Hello all, I hope that this is in the right section and that I am following forum protocol (please let me know if not).
I'm working on designing a philosophy and education-based commune/retreat. Naturally, that means strictly vegan food, and education on vegan health and lifestyle for visitors- not all visitors will be vegan, but I hope they become vegan before they leave!
The plan is for terms from a couple weeks to a year (in the case of some gap-year students). Most of the people in the commune will not be living there long term (just the teachers).
Units on nutrition; vegan cooking and vegan un-cooking (raw food); arts and crafts; fitness, yoga, Tai Chi, etc.; existential moral philosophy; and critical and creative thinking will be core.
The hope is to run this as a non-profit business (self sustaining, or even with the ability to grow), though if it has to be built partially using VC funding then that's how it has to be (still a good thing none-the-less).
Teachers would live, eat, study, and teach for free (including health insurance and plane tickets to visit family), following monastic tradition (though this is strictly non-theistic moral philosophy and lifestyle, I think the word still applies). Head-shaving not required.
Students would rotate through the school on various courses of study, paying tuition or on reduced tuition from work-study programs.
Workers (such as janitorial, gardening, delivery, driving, and secretarial/administration duties) would be salaried, and would typically live off-site.
Some visiting teachers and lecturers would be contracted.
This would be a commune of philosophy in the style of the school of Athens or ancient Buddhist traditions; a collective of learning- less so like those along the lines of shared manual labour and agriculture (not that there's anything wrong with those).
I'd be glad to have any advice or feedback!
What kinds of classes would you want?
What kinds of tuition do you think people would be able to afford? (which helps with budgeting)
Is this something you might be interested in as a teacher or student?
Any feedback or idea you have to offer helps!
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