EcoVillage at Ithaca
Founded in 1991, EcoVillage at Ithaca (EVI) exists as an intentional community that houses approximately 220 people and cherishes environmental stewardship. (Walker) Since its founding, EVI has grown tremendously, and “is part of a global movement of people seeking to create positive solutions to the social, environmental and economic crises our planet faces” (Vigor). EVI has been successful in raising funds to begin their journey and working together to keep their dream alive and strong thus far; However, they must continue to create an environment of tolerance that balances individuality and unity, and integrate themselves into the surrounding community further in order to overcome various issues such governance, community, and communication to keep their village continuous and thriving. EVI, founded by Liz Walker and Joan Bokaer, manifested from The Global Walk for a Livable World which took place in 1990. Focusing on raising environmental awareness on a massive scale, the walk stretched from Los Angeles to New York and included approximately 150 people from six countries, including Liz and her family (her husband and two boys), and Ms. …show more content…
Unfortunately, some residents express that EVI faces issues with openness towards others who are different, and a lack of acceptance of individuals with differing personal desires, opinions, and ways of living. Another resident shares a similar experience, stating that “groups tend to reward loyalty, and expressing the same views as, or unquestioningly going along with, whatever, the group is doing,” while disagreement does not occur (Holleman, 48). The level of conformity that sets the foundation of EVI’s social structure unhealthily suppresses individuality, and may lead to future dissension and corruption as different ideas are either not spoken at all, or not heard with open
Founded in 1991, EcoVillage at Ithaca (EVI) exists as an intentional community that houses approximately 220 people and cherishes environmental stewardship. (Walker) Since its founding, EVI has grown tremendously, and “is part of a global movement of people seeking to create positive solutions to the social, environmental and economic crises our planet faces” (Vigor). EVI has been successful in raising funds to begin their journey and working together to keep their dream alive and strong thus far; However, they must continue to create an environment of tolerance that balances individuality and unity, and integrate themselves into the surrounding community further in order to overcome various issues such governance, community, and communication to keep their village continuous and thriving. EVI, founded by Liz Walker and Joan Bokaer, manifested from The Global Walk for a Livable World which took place in 1990. Focusing on raising environmental awareness on a massive scale, the walk stretched from Los Angeles to New York and included approximately 150 people from six countries, including Liz and her family (her husband and two boys), and Ms. …show more content…
Unfortunately, some residents express that EVI faces issues with openness towards others who are different, and a lack of acceptance of individuals with differing personal desires, opinions, and ways of living. Another resident shares a similar experience, stating that “groups tend to reward loyalty, and expressing the same views as, or unquestioningly going along with, whatever, the group is doing,” while disagreement does not occur (Holleman, 48). The level of conformity that sets the foundation of EVI’s social structure unhealthily suppresses individuality, and may lead to future dissension and corruption as different ideas are either not spoken at all, or not heard with open