How We Designed the Community
The founders of Valle Armonia used the book: "Creating a Life Together," by Diana Leafe Christian, as the tool to design our community. Not only does she live in a very successful intentional community (Earthhaven Ecovillage), but she was also the editor of "Communities Magazine" for 14 years. In short, our community was exceedingly well designed from the beginning.
Shares, Lots, and the Corporation
We use the legal construct of a corporation (of Costa Rica). The land and infrastructure were placed in this corporation; we own approximately 30 hectares (75 acres). Individuals can buy shares in our corporation, up to two per person. This makes you a "co-owner." With your share comes a lot/parcel of one-quarter hectare (.6 acres). You can build several homes and sheds on your lot, and up until now, because of some legality, we've kept them under 40 sq. meters.
Rights and Responsibilities
On your land, you have the right to as much privacy as you require. Developing your own gardens, fruit forest, and businesses is permitted, as long as they don't infringe on the integrity of the whole. Every co-owner must sign an internal agreement that states which types of behaviors are unacceptable, as well as potential repercussions for activities that compromise the well-being of their neighbors or the entire community.
Becoming a Member
After six months of being a co-owner, you can ask to become an official "member." If community members honor your request, you are voted in and may participate in all future decision making. We as a community are "calling in" members who possess practical skills, ideally ones that complement previous member's strengths, in order to create a more successful team.
Where You Fit In
Those of us living here are focused on doing work and serving the collective in ways that inspire us. Things didn't start out that way, but this is exactly what has evolved over time. Likewise, we desire to help new members discover how they can help us continue to grow by helping them connect to their natural role, or what they're inspired to do in any given time frame. This may or may not be in direct alignment with their greater purpose and mission in life. If not, this provides an opportunity for growth. As our community continues to develop, it's needs change and so can each person's contribution to the whole.