We aspire to find the most harmonious balance between structure and spontaneity. For this reason, we are exploring forms of governance that make it possible to best benefit from collective intelligence, to promote the autonomy and initiative of participants, to optimize the effectiveness of meetings so that they are save our time and strengthen our energy. The tools we use are inspired by Holacracy, Consent Decision Making, Nonviolent Communication, Restorative Practices, Theory U and many other methods that have been proven in other places. We experiment with them and continually adapt them to our needs. In order for these practices to bear fruit and offer ample room for freedom, initiative, spontaneity and individual expression, we apply them with rigor and precision. People in the process of inclusion benefit from time and support to learn and appropriate these tools.

Each course is a little different, because each encounter is unique. However, a few benchmarks help us ensure that the right agreements are made. The course is divided into three phases. First the Discovery Phase allows you, for a few days, to meet the project and its place, the people, the animals... Then, an Observation Phase is planned so that you can see more closely the backstage without committing you. Finally, in the Inclusion Phase, you gradually enter the team, in order to gradually feel if it is working harmoniously. Full details of our Incusion Journey are in the Appendices to our Framework.

In order to ensure our needs for autonomy and privacy, the members of the team live in a small village of light housing, separate from the reception and activity areas. In use, we find that we generally spend our days in common areas and take our meals collectively, but it seems important to us to have the choice every day to isolate ourselves if we wish. The installation of the residential village is still in progress. For now, we have acquired two wooden trailers of 19m2. This choice was guided by considerations of ecology, respect for the soil, town planning and economy. The caravans have dry toilets, a kitchenette, sleeping area and a dining/office area. They are very well insulated and overlook a charming natural landscape. Two other trailer sites have already been set up, and a fifth could be considered. Should families join the project, different accommodation options would be possible, depending on the particular needs.

We are looking for people who can bring:

The foundations of our project are based on:

To our team members, we propose to experience the gift economy. These people offer their time, their energy, their skills and their passion, by freely responding to the needs of the place, and moreover they receive a collective experience, a privileged living environment, moral and material support for their creations, a full activity meaning and learning.

Today, the Forge du Vallon relies mainly on the investment of a single person, the founder. It would be preferable for the development of the project and the balance of the SCIC that this investment be more widely distributed among the stakeholders. True to our value of inclusiveness, we refuse to put a minimum amount on monetary contributions, nor to alienate anyone from this project based on their financial means. However, we cannot ignore the budgetary reality, and are always looking for investors.