At Harmonia, we believe that life is a circle. There is no hierarchy once the community is established—our decisions and daily lives are shaped by collaboration, mutual respect, and the shared goal of building a sustainable and harmonious way of living. Our governance model is based on councils, each responsible for different aspects of the community:
- Business Council: Oversees finances, marketing, and tax-related matters.
- Agriculture Council: Manages the growth and maintenance of our food systems.
- Infrastructure Council: Focuses on essential community needs like water, energy, roads, and structures.
- Wellness Council: Ensures the well-being of all members, addressing health, food, community issues, and social events.
Each full-time resident will be part of a council, and each council will bring proposals or issues to the general membership for review and voting. Community decisions require 80% approval from the membership to proceed. Shareholders will designate a single representative from their group or family to vote on their behalf.
During the construction and initial phases, Kelly Ann Thomas will serve as the legal representative. As the community grows, members will be appointed to manage various positions such as financial and legal roles, with the option for the membership to decide if these roles should be compensated. We will work with an external accountant for tax and payroll services, and all financial transactions will be fully transparent and accessible to all members.
Open and Honest Communication: Supportive Listening
At Harmonia, we value open and honest communication. To foster a sense of belonging and resolve issues before they escalate, we are committed to supportive listening—a core principle that ensures every voice is heard and respected. Through active listening, we aim to understand each other deeply, resolve conflicts, and maintain harmony in our community.
Wellness Council and Conflict Resolution
The Wellness Council will play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and well-being in the community. Whether addressing interpersonal conflicts or providing support for more sensitive issues, such as substance abuse or disruptive behavior, the Wellness Council will offer private support or facilitate community-wide discussions when necessary.
Additionally, the Wellness Council will introduce and integrate interpersonal communication techniques and activities into the community as needed, ensuring that members can develop strong, respectful relationships with one another.
Listening Practices
We practice various forms of listening to nurture understanding and personal growth:
- Supportive Listening: Members take turns speaking and listening, ensuring that each person has space to share without interruption. Confidentiality is maintained, and the listener’s role is to provide encouragement and empathy without judgment or unsolicited advice.
- Passive Listening: Sometimes, simply being heard without interruption is healing in itself. This practice allows members to express themselves freely, knowing that they are supported by the community without immediate solutions or evaluations.
- Active Listening: In more complex situations, a listener may offer gentle observations or insights, helping the speaker recognize patterns of behavior and encouraging self-reflection. This method provides support for emotional processing and helps individuals make more conscious decisions moving forward.
A Community of Growth and Healing
We recognize that all humans are born with a desire for connection, understanding, and playfulness. While past hurts and unhealed wounds can cloud this natural state, our community is built on the belief that, with time and support, everyone can reconnect with their true nature.
Through the practice of listening, we help each other reflect on successes, identify areas for growth, and dream of new possibilities. We are committed to helping each other heal and thrive in a space where everyone’s voice matters, building a more human and supportive community.