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Now that we've been on IC.org for a while, we are getting one to two requests per month from folks who would like to visit us - often for several days.
But visitors need a host, and if they are staying you must prep the guest rooms (and clean it afterwards), and do we need to feed them? And what do we do with them? Most of what happens in our house during the week days is that people go (out) to work.
You know how it is an a group, we've talked about this a lot, but haven't come up with any particularly good ideas.
I'm curious as to what guidelines, policies, approaches, or theories <smile> other groups use to deal with visitors - particularly other urban groups (which is what we are) - if we were out in the middle of rural America lots of things would be different.
But visitors need a host, and if they are staying you must prep the guest rooms (and clean it afterwards), and do we need to feed them? And what do we do with them? Most of what happens in our house during the week days is that people go (out) to work.
You know how it is an a group, we've talked about this a lot, but haven't come up with any particularly good ideas.
I'm curious as to what guidelines, policies, approaches, or theories <smile> other groups use to deal with visitors - particularly other urban groups (which is what we are) - if we were out in the middle of rural America lots of things would be different.
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SF Bay Area
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Re: Visitors, visiting policy
Thu, August 6, 2009 - 12:32 PMWe do not advertise that we exist on any sites, but we still get a steady stream of visitor requests.
A host family is expected to "own" the guest and all responsibilities for their comfort, behavior, etc.
I host one big "community" event per year that I invite all the "guests" to. We have many apple trees (40+) and have an old-fashioned apple picking and cider squeeze. This gives everyone a chance to mingle and talk, instead of giving a presentation about who we are and what we do, we just let people show up and participate.
This way, no one has to stay on the ranch or be hosted. People manage their own accommodations in town and then can come have fun with a community in action.
When there were children here, one family hosted a potluck every week for the homeschool kids in the district. This became a GREAT intro place to bring new people that wanted to learn more about us, our community and our structure without it feeling like a job interview. However, both children have gone away to college and now there isn't as much going on here on the ranch.
Most of our members are over 60 years old, since this place has been running for 30+ years. I am the "new blood" and it seems to fall to me to step up and keep things exciting.
