Governance Training

On a cold and windy Saturday morning in November, the Weaving Water community met for a community-wide governance training. We had Sarah and Mary, veterans of intentional community and experienced trainers, come to Durham to conduct our training. For many of us, this was the first time we were all together in the same room! We settled in for presentations and discussions on topics ranging from consensus to conflict resolution. Many of the lessons included activities, such as the “fit everyone on the life raft” game pictured below! During our lunch break, a Weaving Water member taught everyone how to juggle and, surprisingly, we all made great progress very quickly!

At the end of training on Saturday, we all gathered on the land for a bonfire and dinner, pictured above. While many of us had met in person in smaller groups over our time with Weaving Water, this was a major milestone, a profound moment for us to get a taste of what it would be like living in community together in the future. We built a bonfire and sat around eating and talking and socializing. A few folks shared games and performances and music.

We concluded training on Sunday, reconvening for a closing meeting about the future of Weaving Water and a review of our policies and agreements. When business was over, we ended the weekend together with a little dance party. Hearts were soaring and everyone was smiling. We also took a few moments to be vulnerable, to share our hopes and fears where community is concerned.

Sharing in these precious moments of joy and authenticity is what it’s all about!