Maine Local Living School

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The Understory Policies and Expectations

 

Our goal in laying out the below expectations and policies is the creation of a space that is optimally conducive to growth.  We want each member of the learning community to feel safe, respected, included, engaged, and alive.

 

By agreeing to participate in The Understory you are agreeing to create and maintain:

• An inclusive learning environment that is free from discrimination or favoritism, and verbal or physical harassment of any shape or form. 

• A supportive space for taking physical and intellectual risks rooted in real life challenges.

• A clean and high functioning campus homestead.

• A substance free space for learning; no alcohol or recreational drug use is permitted on campus.

 

We ask that each participant shows up with the intention of “always becoming” your best self.  We understand this is a process, not an end goal.  The process asks that you:

• Engage with daily group practices that create space for honest sharing, and feedback to and from peers and facilitators.

• Contribute to the creation of and collective accountability to group agreements.

• Show up on time for all group activities including chores, meetings, hikes, etc.

• Refrain from language or actions that may be hurtful or judgemental of others, present or not present.

• Communicate with the group or seek help individually from a facilitator if you are having trouble taking care of yourself emotionally or physically.

• Dial in by unplugging. Our program and location provide you with a rare opportunity to be fully present. Though we are not anti-technology, we are for being mindful and intentional about how we spend our time. Our campus completely lacks cell phone reception.  For more on the use of technology, see our FAQ.

• Adopt a Beginner’s Mind. This means leaving your preconceived notions behind. It means viewing people, readings and other resources, and situations you may encounter with fresh eyes and a willingness to learn in unexpected ways.

• Refrain 100% from using alcohol and recreational drugs while on campus.  The work of developing healthy relationships with the earth and our human community in this program requires our full presence and consciousness, in a way that is incompatible with the use of mind-altering substances.

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Read the program "Essential Eligibility Criteria" here.

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