Our Five Interlacing Project Areas
COMMONS CONNECT - a website that serves as an online community nexus for West Marin
Our website was created to mimic an actual physical commons in our locale and has proven to be an important nexus of communication. Parts of the site are available to anyone on the internet while a virtual local commons is available to those who live and/or work in West Marin when they join as "registered users."
COMMONS SPACES – gathering places and pathways in West Marin
West Marin Commons originated from organized efforts to recognize, care for, and increase community gathering places and pathways in the towns, hamlets, and routes that connect throughout West Marin. Through community walkabouts and regular gatherings we developed the Town Commons, Mesa Road Pathway, Livery Native Garden, and the Playground, all in Point Reyes Station.
COMMONS CELEBRATION – celebrate the commons through seasonal, celebratory events
We celebrate the spirit of community through seasonal, celebratory events. We sponsor Barn Dances at Toby's Feed Barn and Apple Pressings at local commons to recognize and raise the spirit of our diverse community.
COMMONS COLLABORATION – work together to support the whole
Recognizing what we have in common, we collaborate with existing and emerging community organizations and initiatives. We function in an unincorporated area of Marin County where collaboration is key. Over the years we have partnered with local groups like Gallery Route One's Latino Photo Project, West Marin Collaborative, the Dance Palace Community Center, the County of Marin, and many others to lift up our local commons.
COMMONS KNOWLEDGE - learn about our commons
Knowledge and concepts inform our actions and there is plenty to learn and to make sense of to guide our actions. We have learned from local elders, our local historian, Dewey Livingston, and have gained a broad perspective of the commons from the writings of Jonathan Rowe, our co-founder as well as many others. Community land trusts such as our local CLAM, provide a model of community and land-based ownership of housing.