Introduction

This page is a view of the commitment we have elected to make to one another. We have these deliberated agreements to be part of encouraging a friendly family feeling in our working and living together. And this presents to you into the form of interactions and communication processes we strive to practice and maintain.

The following pledge and agreements help us to better maintain the chosen direction that serves as a graphic reference guide that keeps us focused on our chosen form of respectfully relating to one another. And it serves as a reminder of our way of maintaining caring purposeful living boundaries. These are the subtle reminders that have been developed and kept us stabilized. For more than 25 years now. It is not the words themselves but it is your individual intentionality that will serve to bring solidarity and stability. So we ask you to consider your individual response and just how it moves you. Is this how you personally wish to live and relate to others and conduct yourselves? That is the essential question for you to personally determine for yourself. We find this to be helpful in both our individual and in our collective progress together.

Rustys Retreat Pledge of Conduct

In order for the intended environment and purpose of Rusty's Retreat to develop and be maintained; it is necessary for every person who lives here to understand and support the code of conduct and house rules, which were designed to enhance the experience of all the residents; and to facilitate the maximum benefits.

Living in an intentional community is very different from living in a rented room or apartment. When you live alone, or live with a random assortment of other people; there is no expectation or requirement that everyone respects or cooperates with each other. People just do what they want; and may or may not get along well together. When most of the people who share a home are at a similar level of maturity and responsibility; the situation can work well. But when there are big differences in responsibility, temperament, self awareness, or consideration within a group; there is often potential for conflict.

Rusty's Retreat is intended as a place where everyone who lives here can experience the joy, freedom, and personal growth which is possible in a consciously cooperative environment. In order for this to happen; it is important for each person to be aware, respectful, and considerate of all the other people who are here. Some people, at certain times in their lives, cannot be as respectful, considerate, or self aware as is necessary to get along well with others, or to facilitate their growth. Such people create a disturbance to the harmony of the group; and because of that are not welcome here. Other people find it difficult to follow directions or instructions given by someone in authority. This attitude will not work here. Those who lead this place do not want to intrude on others or be abusive. They only do what is necessary to keep the place functioning smoothly; but those actions are vitally necessary for the sake of the group.

So we ask everyone who reads this to take a close look at themselves, and seriously ask whether they are ready, willing, and able to follow the rules and code of conduct of this place for as long as they are here; and to cooperate with and be respectful of all the other people who are here. This includes not gossiping about or publicly criticizing anyone. It is inevitable that there will be differences in various people. People sometimes encounter unexpected difficulties in any growth process. The leaders here are dedicated to assisting you in overcoming any difficulties you may have in following the rules so don't hesitate to consult with them. The fact that someone has been accepted here does not imply that they have no faults or problems. It just means that they have dedicated themselves to being the best person they can be; for as long as they are here. And that attitude, in itself, is worthy of respect. You may eventually be surprised to see how much change can take place when someone simply dedicates themselves to being all they can be; day after day.

Signing this agreement is a pledge that you have read and accept the code of conduct and the house rules, and that you agree to follow them for the entire time you stay here.

A Short Summary of the retreat agreements that are maintained here