Member Intro – Yona

I joined Collective Spaces because it is a unique opportunity to own a large amount of land at a cost that I am comfortable with, in collaboration with competent people who I respect, admire,  whose judgment I trust,  and who have values that I share.  It is also a chance to grow and learn by doing something I’ve never done before.    

Being a city girl,  I don’t foresee myself  living full time in a rural area,  but as a place to get away, this location is perfectly located between my current home of Charlotte, NC and my family in New York.   An added bonus is that the  land is in a location not prone to natural disasters or extreme weather conditions.  It feels like a climate change insurance policy!

I’m not an entrepreneur,  or a risk taker when it comes to business ventures, so this is not something I would have moved forward with  if I thought it was risky.  I also don’t have a lot of time on my hands,  so I need partners that I can trust to make decisions without me.    I fully trust the other members of Collective Spaces, based  partly on having some knowledge of their prior accomplishments,  and based partly on my own instincts about people, instincts that have served me well in my life.  This trust was a big factor in my decision to move forward. 

My heart is moved by the values of this community.  Honesty,  transparency, communication,  inclusion, environmental stewardship, embracing diversity in all its forms….…  these are not just words given lip service, but are values that are ingrained, entrenched, and top of mind in this community.  Our vision and goals are driven by these core values,  they are not an afterthought.  This is powerful. 

Finally,  I will  grow and learn from this experience.   I will learn how an LLC works.  I will learn how bare land is transformed into something that provides shelter and income.  I will learn how to use my hands.   I will learn about zoning,  and sociocracy.  I will make new friends. 

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.