Report and Minutes of the FIRST...
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Report and Minutes of the FIRST ANNUAL Held at Dairyville, NSW 18 December 2011 to 22 December 2011
Transcript of Report and Minutes of the FIRST...
Report and Minutes
of the
FIRST ANNUAL
Held at Dairyville, NSW
18 December 2011 to 22 December 2011
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Contents
List of people in attendance…………………………………………………………….……
Meeting Objectives………………………………………..…………………………….……
Meeting Summary………………………………………………………...……………..……
Minutes of the Meeting………………………………........……………………………..……
1. Business and Administration……………………………………………..…..
1.1: Australian Business Number (ABN) ………………………………
1.2: Bank Account………………………………………………………..
1.3: Membership………………………………………………………….
1.4: Name………………………………………………………………….
1.5: Website………………………………………………………………
1.6: Membership continued………………………………………………
1.7: Team Allocations…………………………………………………….
1.8: Funding……………………………………………………………….
1.9: Member Guidelines………………………………………………….
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1.10: Fundraising…………………………………………………………
1.11: Communal Legalities (Cath McKimm) ………………………….
2. Community and Sustainability………………………………………………….
2.1: Criteria for Property Location and Resources……………………..
2.2: Decision-Making……………………………………………………..
2.3: Non-Violent Communication………………………………………..
2.4: Social Psychology (Jeremy Bowden)………………………………
2.5: Permaculture Medicinal Herb Garden………………………………
2.6: Architecture and Infrastructure………………………………………
2.7: Community and Communal Living…………………………………
2.8: Events…………………………………………………………………
3. Education…………………………………………………………………………
3.1: General Discussion………………………………………………….
3.2: Positive Psychology (Jeremy Bowden and Lilly Moody) ………..
3.3: Multiple Intelligences (Michael Morgan) …………………………..
3.4: Mind Map (Mojca Dezman)……………………………………… …
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3.5: Metaphysics and Elemental Model of Community
(Sean Nesbitt and Rose Moody)………………………………….…….
Annex 1: Elemental Model of Community……….………………………………………..
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List of people in attendance:
Lilly Moody
Jeremy Bowden
Rose Moody
Sean Nesbitt
Tony Hayes
Ama Cedar
Lucas Bowden
Alastair Llewelyn-Smith
Lucien Jankelson
Dylan Tonkin
Olivia Levy
Mojca Aniya Dezman
Richard Klein
Jared Glaser
Michael Morgan
Nikki Phillips
Scott McCormack
Josey Chan
James Shearer
Camilla Byrd
Meeting Objectives:
Business plan
Member guidelines & agreement
Website and name finalised
Mission Statement finalised
Brief Vision Statement
Flyer/Business cards
Group Bank Account
Financial Plan
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15 year structural plan
Curriculum Outline/Writing
Team Allocations
o Website and Marketing
o Property Hunting
o Documentation
o Accounting and Finance
o Business and Law
o Fundraising
o Research
o Networking
o Sustainability
o Resource Management and
Acquisition
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Summary
The First Annual Meeting of Minds was held at Dairyville, NSW from 18 December 2011 to 22
December 2011. Attendees convened to discuss initial stages and planning of the project (currently)
tentatively named Elemental Education. The goal of this group, as outlined in the meeting, is to
establish and develop a practical model of holistic, sustainable community which will serve as the
foundation for an innovative education centre. The aim of the meeting was to explicate the structural
underpinnings of the project, including business and administration practicalities, and elucidate the
ideals, philosophies and theories upon which the organisation will be founded. The group also
discussed and planned out further steps of action for the development of the organisation.
Approximately twenty-five people attended the meeting - representing a broad range of skill sets,
knowledge and experience - and participated in open discussion, brainstorming and creative activities.
The meeting spanned three full days which were each allocated an area for discussion. The main
points raised on each of these days were as follows:
Day I: Business and Administration
ABN, business structure and bank account details were discussed and preliminary objectives
were agreed upon (see 1.1 and 1.2)
Membership was discussed, including fees, guidelines and possible internal core structure (see
1.3, 1.6 and 1.9)
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Potential names were discussed, and Elemental Education was agreed to be the organisation
name for now (see 1.4)
Website basics were established and a website team formed (see 1.5)
Teams were allocated in specific areas according to attendees‟ interests, skills and preferences
(see 1.7)
Funding was discussed in regards to membership and financial planning (see 1.8)
Fundraising ideas were brainstormed, some options were decided and elaborated upon (see
1.10)
Cath McKimm, a retired solicitor from Coffs Harbour, joined the meeting for a Skype Talk on
business structure and the legalities of communal land ownership (see 1.11)
Day 2: Community and Sustainability
Attendees brainstormed and agreed on a set criteria list for the selection of land which would
meet the project requirements and needs of the members (see 2.1)
Decision-making processes were discussed and a model for decision making within the group
was outlined (see 2.2)
Non-Violent Communication methods were explained and some agreements were outlined
(see 2.3)
Jeremy presented on Social Psychology and its implications for group work and co-operation
(see 2.4)
Ideas for a permaculture herb garden and architecture and infrastructure were briefly discussed
(see 2.5 an d 2.6)
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Future potential for hosting a range of events - across arts, music, lifestyle, education and
learning – was discussed and suggestions raised (see 2.8)
Day 3: Education
Attendees discussed educational ideals and ideas, including the role of technology, classroom
dynamics and structure (see 3.1)
Jeremy outlined a psychobiological principle that impacts learning and well-being. Lilly
continued to suggest ways that positive psychology can be incorporated into an education
environment to promote well-being (see 3.2)
Michael explained Gardner‟s theory of Multiple Intelligences and how it applies to an education
environment as well as its potential to enlighten internal group dynamics (see 3.3)
Mojca presented a Mind Map of the project as a whole, to be expanded upon as we progress
(see 3.4)
Rose and Sean presented their ideas on our metaphysical reality and outlined the esoteric,
philosophical and elemental foundations that underlie our project (see 3.5 and annex 1)
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Minutes of the Inaugural Gathering of “Meeting of the Minds”
1. Business and Administration
Day 1 (19 December 2011)
Meeting called to order at 11am by Jeremy Bowden. Meeting objectives were established and
explained; objectives for the 2 days elaborated upon.
This will be a not-for-profit organisation.
Attendees introduced themselves and described their areas of interest and capacity to contribute.
1.1: ABN -
“CyberTrybe” (Jeremy)
Overview of not-for-profit operation
Opportunity for subdivision for profit to be as subgroups (e.g. trading co-op)
Lilly proposed an incorporated association. Umbrella Group. (unanimous)
Tony suggested a Trust for the land ownership. Market to investors. (Jeremy). (unanimous
later contested by Cath)
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1.2: Bank Account -
Lilly proposed an initial private bank account, which could later be transferred into the name of
the organisation when funds deem it necessary. To be evolved further as necessary.
Volunteers to be acting accountant Jeremy, Ama, Lilly. (unanimous)
Agreed that the initial bank account would be opened under Lilly‟s name at a Credit Union.
1.3: Membership -
Jeremy proposed that everyone interested put in money on a regular basis as membership
basis which becomes shares as investment/or time contribution equivalent. Also translates to
internal trade exchange. Initial $200 + monthly instalments.
Tony clarified the details of membership rights etc. under Incorporated Association (Ama).
(unanimous)
Tony proposed private loans to provide start up capital which can be refunded later.
1.4: Name -
„Elemental Education‟ proposed at an earlier stage.
Brainstorming sessions were held and a number of different names proposed, but attendees
agreed before the end of the meeting to operate under Elemental Education for the time being.
1.5: Website -
Basic design theme by Dylan
Tony proposed WordPress as system as it is good for marketing, versatile and an inexpensive
resource centre.
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Tony to manage overview.
Lilly suggested home page to be clear and simple; clear, professional, important key to
promotion. 2nd Dylan.
Social media important (unanimous)
Potential for YouTube video as promotion
Team: - Tony; Dylan; Rose; Sean.
Content Management: Jeremy
1.6: Membership Continued -
12 people as core group Board of Directors.
Ama; Tony; Jeremy; Lilly; Dylan; Olivia; Ricky; Jared; Lucien; Sean; Scotty; Mojca – committed
group volunteers present at meeting.
This would later be explained by the Elemental Model of Community proposed by Sean Nesbitt
and Rose Moody.
1.7: Team Allocations -
Teams were formed to focus on specific areas of development or to fill certain roles/jobs.
1. Property Alastair; Ama; Shearer; Property
2. Website Tony; Dyl; Rose; Lucien
3. Documentation Ama; Jeremy; Tony.
4. Accounting and Finance Lilly
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5. Business and Law Mojca; Jeremy; Lilly;
6. Fundraising Jeremy; Ricky; Jabba
7. Research Olivia; Lilly
8. Curriculum writing Mojca; Lilly; Ricky; Olivia; Michael Morgan
9. Networking Jabba; Scotty; Michael
10. Sustainability Ama; Olivia; Lucas; Lucien; Shearer; Camilla
11. Resource Management and Acquisition Everyone
1.8: Funding -
$200 start up fee x 20 = $4000
$100 per month x 20 x 12 = $24,000
This becomes individual stake in the project over 1 year minimum
Tony suggests this should be targeted towards:
1. Marketing to investors
2. Property & Permaculture
1.9: Member Guidelines -
Attendees discussed shared values and proposed a document of understanding between members
committed to the project. These were open for review. Suggested as similar to a Memorandum of
Understanding. The following points were raised and then elaborated on:
Strive to maintain a completely chemical free agricultural and construction process.
Recognise the interconnectedness of community and environment
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Be capable of self-reflection and analysis in order to maintain both individual clarity and group
cohesion.
Recognition of a higher purpose that transcends individual differences.
Respect for the individuality of each persons spiritual and educational journey
Alignment with project mission
Honesty, integrity and temperance
Non-violent conflict resolution guidelines will be encouraged
Recognition of individual differences in background and perspective
Capacity to treat all others, children and elders alike, as equals and interact with them as
such
To sign agreement for residential members
1.10: Fundraising -
E.g. Kickstarter – funding platform online for art, etc.
Grants
Need mission statement finalised and business plan.
Art exhibition/New Moon Blues fundraiser opportunities
Arts grants
Presentations at Confest/Woodford etc.
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1.11: Communal Legalities -
The group convened for a Skype talk with Cath McKimm, a retired solicitor from Coffs Harbour, who is
currently in Istanbul. Cath has experience in communal legalities. The purpose of the talk was to
discuss the possibilities of land ownership and business structure.
Cath recommended Community Title for land ownership
Tony suggested a land Trust Fund would isolate the land from the business and protect land
funding and ownership.
Cath advised caution with trust fund. Michael agreed this to be the case from his experience.
Cath recommended talking to a good lawyer who has experience in different kinds of
communal land ownership structures. Emphasised a good and concise contract agreement.
Recommended operating under an Incorporated Association for now and potentially later
transferring to a different structure. Cath explained from her experience with clients that Co-
operatives had not been very successful, but may have potential. Stace later said that
Wytalibah operates as a Rural Co-operative which so far has been effective and has some
benefits.
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2. Community and Sustainability
Day 2 (20 December 2011)
2.1: Criteria for Property Location and Resources -
Members brainstormed and agreed on a set criteria list for the selection of land which would meet the
project requirements and needs of the members. The following points were raised:
Minimum 100 acres
Ideally located in the NSW Mid-North Coast region between Port Macquarie and Byron Bay,
but agreed to extend search to include locations between Brisbane and the South Coast of
NSW
Situated in an area with a strong sense of community, communal support and values which
align with the values of the project and group.
Situated within easy travelling distance from a central town/city hub
Easy road access
Areas which will not be affected by future development, e.g. Fracking, Mining etc.
Northern Facing Hillsides
Permanent creeks/water source
Pre-existing structures, e.g. dams, fences, sheds etc.
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Good amount of clear, flat land that is not prone to floods
Good amount of forests, and old growth timber for building
Pre-existing power lines
Research into prior history (development, industry etc.)
2.2: Decision-Making -
Members agreed on the following process for decision making:
Allow decent reflection time for complex decisions
All voting and decision making processes must be completely transparent
Aim for unanimous vote, but if not possible, resort to an 85% majority vote and allow extra time
for 15% members to be talked around to decision
If voting process meets challenges, resort to a Board of Directors (constituted of 12 members
who are decided on a Democratic Meritocracy basis) who will have the final say in order to
avoid stagnant decisions.
Financial and Human Impact Ratio must be made available
Decisions for which person will fill a particular role will be based on a Democractic Meritocracy,
i.e. the role will only be available to the persons whom are best equipped and experienced for
the job. If in the event that there is debate as to who this person may be, members will resort to
a group democratic vote.
Once decision has been agreed upon, there must be a standardised trial period which is
reviewed by all members when complete
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2.3: Non-Violent Communication -
Members discussed the need to develop a system of communication between members which would
avoid the pitfalls of personal biases and individual grudges and focus on the overall progress and
betterment of the group and project.
Agreements:
Never take anything personally
Don‟t make assumptions
Always do your best
Be impeccable with your word
Honour Your Agreements
Some things to remember (from http://www.cnvc.org/Training/10-steps-peace, Centre for Non-Violent
Communication, ‟10 Steps to Peace‟):
Spend some time each day quietly reflecting on how we would like to relate to ourselves and
others.
Remember that all human beings have the same needs.
Check our intention to see if we are as interested in others getting their needs met as our own.
When asking someone to do something, check first to see if we are making a request or a
demand.
Instead of saying what we DON'T want someone to do, say what we DO want the person to do.
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Instead of saying what we want someone to BE, say what action we'd like the person to take
that we hope will help the person be that way.
Before agreeing or disagreeing with anyone's opinions, try to tune in to what the person is
feeling and needing.
Instead of saying "No," say what need of ours prevents us from saying "Yes."
If we are feeling upset, think about what need of ours is not being met, and what we could do to
meet it, instead of thinking about what's wrong with others or ourselves.
Instead of praising someone who did something we like, express our gratitude by telling the
person what need of ours that action met.
2.4: Social Psychology -
Jeremy presented on Social Psychology and its implications for group work and co-operation. The
areas covered included:
Fundamental attribution error (self-serving bias) – attribute other people‟s actions to their
character and our own actions to our environment. Explains why people often blame other
people for things over which they have no control.
The bystander effect – the tendency to stand by and be passive when there are large amounts
of people present (even when others are at risk).
Social Loafing – tendency to put forth less effort when in a group.
Group Processes – groups of 3-5 are stronger than groups of 1 & 2 or 6+
Group discussed ways to avoid these social psychological phenomena and agreed upon the following:
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Smaller groups (3 or 4)
Designation of tasks and deadlines
Focusing on the sentiment of serving a higher purpose rather than individual interests
Communication and sensitivity to communication
2.5: Permaculture Medicinal Herb Garden -
Lucien discussed with the group his hopes of developing a Chinese Herb Permaculture Garden within
the Health sector of the project. This proposal was met with enthusiasm.
Suggestions from the group included:
Extend beyond just Chinese herbs – researching into Aboriginal localities and healing herbs
Market for Chinese and other medicinal herbs as a means of producing income in larger crops
Creating a full ecosystem to support the Herb Garden
2.6: Architecture and Infrastructure -
Briefing discussed. The group agreed on:
The need for early construction of sleeping accommodation (potentially in dormitories, tipi style
accommodation or humpies) for initial workers, WWOOFers, HelpXers etc. that come to work
on the site in early stages
Early infrastructure must be mobile, deconstructable and/or recyclable
Shweebs (Google-funded transport devices)
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2.7: Community and Communal Living -
Rural Co-operatives: Stace suggested that Wytalibah operates successfully under a Rural Co-operative.
Pros for running a Rural Co-operative include:
Funding and grants from government sectors
Protection against floods and droughts
Condition that food must be grown on the property
2.8: Events -
Once established, the group discussed the possibility of launching and hosting events from the site. A
number of members involved in the group are already involved or interested in running such events.
Suggestions raised were:
Genesis Gathering. Once land has been purchased, the site could host a working-bee genesis
event with the intention of attracting WWOOFers, HelpXers etc. and other willing workers in
order to kick start initial building, infrastructure and development of land.
Events held on site would need to avoid stereotyping of festivals. Suggestions were:
Charity based events
Education focused
Healing events
Music curfews
Wholesome festivals – meditations, building, communal eating, music and
dancing
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Regional arts events – grants and funding to create and build infrastructure
Multiple sites – separating the agricultural & resource and festival site from the education and
healing site.
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3. Education
Day 3 (21 December 2011)
3.1: General Discussion –
Education ideals and ideas were discussed broadly. The following points were raised:
Creativity in all areas
Emphasis on collaboration
Flexible grading system (3 or 4 year age groups)
Student-led learning
Meditation and yoga integration for focus and academic performance as well as self awareness
Teacher as facilitator rather than stern authority figure
Children‟s courses contributing to the progress of the community
Sound healing
Smaller classes of cohorts
Teacher spends up to four years with one group to enhance intimacy and comfort in the
learning environment
Transparency across all areas
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Online resource database – enables students to independently progress through course
content at their own speed
Technology at varying degrees depending on subject area and student preferences
Human-centred technology
Teachers and administrators must practice what they preach
No need for homework if students are actively learning and applying knowledge
Monitor outcome rather than need to restrict teaching methods
NB: The subject of the role that technology should play in the class room was a heated debate, with
many members feeling passionate about either the necessity for technology or the detriments that
come with technology. This is a topic which may be broached at a later date when the need to make a
decision is necessary.
3.2: Positive Psychology -
Jeremy presented on Jerrison‟s Principle of Proper Mass which elucidates that the brain is a muscle
and exercising certain pathways in the mind strengthens those qualities, characteristics or abilities.
Lilly proceeded to briefly outline Positive Psychology and its potential to be integrated across all
aspects of the educational sector, into internal group dynamics and the personal lives of members.
In the classroom the aspects of well-being (as outlined in Martin Seligman‟s „Flourish‟) could be
nurtured through:
Encouraging students to exercise positive emotion and thought in all areas
(through meditation and Positive Psychology exercises)
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Engagement through stimulating subject matter and through encouraging
children find their „element‟ (the place where passion and talent coincide – Ken
Robinson)
Emphasis on deeper meaning and patterns, interpreting experiences in the
greater scheme of their own lives and the life of the world and universe
Accomplishment through varied assessment methods
Educating students on the importance of healthy and positive relationships and
the ethical and energetic aspects of relationships
3.3: Multiple Intelligences -
Michael presented on the concept of Multiple Intelligences (Gardner).
Logical-Mathematical
Spatial
Linguistic
Bodily Kinaesthetic
Musical
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalistic
Existentialist
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He suggested that an all-bases approach to curriculum writing would be to integrate the Key Learning
Areas into Multiple Intelligences subject areas.
Michael also suggested that the members of the group should each take a MI quiz in order to better
understand each other‟s processes and thereby work better together as a group.
3.4: Mind Map -
Mojca presented a mind map which essentially summarised our entire project scope.
For more information and diagrams, see presentation. Mind Map to be published as an online resource
on the website.
3.5: Metaphysics and Elemental Model of Community -
Sean and Rose outlined the esoteric, philosophical and elemental foundations which underlie our
project.
For more information and diagrams, see annex 1 and video presentation.
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Annex 1
Elemental Model of Education
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