Principles

On this page you will find:

1. Ecoptopia Principles
2. Code of conduct for NGO's participating or present at Ecotopia

Ecotopia Principles

Ecotopia is not just a 'holliday camp' or a non-formal educational event, but something extraordinary created when people from all over Western, Central and Eastern Europe try form their own ideal community for two weeks. Ecotopia is self-organised and run out horizontally. During the camp all decissions are taken by the participants at the morning circles, and everybody is responsible for creating the programme, solving problems and running out the daily tasks.

Camp Life and Decision Making at Ecotopia

Day-to-day policy at Ecotopia is made by consensus at the daily morning circle. This is when the day's activities such as workshops, actions, recreational activities and important housekeeping information are announced. People volunteer to help out with various chores, e.g. collecting firewood, heating water for showers, cooking, cleaning, etc. There are no hierarchies in Ecotopia, all Ecotopians have equal rights. Women and men, kids and adults, local people and those from other countries, all have the same privileges and responsibilities on the camp life. Equality means that all people coming to the camp are asked to take part in the everyday tasks and in the decision-making. Where possible, Ecotopians participate in regional actions and clean ups, try to get local people interested in ecological problems and empower local organisations.

What is Consensus

If we work by consensus, it means that we try to all move forward together rather than going with what a majority want, so we don't vote - we just keep talking to reach a solution for everyone ! Consensus works better when everyone wants it to work, so it's very important to be constructive. Meetings which work by consensus do not have a chair but do usually have a facilitator. This is someone who -with consent of the group- helps structuring the meeting. The facilitator's main tasks are to make sure evryone speaks in turn and to make the group aware of the time limits trying to keep to them.

The facilitator should also keep an eye on the structure of the meeting and so is more likely to introduce different techniques or to summarise the current state of the discussion, although anyone can do this. Apart from the facilitator, other specific roles will be the note taker (who should take note of the decissions reached), and a vibes watcher (sometimes it is important to watch out for people getting upset/tired/stressed or who are unhappy with the decission but don't feel able to say why). It is better if the facilitator and vibes watcher are not part of the meeting themselves (if possible).

Structure of a Consensus Meeting

The meeting starts with the facilitator, time keeper, note taker and vibes watcher being appointed, followed by the agenda and time limits being agreed by the meeting. The facilitator will also make any necessary practical announcements at this stage. The topics on the agenda are then discussed. Each discussion continues until everyone agrees -if someone blocks a decission then the discussion must re-start on the basis of those objections. Everyone has the right to block a decission they really can't live with, although this is rare. People also have the option to stand aside ("I'm not doing it but I won't stop you"), but in most cases true consensus can be reached.

How to make it Work

The two golden rules are to be constructive (it's not valid just to disagree or block, explain your reasons, offer your alternatives or commitments) and to wait until it's your turn to speak. Other things that may help are:

• Listen Make sure you understand what is being discussed, especially if you need a translation. Try to get all information about a point before you support or criticize it.
• Explain Make sure people understand your position and your proposals, especially if you are being translated.
• Be as brief as you can
• Be flexible, Be patient.
• Contradictions in the decision-making process are O.K.
• Do not feel isolated We are all here with the same motivation.
• Support the facilitator if the meeting starts to get out of control.

Before you Come to the Meeting

Everybody who joins Ecotopia is expected to put some effort for the organisation and the effective running of the gathering. It means that everybody has to take part actively in one of the daily working groups so that the teams can rotate and everybody is equally able to work, attend to the workshops and rest at Ecotopia. People volunteer to help out with various chores, e.g. collecting firewood, collecting water for showers, digging toilets, cleaning, etc. To really experience life in a sustainable community try to volunteer for all of the tasks at least once. If you see something should be done, do it!

Apart from use consensus based decission making in our gatherings, we strongly disapprove discriminatory types of behaviour such as sexism and racism. Moreover, Ecotopia brings together people of diverse ethnic backgrounds who have very different traditions relating to relationships, environment and everyday life. We ask all the Ecotopians to have a high cultural sensitivity. Be patient and friendly and -essential- respect the local community who is hosting Ecotopia.

If you have dogs, please, DO NOT bring them. We are very sorry to say that, but we have had a lot of problems with that in previous years and we ask you to arrange something so that your pet is taken care of and we would not have them at Ecotopia.

Code of conduct for NGO's participating or present at Ecotopia

Ecotopia is a communual project between youth organisations and individuals. We are expecting over 500 participants from all corners of Europe. Some will be part of an organisation as well. We have experienced that projects with many organisations involved, are at risk to competition. Who is distributing the largest amount of leaflets, who has recruited the most new, young souls??? These kind of competitions can result into a lot of frustrations among each other and a nature reserve full of leaflets is not really what any of us is aiming at. Therefor we have created a code of conduct for NGO's!

1. wearing t-shirts, tattoos and boxershorts with your logo or organisation on it is OK. Walking around the area, bothering people with your campaign material is NOT! Instead we will create an info-point/ library next to the reception where people can go to or leave there info-material on projects about sustainable development or organisations.
2. You are very welcome to give a workshop on your projects or your campaign, however this should not primarily be aimed at recruiting new members but mainly informational. What can people learn of yuor experiences, why are you running a campaign or are you involved in a certain type of actions?
3. 3. Respect other people's opinions!!!! Discussion is great, conflicts are contra-produktive! Look for the moments where you can learn from each other, now or in the future!!!!