Page 13 - C.A.L.L. #27 - Summer 2006

KALEIDOSCOPE

Not surprisingly, the Kibbutz in its early stages went through a similar dilemma. The initial settlers were
completely rural-minded, in part by their ideals (back to the earth, back to manual work), in part by stark reality -
there existed practically no other way to make a living at the time of their arrival. Nonetheless, many of them came
from an urban background and preferred a town-based community life. There were some attempts at urban
communitizing, but it soon became apparent that urban lures put too much of a strain on values of equality.
Besides, working mostly separately at town jobs lacked the coalescent effect of close rural togetherness. So the
early urban kibbutzim either disintegrated (like Efal near Tel Aviv, which became a study and research center) or
"converted" to a semi-rural style, like Glil Yam and Ramat Rachel. At present the concept of urban collectives is
experiencing a kind of revival here in Israel and by now they are sprouting like flowers in spring. It remains to be
seen with what results.

Parke Burgess discovered (anew) that the devil is in the details, whilst trying with only partly success to sort out
Needs from Wants - a dichotomy which must sound familiar to any and all members of intentional communities.
With unusual depth of perception, P.B. reaches the rather startling conclusion that "No community will thrive
without enormous reserves of trust".

Needs and Wants
One of the seven characteristics that defines a as we remain in the community, possibly 'til death.
community within the Federation of Egalitarian Thus, in addition to providing food and shelter, FEC
Communities (FEC) is that the community will take communities provide for old age, illness, and disability.
care of you - for life. Specifically, the second principle of Basic daily needs are also met: everything from
the FEC states, "Each of the Federation communities transportation (cars, train or bus fare, community
assumes responsibility for the needs of its members, bikes), clothing and bathroom articles, to telephone
receiving the products of their labor and distributing and computer access - all within the economic system

these and all other goods equally, or according to of each community.
need." Defining what counts as a need, and should therefore
Those familiar with the Marxian formula, "From each be included in the community "contract" - as opposed
according to ability, to each according to need," will
It’s a shame tt’s a shame that you canhat you can’’t make money out of t make money out of
It’s a shame tIt’s a shame that you canhat you can’’t make money out of t make money out of
recognize the language and intent of this principle. In I
practice, each federation community has its own way of t thin airthin air!!
thin airhin air!!
parsing the notion. Children and the elderly generally
work less than adults in their prime. At some
communities - I know this is true at Twin Oaks and
East Wind - labor quota gradually decreases after adult
members reach a certain age, according to an
established schedule. Special arrangements are made if
an adult member becomes disabled. No one is expected
to work more than they are able.
But labor quotas throughout FEC communities tend to
be high, demanding enormous energy and commitment
from community members. Twin Oaks ranges roughly
from 40-50 hours per week for adults in their prime,
to a mere want - proves the devil in the FEC's details.
depending on the time of year. And the work is
There is both a practical and an ideological
oftentimes physically intense and exhausting. Even at
compunction here: because each community must
the Emma Goldman Finishing School, where I live -
subsist on limited budgets, it is impossible for any of
though quotas are closer to 25-30 hours per week - we
them to guarantee much more than the basics; and
find that our quota system demands more than other
because FEC communities explicitly value ecological
urban communities we know.
sustainability and the ideal of egalitarianism, it
In return, however, all our needs will be met for as long
becomes a matter of principle to avoid the trap of

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