The Village Trust
A Model for Community Living
The Village Trust is a conceptual model for a resilient and self-reliant future, combining the security of private ownership with the efficiency of shared resources. It is founded on the principles of homesteading, mutual support, and sustainable living.
3-10
Families
10-160
Acres
¼ Acre
Private Plot per Family
100%
Shared Resources
The Village Blueprint
Explore the physical layout of the village. Click on any building or area to learn more about its purpose and function within the community.
Select a Building
Click on an element in the village map to see its description here.
Life in the Village
Discover the social, economic, and seasonal rhythms that define the community, from governance and shared work to celebrations and traditions.
Governance & Economy
The Community Trust
The trust is the legal heart of the village, collectively owning all communal assets. This protects resources for the long-term, shields members from liability, and provides a clear structure for succession.
Private Members Association
The General Store operates as a PMA, a private entity serving only its members. This provides legal protection, operational freedom, and ensures the store's purpose remains aligned with the community's self-sufficiency goals.
Optional Mutual Credit System
An internal Community Bank can operate on a mutual credit system (using a ledger or silver coins) to facilitate exchange, provide zero-interest loans, and protect the village from external economic shocks.
Seasonal Rhythms
Planting & Growth
The busiest time of year, focused on planting, weeding, and initial harvests. Long days of shared labor are balanced with communal meals and outdoor recreation in the evenings.
Harvest & Preservation
A period of intense collective effort to bring in the bounty of the year. This culminates in a large harvest festival celebrating the community's hard work with feasts and music.
Rest & Craft
With the land asleep, work shifts indoors to construction, repair, and craft production. The slower pace allows for more leisure, skill-sharing, and holiday celebrations.
Community & Culture
Diverse Talents
A mix of skills enhances problem-solving and creativity. Regular meetings (weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly) ensure this collective intelligence is leveraged for planning and governance.
Support for All Ages
The intergenerational community provides a strong support system. Older members are valued as mentors, contributing their wisdom and experience, while receiving assistance and social inclusion.
The Parish & Guilds
Multiple villages can form a "Parish" to increase buying power, expand social activities, and share resources. A guild system can be developed to train specialized skills across the entire parish network.
Our Foundation
The model is built on core principles that ensure long-term sustainability, security, and resilience for all members.
Regenerative Farming
Practices like no-till farming, cover crops, and rotational grazing are used to build soil health and increase biodiversity, ensuring the land remains productive for generations.
Safety & Security
The village layout provides physical security, while the self-sufficient economic model offers protection from market volatility. A tight-knit social fabric ensures emotional support.
Adaptability
The model is flexible in scale, scope, and features. Optional components and a phased implementation allow each community to tailor the village to its specific needs and goals.