the membership and voting rights of Members
• documents the initial members of the Top Circle, Tena Meadows O’Rear, Randy Williams and Charles Nazare
• defines basic rules of operation by the Top Circle, e.g., qualifications, nominations, removal

Bylaws of EcoVillage Community Association

• defines the organizational structure and decision-making process of EVCA
• defines the requirements for community participation for Adults and Youths
• defines basic fiscal management procedures and standards
• defines the procedures and general schedule for meetings
• documents EVCA’s approach to the issue of confidentiality
• details the qualifications, powers and authority of Top Circle, General Circle and standing committees:
  • Architectural & Environmental Design Review Committee
  • Common House Committee
  • Covenant Compliance Committee
  • Economic Development Committee
  • Facility Maintenance Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Land Management Committee

• Social Committee

• documents indemnification
• defines and lays out procedures for addressing conflict of interest
• defines the form of and access to EVCA records

Rules & Regulations of EcoVillage Community Association

• not drafted at this time
• will generally be procedural in nature; for instance, if the Common House Committee were to decide that everyone who wanted to use the Common House kitchen must go through a basic orientation that focuses on kitchen safety and hygiene, that would be written into this document
• expect that these will evolve from each committee over time

Architectural & Environmental Design Guidelines

• provide the details that apply to all changes on, over and under all of the Property, including Improvements to Common Area and Improvements to all Lots located on the Property following initial purchase of a Lot by an Owner
• management of natural resources includes issues related to land and soil, water and wetlands, air and sky dome, plant life, and native and non-native wildlife
• guidelines for community quality include landscape structures, (e.g., fences), permitted uses and operation of individual Lots, permitted uses and operations of Common Area, including Protected Conservation Areas, paths and trails.
• guidelines for architectural design include a section on aesthetics (building form, size design features and materials); energy performance standards for buildings, and standards for water use.

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