Page 16 - C.A.L.L. #28 - Spring 2007

Jan and Ruth Bang at the Communes Desk

At every meeting of the International Communes Desk, we try to have a "guest speaker", in order
to enhance our understanding of the communal world. It is usually either a communard from
abroad or an Israeli who has visited one or more intentional communities. The November meeting
was exceptional in that the "guests of honour" were ex-kibbutzniks – "ex-" by force majeure – and
are now members of a Camphill commune. Active members of Kibbutz Gezer, Jan and Ruth Bang
left when it became privatized – "decided to stop being a kibbutz" – and moved to Solborg in his
native Norway. Jan had been a member of the Communes Desk and was very active in pushing
ecology in the kibbutz movement as a whole.

Anyone unfamiliar with Camphill should read up about this worthy communal social movement.
(For starters, have a look at our website www.communa.org.il .) In brief, the Camphill Movement
consists of communities, where vulnerable children and adults, many with learning disabilities or
mental illness, can live, learn and work with others in healthy social relationships based on mutual
care and respect. It recognizes the spiritual uniqueness of each human being regardless of
disability or religious or racial background. 120 Camphill villages exist in 25 countries, 6 in Norway
alone. The Camphill Movement is inspired by Christian ideals as articulated by Rudolf Steiner.
However, Sekem in Egypt is Moslem. In Israel, Kfar Rafael is in effect a Camphill community,
without this religious aspect.

Some 48 people make up Camphill Solborg: 18 "disadvantaged" members (mainly young adults), 12
co-workers and 10 volunteers (from various countries). The Bang household – typically – includes 4
members, the family itself and 2 volunteers, all living together. Each one works at something,
contributing to the housework, the branches of the community and to work in the village,
according to his/her ability. Solborg is run on ecological lines, producing organic vegetables and
fruits, unpasturized milk, etc. Tasty preserves and candles are made and sold, and condiments are
grown. The surrounding forest provides heating – and work opportunities - during the 6-months
long winter.

At Solborg, Jan runs a seminar for ecological building. Houses are made out of straw, and are not
based on squares – just like humans beings. Their building team has even worked abroad in
Eastern Europe.

Cultural life is rich and varied, with lectures at a high level, the members being addressed not as
children but as people. Drama is very popular, with its opportunity to be somebody else.

In many ways, Solburg resembles a classic kibbutz, being run by the general meeting,
supplemented by various committees. The economy is communal with everyone receiving
according to his/her needs, with "pocket money" for minor personal needs. The economics of the
village is largely based on the government stipends for the disadvantaged members. (This is
cheaper then having them in other supportive frameworks.)

There is considerable assistance to the co-workers in their very difficult role. Besides pre-training,
there are regular meetings, refresher courses and a 3-year long seminar.

Sadly, this account doesn't get across the enthusiasm and dedication with which Jan spoke,
inspiring all of his listeners. Summing up, he stated, "Working at Camphill isn't a job. It's a
lifestyle."

Having finished his second book about eco-villages, Jan had plenty to say on this topic also, but
time permitted only a brief survey.

Jan's wife, English-born Ruth, briefly gave us some idea of what it's like being a house-mother at
Solburg Camphill.

In conclusion, someone asked Jan for his opinion on the Communes Desk. His reply: "The Desk is
vitally important as a crossroads of community networks. Through CALL, you have a chance to
bring more community to the eco-villages and more eco to the other intentional communities".

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