A statement of principles
To establish and support communities which:
· draw inspiration from an understanding of Anthroposophy - the insights of Rudolf Steiner - as it relates to the world today and as enriched by the work of Karl König and the other founders and builders of the Camphill Movement;
· provide safe and appropriate accommodation at a fair rent for vulnerable people living with the challenge of a learning disability or similar disadvantage, who choose to live in a cooperative cohousing community based on mutual respect and support;
· formulate and implement policies and practices which protect all community members’ human rights - as defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities - and which are subject to review by them;
rest on an ethical foundation that recognises the uniqueness of the individual and that respects, values and seeks to enhance the strengths and potential of each one, upholding his or her human dignity, particularly when it is in danger of not being acknowledged;
encourage and help their members, with and without support needs, to live, work, learn and celebrate together, and to develop strong relationships based on trust, respect and positive regard;
provide educational, social, cultural, artistic and therapeutic opportunities and experiences that will enhance community members’ fulfilment of their personal potential;
foster the development of meaningful and fulfilling work and life opportunities whereby all community members can contribute to cultivating harmonious homes, workplaces and other places of diverse activities;
equip all community members to exercise their citizenship, to contribute to the wider society and to be a force for good in the world;
cultivate practical arrangements that allow all community members to receive the support they need and to approach their work with a sense of mutual responsibility;
encourage community members to recognise their responsibility to the natural environment and the land that they occupy, caring for them in ecologically sustainable ways; and practice Biodynamic agriculture and horticulture, which is based on a holistic and spiritual understanding of nature and of the human being, the production of healthy food and an understanding of the valuable connections between the individual, the community and the natural world;
actively promote common cause and collaboration with other communities and organisations pursuing similar aims.
Alliance for Camphill
November 2019