COORDINATORS
La SOURCE is searching for COORDINATORS to steward, protect and nourish this project as it takes root. As a Coordinator, you become a foundational member of this project's community and help to ensure its sustainability and impact.
Coordinators live and work on property, with 1-year renewable contracts, and agree to organize and oversee efforts in one of 6 areas of coordination.
“A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and [people] cannot live without love.”
- Max Müller
La SOURCE is a micro-cosmic laboratory for love-studies, with the hope that on-campus explorations will reach far beyond.
COORDINATORS create and maintain the frame of the community, ensure harmonious functioning, facilitate a safe & open space of inquiry ... and in exchange (beyond the satisfaction of work aligned with shared values and vision), enjoy living year-round in an environment dedicated to love, and calling La SOURCE home.
WHAT WE OFFER
All coordinators have their own private rooms and continuous access to collective spaces - free of rent and utility bills.
(this includes ongoing and open access to: wellness area with sauna, jacuzzi, pool, and botanical fire bath; meditation dome, greenhouse, our future food-forest, and all other on-campus amenities.)
Coordinators may use the property for their own individual projects and businesses - in coordination with center activities.
(for example, the use of collective spaces to teach, the use of treatment rooms for private sessions, the use of the grounds for cultivation, the use of ateliers/tools for creative practice, etc.)
Coordinators' contributions are welcome in the yearly WORKBOOK/PLAYBOOK and their participation is invited in conferences and events - though not required.
(in other words, the network & resources of La SOURCE are available for sharing and circulating professional and/or creative offerings.)
At least 4 weeks of vacation & the possibility for an extended sabbatical when a substitute is proposed and accepted by the team.
Participation in the yearly Family & Friends Summer Festival, during which each coordinator may invite up to 4 people from their own circle to come and enjoy La SOURCE for a week during the summer.
We've included in the functioning budget an allocation for daily provisioning (ie - household supplies and basic foods are paid for by the project)
{LIVE
WHAT WE ASK
20 hours of work a week in the area of coordination.
(as well as tracking tasks, documenting, and providing updates; every coordinator will create and maintain a manual that provides guidance to volunteers, sabbatical substitutes, or future coordinators in order to ensure continuity. "duties" will shift between "Learning" & "Earning" seasons.)
Equitable participation in collective domestic chores to maintain a heathy & harmonious environment. (the usual stuff - cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishes, etc.; this will be organized/transparent, and evenly distributed with all people staying on campus. many hands make light work.)
Cooperation with volunteers, visitors, and residents in task-management within the area of coordination.
(this will include teaching others how to help you and coordinating team efforts)
Attendance and participation in weekly team meetings and monthly development meetings, if on campus.
A general attitude of generosity through contribution.
(We know that there will be unanticipated tasks that arise - this might mean giving a lift to the train station, repairing a bicycle, making an unscheduled grocery-run, etc. We ask that everyone on campus comes in the spirit of support and participation. No one should feel pressured, and limits of personal health and balance will be respected.)
A commitment to enjoying life together. (Fun is part of any harmonious community. Work hard. Play hard. Live fully. - Music, fire circles, pizza parties, game nights, forest dances ... we're not only here to serve, we're here to celebrate being alive.)
WORK}
Please note that though Coordinators have 1-year renewable contracts, our wish and hope is to find a 'family' of stewards for this project - in other words, to find people who want to stay long-term.
You can learn more about the details and practicalities of living and working together here in the {Questions & Answers} section.
the Exterior:
Garden & Grounds
Coordinating Care for:
the forest, the walking paths, the garden, the grass and fields, the compost, the animals (goats, geese & chicken), the fencing and walls, the firewood stockage, the rain water collection & phyto-purification system
Helpful to have:
experience with...
knowledge of...
passion for...
(or at least) interest in...
eco-sustainable gardening, forestry and land-care; permaculture; food forestry; composting & humanure; homesteading, basics of animal care
the Interior:
Space & Supplies
Coordinating Care for:
space scheduling; the cleanliness and harmony of shared interior spaces; inventory & provisioning of household supplies and food; catering team management; general domestic needs
Helpful to have:
experience with...
knowledge of...
passion for...
(or at least) interest in...
ecological, natural & DIY cleaning products; interior design & aesthetics; vegetarian cooking; local/seasonal/bio food culture and cuisine;
task-delegation & team work
Development:
Building & Repairs
Coordinating Care for:
the solidity & functioning of existing buildings (including plumbing & electricity), leading the construction efforts on building development, maintenance of wellness area; reuse/recycle area & waste management
Helpful to have:
experience with...
knowledge of...
passion for...
(or at least) interest in...
plumbing and electricity, basic construction and repair, earth-building, passive solar and energy collection, rain water harvesting and grey water systems; team management
Documentation:
Admin & Archive
Coordinating Care for:
basic day-to-day budgeting and accounting,
meeting notes, video/photo documentation of center activities, contributing to social media networks, daily communications, overseeing contact with external affiliates or collaborators
Helpful to have:
experience with...
knowledge of...
passion for...
(or at least) interest in...
basic accounting, fluency in French, nonprofit administration, social media,
photography, videography, editing; documentation & interviewing
available positions
Direction:
Vision & Program
Coordinating Care for:
activity programming, residency and retreat scheduling, event planning, visitor care, management of fundraising and lucrative activities, sustainable development; adherence to project values & goals
This position has been filled by La SOURCE founder,
Elise Goldstein
Cooperation:
Tasks & Team
Coordinating Care for:
NVC training/ implementation and all other forms of conflict resolution; volunteer orientation and organization; task management; local relations, community building & integration.
This position has been filled by Remi Confida
filled positions
Below you will find extensive clarification on many practicalities and specifics regarding the expectations and functioning of the project, in regards to the Coordinator positions. Please review all questions in all 4 categories carefully, and reach out to us with any further questions.
{Questions & Answers}
Work, Finances & Contract
Am I compensated for the work that I do at La Source? How? Is there a work contract?
There is no financial compensation for working and living at La Source. You live free of charge on campus in your own room and donate (as a contracted volunteer) 20 hours a week in your area of coordination. There is a 1-year renewable contract.
Is there a food budget?
There is a basic food and provisioning budget provided by La Source.
Do I have to work specific hours or schedule?
Coordinators are expected to work 20 hours a week in their area of coordination.
What is the duration of my commitment to La Source?
All coordinators have 1-year renewable contracts.
Is it possible to be "evicted" or "fired"?
What if after a short period I realize that it’s not a good fit for me? What do I do? What happens?
If you are not feeling comfortable in your coordination position or in shared/collective daily life - we understand. No worries. We require you to give 3 months notice, and to assist with finding and training a replacement.
Does it cost anything to join? Do I own any part of the project? Do I take anything with me if I go?
La Source is unlike most collective/communal/co-habitation or intentional communities. It is a live/work community based around a shared purpose and public project - in other words, we live on campus specifically to support the functioning of the project and its values.
Is there a test or trial period?
In preparation of our first season and opening - we will use the summer of 2021 as a general transition period. The research center will open its first semester of research residencies and events in September of 2021 - so the summer will give us the opportunity to work together to develop and prepare the property and the team, time to get to know one another, bond and create cohesion.
Do we have vacation time? What if we want to take time off?
We will have 4 weeks of vacation scheduled into the yearly calendar - generally in alignment with the school calendar: 2 weeks Winter/Holiday break & 2 weeks Spring break.
Is there a way to earn money through the project?
We ask for 20 hours/week of volunteer time from Coordinators so that everyone living permanently on property can reserve 15+ hours a week for their own independent and lucrative activities.
I see that the project calendar is divided into "Learning Season" and "Earning Season" - what are the lucrative aspects of the project and what happens to the money?
During the summer season (May 15 - September 15), the rooms reserved during the year for researchers, creators and seekers, will be rented to tourists.
Is the project's functioning budget transparent and public?
Yes.
Decisions & Governance
How will we handle conflict or disagreement as a team? Is there a strategy for conflict resolution?
All coordinators will be required to do basic training in Nonviolent Communication and Ho'oponopono. We are convinced that these tools will greatly assist in sustaining harmony both between all coordinators, but also with conflict that may arise with researchers, seekers, volunteers and even visitors.
What is the decision making model in this project?
Part of the reason for having areas of coordination is to make clear the "jurisidiction of responsibility" for each team member. We function with the general belief that the more clarity and transparency we have, the greater ease we share working and living together.
How often do we meet as a group?
- 2x/week - Talking Circle (optional and open community meeting)
-
1x/week - Coordinator Team Meeting (day-to-day functioning and task allocation; required for on-campus Coordinators) -
1x/week - Community Confluence (optional but strongly encouraged for everyone staying on campus for more than 7 days; everyone is encouraged to take a brief moment to update the community on their research process/progress; also a time to make announcements and requests) -
1x/month - Coordinator Monthly Meeting (updates on areas of coordination, including needs and wishes for the coming month; required for on-campus Coordinators) -
1x/year - Yearly Governance & Development Meeting (optional, but open to the entire community network to review the year, discuss the year to come, and give input on major project decisions; for all members of the association, including present and former coordinators, researchers, seekers, volunteers, visitors and major donors)
Is there a shared system of belief?
No.
Community Living
Can my partner come and live with me? Can I bring my children?
Presently, we only have enough space for permanent residents to welcome Coordinators. We hope with future development that this can evolve. This means that your partner is welcome if they also would like to apply for a coordinator position. Or if you are willing to share one room and they wish to propose a not-yet-existent coordinator role.
Can I be a Coordinator without living on the property?
Yes. Absolutely. If this project 'sings to you' but you're not sure about a collective lifestyle, just let us know and we'll talk through alternatives together.
Can I invite partners, family or friends to visit me? How long can they stay?
Partners, friends and family can also stay in your own room. Additionally, we have one room permanently reserved for the guests of Coordinators, with a shared schedule. Together as a group we will decide on the guidelines for the scheduling and duration of stay.
FOOD, meal and cooking guidelines:
Cohabitation always includes discussion around the most basic of shared needs: nourishment.
How are daily chores or domestic tasks allocated and managed?
We will have a rotation chore-board with a list of all that needs to be done. The rotation will take place during the weekly coordinator meetings. How or when you complete these chores will be largely up to you. We're not interested in 'policing' one another or creating an environment of pressure. Everyone will fulfill these chores differently, as we all have different levels of vigilance around domestic tasks. It will be up to each member of the group to express their wishes, needs and limits. The point is to be as transparent as possible about all expectations and responsibilities, as well as all challenges or obstacles, so that we can find solutions together as a group and avoid possible conflicts or resentment.
Are there any general policies about drugs, alcohol and smoking?
There will be two designated areas for smoking, both outside. Because we are attempting to live in harmony with the natural world as much as possible, we will have a no-tolerance policy regarding the littering of cigarette butts or smoking outside of these areas.
Are there any policies on eco-sustainability, energy consumption or waste-management?
We will consume as little as possible, reuse as much as possible, recycle as much as possible and compost everything that is possible.
Is the property open to the general public?
No. For liability reasons, and also to ensure harmony of those living permanent or temporarily at La Source - all visitors and guests will be required to become members of the association (except the private guests of Coordinators, and the tourists arriving during "Earning Season").
What are the guidelines of the freedom of expression and creation on property? Which kinds of creative interventions are allowed and who decides?
Expression should not create panic, danger, threat, or disruption (whether visual, verbal, or auditive).
What about animals? Are there animals on campus? Can I bring my dog, cat or donkey?
Potentially - within specific guidelines.
What is the Family & Friends Summer Festival?
Each summer, for one week, all Coordinators are encouraged to invite up to 4 people they love to come and stay for a week all together free of charge (with the exception of a collective food budget).
Applicant Profile & Applying
Do I need to have experience or expertise of some kind?
Coordinators do not need to be experts in their area of coordination when they arrive. We can learn and grow together, as a group.
Are you searching for a specific “kind of person” outside of the readiness to engage in specific tasks?
No, not exactly.
How do I know if I am the right person for this project?
Talk to us. Think about why you feel drawn to the project and what you wish to contribute, then write us a line and we'll organize a call. Simple as that. We're all people, after all.
What's the timeline? When do I need to be ready to come? When will I know if I’m selected?
We will start reviewing applications for coordinators on February 1, and continue on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
Is there an interview process?
Yes.
Will I get to meet the other participants before deciding if I'll join?
Yes. The first interview is with the Director, alone; however the second interview for each applicant will be conducted by all team members (coordinators) able to attend, after which accepted applicants will be given the direct contact information of present coordinators and encouraged to connect directly.
Do I need to speak both French and English?
No.
Do you welcome differently-abled people? As coordinators? As researchers, creators, seekers and volunteers?
For the coordinator positions: as long as people are able to complete their responsibilities within their area of coordination and to contribute equally within the group (in alignment with their abilities), all are welcome to be considered for the position. Please note that coordinator bedrooms are not wheelchair accessible.
How long can I stay and work if I am a non-EU resident? Do you assist with residency/visa procedures?
We are happy to provide support documentation of your position at La Source, and confirmation of your address of residency.
VOLUNTEERS
La SOURCE is searching for VOLUNTEERS to help with the development and care of the property. Volunteers live and work on property, for between 1 - 4 weeks during summer months (with possibility of extension) between May 15 - September 15, and agree to provide assistance in one of 6 areas of coordination.
Beyond being a wonderful way to participate in the project, it's also a chance to visit the area, swim in the ocean, hike Les Monts d'Arrée, and 'play the tourist' without paying for lodging during vacation season.
Exceptionally, Build-Up Volunteers are also welcome and will be especially important in the Spring of 2021, from February 15 - May 15, as the initial team to assist with preparing the property for the project. This is a chance to be part of the beginning and to fill the place with love before it opens for activity.
So if you're hungry for nature and connection in order to heal from the stress and isolation of the last year, please join us.
WHAT WE OFFER
All volunteers are provided with lodging, access to our collective kitchen & pantry, and to collective spaces - free of charge.
(this includes ongoing and open access to: our wellness area with sauna, jacuzzi, pool, and botanical fire bath; our library, screening room, meditation dome, greenhouse, our future food-forest, and all other on-campus amenities.)
Volunteers may also participate in project offerings, such as guided meditation, foraging walks, tai chi & movement classes, community circles, etc. (all free of charge.)
Volunteers are invited to stay for a duration of between 1 - 4 weeks (with possibility of extension on a case-by-case basis).
{STAY
WHAT WE ASK
5 hours of work a day, 5 days a week.
(trained and guided by our team of Coordinators. this balance of exchange is based on the WorkAway and WOOFing models.)
Equitable participation in collective domestic chores to maintain a heathy & harmonious environment. (the usual stuff - cooking, cleaning, laundry, dishes, etc.)
A general attitude of generosity through contribution.
(We ask that everyone on campus comes in the spirit of support and participation. No one should feel pressured, and limits of personal health and balance will be respected.)
SERVE}
INTERNS
La SOURCE is open to welcoming one intern per research semester to stay and assist with the project functioning in coordination with their academic studies. This could be relevant for high-level students (bachelor or master) studying arts administration, critical theory, eco-sustainability, creativity studies, community organizing, and a variety of other fields.
We are happy to work with the program requirements of your university to provide official documentation and work evaluation.
Please note that interns are expected to arrive 2 weeks prior to the start date of the semester in order to transition peacefully, meet the team, and to be oriented in the project structure and job responsibilities. That implies a stay of a 3 months (the maximum allowable under a tourist visa).
Please contact us at to express interest and learn more.