The following is an outline of the procedure for becoming a resident.
One of the first steps involves visiting us often and getting to know
as many members as possible. Some people have taken this step by moving
near The Farm and visiting over a period of time. There are conferences
and other social events that take place here that offer good opportunities
to visit.
The most challenging aspects of relocating here have to do with career
opportunities in the vicinity and the availability of adequate housing
within the community. We have committees in place to help with financial
planning and help determine what living arrangements may work as that
stage approaches. We appreciate your interest in community and ours in
particular. If you wish to contact the Membership Committee, write to
vickie@thefarmcommunity.com or call Vickie Montagne at the Welcome Center
(931-964-3574).
Membership Committee Procedure To become a Resident
1 |
Fulfillment of several personal visits to The
Farm in order to become acquainted with the community and
individual members within the community. |
2 |
The applicant(s) arranges a personal interview with a Membership
Committee member stating their desire to move to the community.
Following consultation with the rest of the committee, this
request is encouraged or denied. |
3 |
The applicant(s) write a letter of introduction and intent
to the community. This letter includes a biographical sketch,
method of livelihood, and their vision of what they hope to
contribute to the community. Upon receipt of this letter,
a file will be started on the applicant. Copies of this letter
will be posted by the secretary at the Farm Post Office for
one month and published in the Free Press for two weeks. |
4 |
Following the publication of the introduction.notice, the
applicant(s) continues to visit the community and attend community
functions. At this time they need to find a sponsor who will
vouch for their character and help integrate them into the
community. |
5 |
The applicant and their sponsor formally meets with the
Membership Committee and applies for residency. |
6 |
The committee votes on whether or not to continue the application
process. If approved, the applicant is sent a residency packet
to be completed, which contains: Application form, Financial
disclosure form, TRW information for credit check, Medical history
sheet, Sample residency contract, Notice of $25.00 processing
fee ($10 for a young adult 18-23). The application should be
returned within one month. |
7 |
Upon receipt of completed forms and application fee, applicant
will be given: Letter of acknowledgement from the secretary.
Original residency papers filed in applicant's folde.r Financial
forms given to the Finance Committee for review and clarification. |
8 |
Upon return of financial forms from the Finance Committee,
the application is reviewed. The applicant meets with the
committee or has a telephone conference with committee members
to answer any unresolved questions. When all issues are resolved,
the applicant will be approved for residency. |
9 |
Prior to moving here, the residency contract should be sent
and returned signed along with the 1st and 12th months resident dues to the community. |
Extended stay visitors and provisional members
Extended stay visitors and provisional members are asked to find
a member of the community to be their sponsor. A sponsor must
be a resident full member.
Responsibilities of Sponsorship:
1 |
Will take an active role in notifying new resident(s)
of all community meetings and gatherings, and facilitate participation. |
2 |
Will act as an interface with the community or individual
members should the need arise. |
3 |
Will take an active role in seeing that the resident is
gainfully employed and paying their community dues. |
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