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Work Exchange at Eco Community in Vermont

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Language Spoken
English
Exchange hours per day
6
Days off per Week
1
Accomodation Provided
Yes
Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Amenities
TV, Wifi, Washing machine, Oven, Fridge, Microwave oven, Garden, Kitchen
Types of Help & Learning Opportunities
Animal Care, Farm Help, Gardening & Planting, General Maintenance, Kitchen & Bar Help, Teaching, Spiritual Growth, Yoga Teaching or Learning

About The Metta Earth Community:

The Metta Earth Community, located at 334 Geary Road S. Lincoln, Vermont 05443, is a small, residential contemplative eco-community that is committed to cultivating creatively compassionate responses to ecological challenges. Founded as part of the Metta Earth Institute’s cultural renewal project, the community has been in the early stages of development since 2007, consistently comprised of 5-8 resident members living on the land and carrying out the first phase of community development work both on the farm and in the institute. Its size and capacity are designed to offer a close-knit environment for individuals passionate about living lightly and compassionately on the planet, integrating practices of organic farming, permaculture, alternative and appropriate energy technologies, and contemplative consciousness with the ecology of daily life, renewing a compassion for all life.

The community’s location in Lincoln, Vermont, provides a vibrant setting for its residents to engage in ecological sustainability practices while fostering a strong connection with the natural surroundings. It is situated on the Metta Earth Institute’s 158 acres of mixed woodlands, fields, and pastures, allowing for immersion in the beauty of the natural environment. The community is deeply committed to the principles of regenerative farming, aiming to provide a significant percentage of organically grown, nutrient-dense food for guest, team, and resident meals. Additionally, its dedication to wilderness awareness, conservation, and restoration reflects an aspiration to protect and honor the indigenous arts of herbal wisdom, sustainable wildcrafting, and traditional earth skills to strengthen its wilderness awareness. These efforts are underpinned by a vision to create a just, sustainable, and peaceful future guided by global documents such as the Earth Charter, and through collaborative inquiry with attunement as a forum for community process practices.

In summary, the Metta Earth Community, nestled in the serene landscape of Lincoln, Vermont, serves as a testament to collective voices of hope and passionate commitment to ecological sustainability. Over time, it has evolved to become an enclave of compassionate, ecologically sensitive individuals committed to living lightly and quietly on the earth, valuing principles of regenerative farming, wilderness awareness, artistic expression, and the interweaving of contemplative consciousness with daily life. The community’s size and focus on holistic, regenerative living practices foster a sense of interconnection and interdependence with all of life, exemplifying a dedication to cultivating resilience and compassion for the earth and its inhabitants.

About Work Exchange at Eco Community in Vermont:

The work exchange opportunity at the Metta Earth Institute offers individuals a chance to live simply and healthfully while participating in the practice and work of a contemplative retreat center. During the winter months (November 1 to March 31), volunteers engage in tending to the farm animals, caretaking the retreat center, and participating in various tasks such as feeding animals, mucking out stalls, preparing meals, and more. In the growing season (April 1 to October 31), volunteers work in the gardens, greenhouse, fields, and pastures, as well as hosting retreats and running programs. The energy of teaming and laughing sustains volunteers with joy and satisfaction. Benefits include a private living space, delicious organic local food, participation in contemplative practices, and the opportunity to learn about organic farming, permaculture, and sustainability. Volunteers can gain essential experiences in organic farming, food preservation, animal care, and community living, as well as opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion. The work exchange offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the earth, community, and beauty while gaining valuable skills and experiences.

– Responsibilities and Duties:
* Feeding and bringing water to the animals
* Mucking out stalls
* Hand-milking the cow and bottling the milk
* Collecting, washing, and packaging eggs
* Making bread, cheeses, and yogurt
* Preparing meals, indoor house painting, and cleaning
* Admin work and carpentry projects, as skill determines

– Projects and Activities:
* Gardening, soil preparation, planting, weeding, and harvesting
* Herbal tea gathering, drying, and mixing
* Moving animals in the daily pasture rotation and fences
* Cleaning the chicken wagons and making bread, cheeses, and yogurt
* Sewing or wool projects with organic, local fibers
* Administrative work and making local crafts

– Benefits:
* Private living space and organic local food
* Participation in contemplative practices and personal guidance
* Involvement in diverse farming and sustainability projects
* Opportunities to learn about renewable energy and green building
* Experiences in community living and access to a two-night hermitage experience in a yurt.