Please read the Live and Learn Here page first for our introductory information.
Work Exchangers are encouraged to participate in community events and activities. Our belief at La’akea is that sustainability means much more than just permaculture techniques and material self-sufficiency. We focus on personal and emotional growth through community support as an integral part of sustainability. Work exchangers live and eat with us as part of our community for the time they are here.
Work exchangers will be given tasks related to sustainable food/fiber production (tropical fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, greenhouses, animal systems, coconut tree climbing and harvesting, bamboo and other timber crops, and local food preparation).
Work exchangers agree to work on the land a minimum of 14 hours per week. Work exchangers will also assist with two meals a week, a weekly cleaning party and attend our weekly meetings if possible, so the total time adds up to 20 hours per week. While we encourage work exchangers to plug in more than that and to create projects beyond their 14 hour farm work commitment, we realize that free time and solitude are valuable uses of personal time.
Cost: The cost is calculated to account for food, energy and other consumable items such as soap, shampoo, etc. The current fee amount is $12/day,or a total of $360 per month.
Terms of the Work-Exchange Program:
Here’s the information regarding our work-exchange positions. Please read our vision statement. If our vision resonates with you, you are open to the rain forest lifestyle, and can agree to the terms below, then fill out the Application that follows as honestly and completely as possible.
1) 14 hrs/week of work on the land in exchange for staying here and participating in our community.
2) Our food policy is $12/day, which includes access to any food in the kitchen and on the land unless otherwise marked. It also covers energy/utility consumption, and other incidentals. We request the full payment for the month ($360 in cash) on arrival.
3) We offer and ask for a one month work-exchange commitment. Your Liaison will meet with you at 1-2 weeks to determine that there is a good fit. If there is enthusiasm and desire on the part of the community to extend your stay, we will invite you at that time. If there are irreconcilable differences, we may ask you to leave as soon as possible
4) If you are arriving and departing from Hilo airport, we are happy to arrange a shuttle for you. The fee is $30 for each trip to cover gas costs.
5) Everyone (members and work-exchangers) contributes to the preparation and clean-up of two dinners/week. Breakfast and lunch you prepare for yourself. This is not included in your 14 hours of land work.
6) Everyone participates in a weekly cleaning party in addition to the 14 hrs on the land.
7) There is a weekly evening Heart Sharing Meeting to get to know each other better, and resolve any interpersonal issues. This meeting is often open to work-exchangers, but not required.
8) A community member will serve as your Liaison during your stay, to orient you, and help you integrate into community life.
9) We have wireless internet at La’akea. If you bring your own laptop and want to hook into our wireless system, there is a $10/month fee payable at the beginning of your stay. (We are on a satellite with limited bandwith, so no large uploading please!).
10) The accommodations vary from a small screened Quonset hut to tarp-covered tent camping. We will know what is available as it gets closer to the time of your arrival. Prepare to camp with your own tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
For more detailed information on what life is like here for work traders, see Is Hosting Work Exchangers Worth It? – Article
Please copy and paste this application onto a new e-mail and return to:
info (at) permaculture-hawaii.com. Thanks.
La’akea Community
P.O. Box 1071
Pahoa, Hi 96778
808-443-4076
La’akea Work-Exchange Application
Today’s date:
Name:
Phone number:
Email:
Date of birth: Age:
1) Why would you like to come to La’akea?
2) How long would you like to be here, and when would you like to arrive?
3) What skills/experience do you have that would be helpful to La’akea?
Specifically, what is your experience with gardening, landscaping, building, carpentry, farming, working with animals, computer work, auto mechanic, living off the grid?
Please mention other skills you think we would find valuable.
4) Describe your educational background.
5) Read our vision statement. Which parts do you resonate with? Which parts do you have questions/concerns about?
6) How do you feel about living in an intentional community; and what do you know about intentional communities?
7) What are some of the challenges you would anticipate living in community?
8) What’s one quality about you that others might find difficult to live with?
9) Describe a challenging time in your life and how you responded.
10) Do you have any physical, emotional or mental health issues that would impact your ability to contribute to life at La’akea?
11) What is your relationship with alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs (we hold this info confidential)?
12) What is your experience with rustic living/camping/tropical environments?
13) We have young children in our community. What is your experience being around children? Taking care of children?
14) What is your experience with leadership, self-starting, project management and completion?
15) Please provide 2 work references, including email addresses.
16) Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share so we have a better understanding of who you are?
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.