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Main Page > Places > Twin Oaks > Twin Oaks Letter of Introduction

This is the community's opportunity to get to know you a little before we invite you into our home. The letter (1-2 pages, typewritten) should tell us:

   * your age
   * your gender
   * the work or studies in which you are presently involved
   * your work history
   * your hobbies and interests
   * how you heard about Twin Oaks
   * why you are interested in visiting community, and why Twin Oaks in particular
   * any physical ailments or limitations (e.g. back problems) which would prevent you from doing certain kinds of work
   * any special skills or work you like or dislike, e.g. indoor work vs. outdoor work
   * if you have any children, and their ages, even if you are not planning on visiting with them.
   * your first, second, and third choices of visitor sessions
   * your permanent postal address (or "most permanent")
   * a phone number where you can be reached previous to your visit
   * emergency contact information in the form of the address and phone number of a relative or friend whom we could contact in case of an emergency during your visit

The letter of introduction greatly helps to pave the way for a newcomer to Twin Oaks, and will be posted for the membership to read. Someone in our diverse population is likely to share some of your interests.

Benjamin's response

status: complete, sent 7/7/06

Age: 25 Gender: male CURRENT WORK/STUDIES: I have done some basic coursework (but not much practice) in the fundamentals of Permaculture, basic Herbal Medicine and Wildcrafting. Additionally, I recently completed a class in the fundamentals of Re-evaluation Counseling, a peer counseling method. WORK HISTORY: My professional (money-earning) experience has focused on computer programming and technical support. 1 year - software programmer (web applications) 3 years - technical support 1.5 years - manager of a computer lab at a University

I have a business resume which I can send, if desired.

HOBBIES/INTERESTS:

• reading non-fiction and science fiction
• writing - mostly short stories
• music/dancing/drumming
• green and natural building
• permaculture / wholistic, efficient, ecological planning
• renewable energy
• unschooling and student-centric education methods
• listening to/awareness of the natural environment and its patterns
• local/complimentary currency and local economy
• using the internet to share ideas to evolve our culture
• democratic / participatory culture
• collaborative design
• paradigm awareness and change

I'm not sure where exactly I heard about Twin Oaks - I have been researching ecovillages and communities for a while now. It was probably through the FEC website. I am interested in visiting ecovillages and communities focused on sustainable living because I believe it is a more realistic, stable and healthy way of living. I look forward to living closer to the Earth and it's rhythms. I look forward to working along side people that I love and trust in order to fulfill our daily needs. I want to have a deep and fulfilling connection with the people, environment and community of which I am a part. Twin Oaks in particular sounded interesting because of it's focus on egalitarian living, duration of existence and size in number of members. I am impressed that Twin Oaks has grown to include so many members and would love to see what you guys are doing that's working so well!

I have no known physical ailments or limitations which would prevent me from doing certain kinds of work.

Special Skills / Likes and Dislikes I have done some basic coursework in Fundamentals of Permaculture, including some paper-planning for various scenarios, as well as some laboratory/field work in cob construction, rainwater catchment and pond design. I have also done some basic study in herbal medicine including plant identification and preparations. I learn new things very fast, so I can do whatever you're willing to train me to do. I'm glad to help out wherever I can.

CHILDREN none

COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

• Lost Valley Educational Center, Dexter, OR ( www.lostvalley.org ) - Stayed for two weeks as a work-trader, participated in Heart of Now workshop, performed various tasks including land management, maintenance, child care, cooking/cleaning.
• Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, Rutledge, MO ( www.dancingrabbit.org) - Stayed for three weeks as part of the visitor program, participated in workshops, lectures and work parties including cob construction, garden work, cooking/cleaning.

VISITOR SESSION PREFERENCE I'll be traveling all over the east coast this fall, visiting several communities, so I'd like to know what's available so that I can factor that into my plans-in-progress.

POSTAL ADDRESS You can use my mother's address in Dallas: <home addr>

PHONE <my cell phone #> (cell phone)

EMERGENCY CONTACT Grace Bradley <home addr & phone>