Work Exchange Program

Work exchangers will be given tasks related to sustainable food/fiber production (tropical fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, greenhouses, animal systems, coconut tree climbing and harvesting, bamboo and other timber crops, and local food preparation) Work exchangers are required to work a minimum of 14 hours per week. Work exchangers will also assist with two meals a week, a weekly cleaning party and attend our weekly meetings if possible. While we encourage work exchangers to plug in more than that and to create projects beyond their 14 hour commitment, we realize that some may need to work additional hours to pay their expenses at La'akea and that free time and solitude are valuable uses of personal time.

Work Exchangers are encouraged to participate in community events and activities such as: community meetings (2 per week), Forum, Non-Violent communication, re-evaluation counseling, yoga, massage, educational and artistic presentations. Our belief at La'akea is that sustainability means much more than just permaculture techniques and material self-sufficiency. We focus on personal and emotional growth through community support as an integral part of sustainability.

Cost: The cost is calculated to account for food, energy and other consumable items such as soap, shampoo, etc. The current fee amount is $12/day.

Terms of the Work-Exchange Program:

Here's the information regarding our work-exchange positions. Please read our vision statement located on our website at   www.permaculture-hawaii.com under the "site and vision" heading. If our vision resonates with you, you are open to the rain forest lifestyle, and can agree to the terms below, then fill out the Application that follows as honestly and completely as possible.

1) 14 hrs/week of work on the land in exchange for staying here and participating in our community.

2) Our food policy is $12/day, which includes access to any food in the kitchen and on the land unless otherwise marked. It also covers energy/utility consumption, and other incidentals. We request the full food payment for the month ($360 in cash) on arrival.

3) We have wireless internet at La’akea.  If you bring your own laptop and want to hook into our wireless system, there is a $10/month fee payable at the beginning of your stay. (We are on a satellite with limited bandwith, so no large downloading please!).

4) If you are arriving and departing from Hilo airport, we are happy to arrange a shuttle for you. The fee is $30 for each trip to cover gas costs.

5) Everyone (members and work-exchangers) contributes to the preparation and clean-up of two dinners/week. Breakfast and lunch you prepare for yourself. This is not included in your 14 hours.

6) Everyone participates in a weekly cleaning party in addition to the 14 hrs on the land.

7) There is a weekly evening Heart Sharing Meeting to get to know each other better, and resolve any interpersonal issues. This meeting is often open to work-exchangers, but not required.

8) A community member will serve as your Liaison during your stay, to orient you, and help you integrate into community life.

9) We offer and ask for a one month work-exchange commitment.  Your Liaison will meet with you at 1-2 weeks to determine that there is a good fit.  If there is enthusiasm and desire on the part of the community to extend your stay, we will invite you at that time. If there are irreconcilable differences, we may ask you to leave as soon as possible.

10) The accommodations vary from a small screened Quonset hut to tarp-covered tent camping. We will know what is available as it gets closer to the time of your arrival. Prepare to camp with your own tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag.

Please copy and paste this application onto a new e-mail and return to:

info@permaculture-hawaii.com  Thanks.

 La'akea Community
P.O. Box 1071
Pahoa, Hi 96778
808-443-4076

                                     La'akea Work-Exchange Application

Today's date:

Name:

Phone number:

Email:

Date of birth:                          Age:

1)  Why would you like to come to La'akea?

2) How long would you like to be here, and when would you like to arrive?

3) What skills/experience do you have that would be helpful to La'akea?

Specifically, what is your experience with gardening, landscaping, building, carpentry, farming, working with animals, computer work, auto mechanic, living off the grid?

Please mention other skills you think we would find valuable.

4) Describe your educational background.

5) Read our vision statement.  Which parts do you resonate with?  Which parts do you have questions/concerns about?

6) How do you feel about living in an intentional community; and what do you know about intentional communities?

7) What are some of the challenges you would anticipate living in community?

8) What's one quality about you that others might find difficult to live with?

9) Describe a challenging time in your life and how you responded.

10) Do you have any physical, emotional or mental health issues that would impact your ability to contribute to life at La'akea?

11) What is your experience with rustic living/camping/tropical environments?

12) What is your experience with leadership, self-starting, project management and completion?

13) Please provide 2 work references, including email addresses.

14) Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share so we have a better understanding of who you are?

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.