So here's West Marin Commons in a lengthy nutshell:
Commons Spaces: Projects that deal with various open spaces within West Marin area that are turned into "commons" spots. The reason I put commons in parenthesis is because commons isn't actually a physical thing, it's actually a historical term that dates back to the time of the Magna Carta which is one of many English charters that protected the people, or the commons. On that side note, the various commons spaces that are part of West Marin Commons include "the mesa" which is a sidewalk that has been made both an aesthetically pleasing walkway and an environmentally conscious garden because it has only native California plants. Another project includes a lot located at the end of Hwy 1 that passes though Point Reyes Station. This space is our current project and we are working on creating a place that represents West Marin's various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. There is a large latino population that is underrepresented in the community. To be clear: We are not creating a space for the latino population, but rather working with them to create a space that they want to have.
Commons Connect: This is West Marin Commons on-line connection to the broader public. These google groups are specifically for the use of West Marin locals. Think, craigslist for West Marin. These on-line groups are broken down into five categories: Marketplace, which is where things of monetary value can be posted onto this page. Whether the someone is looking to sell something, rent a room, or advertise a need for help with their backyard garden, the key use of Marketplace is for money. Then, there is Share. The share group is for things that are free. If someone is giving away a dining set and is not looking for any money in return, it can be posted on Share. Next is Soapbox. This is a place for locals to advertise about events going on in the community, whether they are free or not, if the event is occurring at a local business, it is posted on Soapbox. Another google group is the Over-the-hill-gang. This is a place for people looking to catch a drive into the bigger, more commercial surrounding cities like San Rafael and Petaluma.
Commons Knowledge: This is the part of West Marin Commons that is educational. It includes various workshops such as fermenting and apple pressing. The other "knowledge" aspect of it is the intellectual readings about the commons. Soon, there will be a study group that reads and partakes in literature discussion about the commons and its meaning.
Commons Collaboration: The collaboration aspect of West Marin Commons is working with other groups whether it be the general public, or partnering with another organization. For example, the West Marin Coast Guard is helping to rebuild a building on the lot of our newest project.
Commons Celebration: The word "celebration" may lead to a misunderstanding of what commons celebration is. It isn't a party, but rather the commons celebrations are events such as barn dances that bring the community together.
Tessa, You are doing a fabulous job of listening, growing and learning. Thank you for approaching this work with your open heart and hands. You've done tremendous gardening work with Rufus at the Livery Stable Native Garden and the Mesa Road Pathway. You're insights at steering committee meetings and with the Resource Guide and the Latino Photo Project meetings are helpful. Your flexibility and sense of humor makes things easy and pleasant. Your attention to detail and observation skills are helpful. Thanks for jumping in to help with the Resource Guide, tracking articles at the Light, helping to develop a WMCommons Study Guide, writing emails and problem solving. See you soon.
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