What are Community Values?

Community values are the shared principles, beliefs, and commitments that guide how members of a regenerative community interact with each other, the land, and future generations. These values create alignment and provide a foundation for decision-making, conflict resolution, and collective action.

At OASA, community values are essential to creating strong, resilient communities that can steward land in perpetual commons and practice regenerative principles over generations.

Core Community Values in Regenerative Communities

Ecological Stewardship

Commitment to actively restore and protect ecosystems through regenerative practices. This includes following regenerative principles for soil, water, and air, supporting rewilding, and practicing commons-based land stewardship.

Mutual Support and Cooperation

Creating networks of support where community members help each other, share resources, and work together toward common goals. This includes shared infrastructure, collective decision-making, and mutual aid.

Transparency and Accountability

Open communication, transparent decision-making processes, and accountability to the community and regenerative principles. This supports democratic governance and trust.

Intergenerational Responsibility

Considering the impact of decisions on future generations, aligning with 1000-year investment horizons and ensuring that land and resources are stewarded for long-term benefit.

Diversity and Inclusion

Welcoming diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, creating inclusive communities where all members can participate and contribute.

Local Autonomy and Subsidiarity

Decision-making at the most local level appropriate, respecting local knowledge, culture, and context while maintaining alignment with broader regenerative principles.

Community Values in Practice

At Traditional Dream Factory and other OASA projects, community values are demonstrated through:

• Collective Governance: DAO governance where decisions are made transparently and participatorily
• Shared Resources: Common spaces, tools, and infrastructure managed collectively
• Regenerative Practices: Following regenerative principles for ecological restoration
• Mutual Support: Community members supporting each other in daily life and regeneration work
• Long-Term Thinking: Decisions that consider impacts on future generations

Shared Values vs. Individual Values

Community values are distinct from individual values:

• Individual Values: Personal beliefs and preferences
• Community Values: Shared commitments that guide collective action

While individuals may have diverse personal values, community values create alignment around core principles that enable collective stewardship and regeneration.

Values-Based Decision Making

Community values guide decision-making in regenerative communities:

• Proposal Evaluation: Decisions are evaluated against community values and regenerative principles
• Conflict Resolution: Values provide a framework for resolving disagreements
• Resource Allocation: Values guide how resources are allocated and used
• New Member Integration: Values help new members understand community expectations

Community Values and Regenerative Commons

In regenerative commons, community values are essential because:

• Land is held in perpetual trust, requiring long-term commitment
• Regeneration requires collective action and shared responsibility
• Governance must align with ecological and social principles
• Communities must be resilient enough to steward land over generations

Related Terms

• DAO Governance - Values-based decision-making
• Regenerative Principles - Ecological principles aligned with values
• Sustainable Community - Communities built on shared values
• Community Living Portugal - Intentional community living