Village Guidelines (amended 2009)
(council selection process amended 10/2019)

VillageGuidelinesBooklet2018 PDF (does not include 2018 updates)

Decisions reached through consensus scroll WAY DOWN… (updated 11-2023)

Community Village Guidelines v2009

Index

4 HUGS PER DAY

ADMISSIONS

Archaeology

BOOTHS * GROUPS * BOOTH COORDINATORS

BOOTH EMPOWERMENT

Expectations for Booth Coordinators.

BOOTH RECONSTRUCTION

CAMPING

CAMPFIRES

Candle Lanterns and Light

CHILD CARE

WILD CHILDREN

CLEANUP AND RECYCLING

CLOSING and OPENING CIRCLE

CONTACT INFO

CONSENSUS

COORDINATING COUNCIL

COUNCIL SELECTION PROCESS

CRISIS INTERVENTION

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Digging

Directory

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

ELDER STATUS INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE & FIRST AID

ENTERTAINMENT

EVERYBODY CREWS

FIRE

Flowers

General Meetings

HISTORY

Meetings – Council

Meetings – New Members

Meetings – Decisions after April

GRIEVANCE PROCESS

Ground Cover

LOFTS

Lost and Found

Morning Circle

OCF Membership

PASSES

PASSES, SIGNIFICANT OTHER

PASSES, TEEN

NO SMOKING

NUDITY

OCF Board of Directors

OCF CODE OF CONDUCT

OM CIRCLE

PETITIONS

RAIN

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

REFORESTATION and BRUSH CUTTING

Safe Sex

Signs & Banners

SNEAKERS POLICY

Sun

T-shirts

THE SWEEP

VEHICLES

VENDING

Water/Toilets

WORK PARTIES

WORKSHOPS & DEMOS

WRISTBANDS

YOUTH BOOTH

ABOUT Community Village section #1

COMMUNITY VILLAGE MISSION STATEMENT:
In the midst of sparkling crystals, aromatic foods, and the river of people, rests an island of idealism, the Community Village. In the heart of the Oregon Country Fair, the Community Village promotes social/environmental awareness by providing a forum for the free communication of ideas. The process of putting together the Village is as significant as the end itself, as we organize cooperatively through consensus decision making. Beginning in 1976, we have grown from a modest display of appropriate technology to an intentional community involving the energies of individuals from many organizations.
The Community Village is a part of the OCF Family dedicated to education, information access, and networking for progressive social change. We have created a spiritual center manifesting the Village Vision of love, peace, trust, justice, cooperation, equality and social service. Believing in dreams, thinking of others, valuing differences and experimenting with new ideas, we hope to expand our consciousness beyond our morning circle, growing beyond the Fair and out into the world.

COMMUNITY VILLAGE HISTORY:
The Village was started in 1976 as a place where the many social change organizations in Eugene and across Oregon could come together to network with each other and learn better ways to advance their causes. The Community Village has been part of the OCF experience ever since. The Village was a showcase for appropriate technology in its early years, including a composting toilet, a solar shower and an Aprovecho stove. When the appropriate technology part of the Village grew too large, a new space was found and named Energy Park.
Many basic services offered at the Fair began in the Village. We had the first Information Booth, the first area helping individuals with special needs, Alter-Abled Access and Advocacy (4-A), the first non-smoking area, the first non-profit area, the first camping security, the first 6-pack and the first women’s urinal!
The groups involved in Community Village reflect all aspects of life. The current booths are: Peace & Justice (including Rainbow Village), Green Earth, Health & Healing, Life-Long Learning, Spirit, Little Village, 4-A, Youth, Arts, Wild Edibles, Doors of Expression, Cooperative Fruit, the Village Restaurant (Cafe Mundo), Intentional Communities, Master Gardeners, Moon Lodge, Information and the ComeUnity House rest stop.
The Community Village is a registered in Oregon as a Public Benefit with Members Domestic Non-profit Corporation, #1330764-97.

CONSENSUS: The Community Village reaches all decisions by consensus. Attendance at a consensus workshop is strongly encouraged for all CV members. Please see more below at DECISION-MAKING PROCESS .

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS: To see how another’s truth aligns with our own requires patience ­and open-mindedness. We believe each person holds a piece of the truth. If you have something important to add to the discussion, please share it. However, due to time constraints and the number of Village members we often do not have the opportunity to hear each member’s opinion. Speak loud enough for all to hear, be succinct, listen with respect, and offer clear presentations.

– When the group arrives at a shared sense of the meeting (“CONSENSUS”), an individual may find it difficult to give consent.

– The individual may STAND ASIDE, which allows the individual to avoid participating in a distasteful decision without imposing his or her viewpoint on the rest of the group. This is a personal statement. They are bound by the group’s decision, but not expected to implement it. The facilitator will determine how many stand asides will prevent agreement on the decision.

A person who stands in the way of the agreement (BLOCK) in the interest of the group is not imposing a personal viewpoint, but the groups. If any person, after participating in the discussion, feels certain that the decision would be a mistake by and for the group, that person may block the decision.  A person who attempts to impose a personal viewpoint on the group is not acting as part of the group, and thus has no power to stop the agreement. People who stand aside/block will be expected to provide their reasons and to offer an alternative. One block prevents agreement; consensus has not been reached.

COORDINATING COUNCIL: The Community Village Coordinating Council members act as the liaison between the Village membership and the Fair and are therefore OCF staff. The Council facilitates the Village membership in creating the Community Village each year at the Fair. The Council is self selected. Call for Council is held at the October meeting and the Council is confirmed by the Village at the January meeting. Each Booth has a designated Booth Liaison on the Council who acts as an information resource for the Booth Coordinator and Booth members. Council members should be a participant of several years in the Village, preferably with Booth coordinating experience, and be familiar with both the operation of the Village and the Fair.

COORDINATING COUNCIL SELECTION PROCESS:   Separate Document Here.

MEMBERSHIP / HOW TO GET INVOLVED section #2

ELIGIBILITY: Eligible groups are democratically managed, have a cooperative focus, are responsive to community input, promote social change, are non-partisan and non-sectarian, and make a positive contribution to the community. Eligible individuals engage the public on subjects promoting the above values, both at and outside the Fair, or perform other activities approved by the Village as eligible. All groups, and individuals not performing activities approved as eligible, must submit a completed eligibility form to their Booth Coordinator by the second Wednesday in April. Eligibility is determined by the Eligibility Committee (which is open to everyone). Amended 2/8/2018

CRITERIA FOR VILLAGE PARTICIPATION: Each person must belong to a group which passes eligibility, or pass eligibility as an individual, and attend a minimum of 2 meetings and 2 work parties for a worker pass/wristband, with one meeting before the eligibility deadline in April. For a worker day pass or an SO pass/wristband there is a minimum of 1 meeting and 1 work party before the Fair. To verify attendance, please check in with your Booth Coordinator at the General Meeting and at work parties. During the Fair, individuals/groups participate by conducting workshops, demonstrations, presentations, staffing their booth or other areas, attending the morning circle (not required, but appreciated), and  participating in the Village sweep two of the four nights, Thursday through Sunday, one of which must be Saturday.

BOOTHS * GROUPS * BOOTH COORDINATORS: A booth is made up of organizations, cooperative businesses, associations and individuals sharing a common theme. Each Booth has a contact person (Booth Coordinator) who acts as a liaison between the group and the Village. All participants work together to form a cohesive booth that reflects their work in the community.
A booth coordinator, selected by booth participants, should have a minimum of 2 years village membership, and must already be participating in the booth. Booth coordinators are responsible for the smooth operation of their individual booths. They facilitate networking among groups, participants and Council. Booth coordinators monitor meeting and work party attendance for their booth members. They will then determine a member’s participation eligibility. Booth Coordinators are responsible for sweeping their Booth, loft, and Booth camping area. (Please see expanded Booth Coordinators Responsibilities document for more information.)

BOOTH EMPOWERMENT: (This item is up for review following the 2009 Fair)
Due to special circumstances (i.e. long travel distance) a Booth may alter meeting and work party attendance guidelines of an eligible Booth participant. The expectation is that someone from each Booth will attend 2 work parties and 2 meetings for each camping pass the Booth receives. The Booth should reach consensus on exempting a person from work and attendance and be willing to pick up the slack for them. Booth Empowerment only deals with work party and Village meeting attendance and Pass/wristband distribution, not eligibility.

MEETINGS – GENERAL: General Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 pm. There are no General Meetings in July or August or December. September through November meetings are possible. Be sure to check the calendar web page for any updates. Childcare is provided for most General Meetings.

SOUTH SATELLITE MEETING: The Village approves defining a virtual South Satellite Meeting as an official meeting counting towards the 2 meeting eligibility requirement. 2/8/2018

MEETINGS – COUNCIL: Council meets on the Thursday night the week following the General Meeting (or the third Thursday. of the month when no General Meeting is scheduled.) Council meetings are open to any Village member.

MEETINGS – NEW MEMBERS: A new members’ orientation meeting is held at 6:30pm, immediately preceding the general meeting in March – June only. People with 3 years or less participation in the Village are strongly encouraged to attend. After a break, this meeting is revived in 2018.

MEETINGS – DECISIONS AFTER APRIL MEETING: Items requiring decision by the Village will not be placed on the agenda for the May and June meetings without the consent of the Village.
This item was removed 11-9-17 via the consent of Villagers as expressed HERE.

WORK PARTIES: Community Village work parties are scheduled for several weekends before the Fair, generally the first weekend in June. Once onsite, check in with your Booth Coordinator. Bring your own drinking water, food, mosquito repellent, or tools that you will need. It is a construction site – heavy shoes are recommended.

WORKSHOPS & DEMOS: All workshops and demonstrations must be scheduled by May 1, so that the schedule may be compiled and submitted to the Peach Pit in time for publication.

EVERYBODY “CREWS”: Congratulations! Everyone in the Village is a member of the Clean Up Crew, Sweep Crew, Construction Crew, Village Fire Crew, Security of the Village Crew, Recycling Crew, Flower Crew, OM circle… You are great and if we all work together and contribute nobody gets burned out!

THE SWEEP: is conducted around 7 pm each evening, Wednesday through Sunday, to clear the Fair of the public. Booth Coordinators are responsible for sweeping their Booth, loft, and Booth camping area. The participation of every Villager is necessary to ensure that valuable, limited resources are not depleted by uninvited guests and to insure that the Fair stays within its allowed limits. Every Community Village person with a camping pass will do two sweeps, one on Saturday night. Let your coordinator know which one you will be doing.

SNEAKERS POLICY: The Fair and Village policy reads: “Failure to cooperate with the sweep may result in probation, expulsion, or suspension.”

INFORMATION & SERVICES section #3

PASSES: Each Booth is empowered, with the help of their Council liaison, to determine who, among the eligible participants, receives available passes. Diversity, reflecting the world and Village participation are assessed toward pass allocation. For pass allocation only, “Booth” is defined as those groups and individuals who participated in the Fair the previous year. In all other cases, “Booth” is defined as those participating in the current year. The Village is given a limited number of passes to give out to its participants. Each group is permitted a Maximum of: two (2) Worker Pass/wristbands; OR one (1) Worker Pass/wristband and 3 Day passes; OR 6 Day Passes. Registration usually begins 3 weeks before the start of the Fair; each group should return its payment for passes to its Booth Coordinator before then unless other arrangements are made with the Booth Coordinator. The Booth Coordinators will distribute receipts for passes to the groups/individuals. Please pay close attention to any date changes about registration.

REGISTRATION TIMELINE:
Any booth that has not met the May 30 registration deadline may have one or more passes applied to the wait list from the allocation of the booth that year.
Any booth that has not met the emergency registration deadline of the end of the June in-town Village meeting  will have one or more passes applied to the wait list from the allocation of the booth that year.
Any changes as the result of this process will not affect future year’s pass allocations.
Our Guidelines include this expectation of all Booth Coordinators: “Collect registration forms and fees…”
Booth Coordinators who repeatedly fail to meet the deadline may face consequences from the Village Coordinating Council.
“Booth” includes council, areas, and any other registration group.
“Registration” means submission to the Registration Coordinator of all completed registration forms and all funds due.

ADMISSIONS: You will need to bring picture ID in order to receive your pass. Bringing your village receipt is helpful, though not strictly necessary. Only you can pick up your pass. Pass changes should be made prior to the Sunday before the Fair; changes made after that point might not be accommodated, though cancellations are accepted up to the event.

WRISTBANDS: Wristbands will be distributed at the Community Village Admissions Booth. Wednesday through Sunday you will not be allowed to enter the Fair without your pass/wristband. The non-transferable Pass/wristband allows a person 11 or older to camp Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, as well as to attend the Fair, and the Barter Fair. Anyone 11 or older on the OCF grounds must have a visible Pass/wristband. A photo ID is available onsite as an alternative, at an additional cost.

SIGNIFICANT OTHER PASSES: SOPs are defined by the Oregon Country Fair as “a person who shares your tent”. Historically the Village has been allotted one SOP for each 3 Worker Pass/wristbands.

YOUTH & TEEN PASSES: All youth, 11-18, must have a Pass/wristband. Teens, age 14-18 must have either a Fair Teen Crew Pass/wristband or a CV Teen Pass/wristband through the Village. Check the OCF family website (see OCF CONTACT INFO below) for Teen Crew application info. The earlier you ask the fair for a Teen Crew pass (rather than a teen camping pass) the more likely you can get one. 2009 Teen Crew application deadline is April 15.

VEHICLES: Vehicle stickers are required for all vehicles parked on site overnight. Vehicles without stickers will be towed. Historically the Village has been allotted 1 vehicle pass for every 2 Worker Pass/wristbands. Oversize vehicle passes (for RV or buses) may also be available.

T-SHIRTS: Community Village t-shirts may be purchased each year. Order forms (which include the purchase deadline, prices, and other info) are posted on the CV website and available at meetings.

CAMPING: All villagers receiving a wristband must submit a completed camp form (available online) to the Community Village Camping Coordinator by Village Registration weekend. Fill up lofts and space in or behind your Booth first. Before you set up your tent pick up your camping tag from your camp host. If you are camping in the Village, check in with the camping coordinator at the Village Info Booth. Every tent must have a tent tag displayed on the outside of your tent. All camping gear in or near Booths must be stored out of public sight by 8 am. Tent occupancy should reflect tent size. IN GENERAL, CAMPING IN THE VILLAGE IS LIMITED TO THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHTS. Camping on Sunday night is limited to members working in the Village on Monday. Those remaining on Monday must have their camp broken down by 10AM. Check in with your Booth Coordinator.

FLOWERS: Bring flowers to add color and beauty to the booths. Bring extra for other booths! Everyone is on the “Village Flower Crew”.

BOOTH RECONSTRUCTION: The Community Village construction coordinator will flag Booths needing attention. Pressure treated wood, plastic, and plywood are not allowed. THE VILLAGE CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR MUST BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY REPAIR OR RECONSTRUCTION WORK IS BEGUN. OCF CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES MUST BE FOLLOWED. These are available online. Please RETURN ALL BORROWED TOOLS to where you got them, the Come-Unity House or the Village Info Booth. Each booth should have a Construction Liaison designated to insure good communication with the Village Construction Coordinator.

ARCHAEOLOGY: (From the OCF Guidelines, 2009) “The OCF property is the home of many important archaeological sites protected by state law. Ground disturbance on these sites requires a state-issued permit. All ground disturbing activities, including replacement of existing in-ground structures, must be approved by archaeology and construction crews. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including probation, suspension and expulsion from OCF property.”

LOFTS are for the use of Booth participants only. Children should be accompanied anywhere above ground level. All ladders need to be removed after the fair and nailed or chained in the loft. Removable loft floors must be taken up and stored after the fair each year.

CHILD CARE: The Little People Booth provides children with a quality experience and care. Check with coordinators for time and age limits.

YOUTH BOOTH: provides a hang out space and facilitates ways for Fair family youth to feel included and be of service to the Village. They are compensated with cash or food vouchers by fulfilling villagers’ requests for assistance.

ELDER STATUS INFORMATION: Country Fair participants are eligible for Elders Status after reaching 55 years of age and 20 years of documented Fair volunteer activity.  You should be keeping your own records of pass holding years, and the booth and booth coordinator information to verify your claim.  John Flanery (registration coordinator in 2021) can confirm your participation history for 2004 through 2008 and 2012 through 2019, and may be able to help you with 2001 through 2003 for Community Village information.

WATER/TOILETS: The Village has filtered water for drinking located on the Peace & Justice side of the ComeUnity House. Hand-washing is available by all toilet areas. The closest one to the village is in Shady Grove. While there are men’s and women’s urinals near Shady Grove, it may sometimes be quicker to use the toilets in Politics Park at Main Stage. There is a children’s potty in our Little People booth.

DIRECTORY: The Village Directory will contain a bird’s eye map of the village on one side with the booths listed, as well as the name of each group in each booth with a contact name and number. This proves excellent for post-fair networking. Copies will be located at the CV Information booth.

SIGNS & BANNERS: Connect with the Signs and Banners Coordinator during booth breakdown at our meetings or at the work parties. You have to make the signs, but they will help you with paint, wood and material. Please contact the signs and banner people early so they can best help you.

ENTERTAINMENT: Village entertainment is scheduled by our Entertainment Coordinator, part of AREAS.

MORNING CIRCLE: The Village meets every morning at 10 am, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday for gathering & announcements of the day. It gladdens the heart to see many folks at the Village morning circle. The Fair opens at 11am.

OPENING and CLOSING CIRCLE: Join us Friday morning immediately following the morning circle and Sunday evening after sweep for a final circle led by Spirit Booth to welcome and end this year’s Fair with love.

OM Circle, Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. history: “om” is a cosmic vibration for peace and unity. The Vision is to physically encircle and embrace the entire fair with Om.
OM Song (sung to the tune of Folsom Prison Blues)
“Hear that OM a comin’, Comin’ round the Eight,
No matter what I’m doin’, I will not hesitate,
to join that Holy Chorus, when it comes around.
Love that Sunday mornin’, when the OM goes Down.”

CLEANUP AND RECYCLING: Remember the Goal is a WASTE FREE FAIR! “Pack it in – Pack it out”. During the Fair, recycling barrels are provided. Consider bringing reusable dishes to cut down on waste. Before or after the Fair, there is no garbage or recycling service available – pack everything out! All Booths will cut non-recyclable wood to 16 inch firewood size and/or leave for pick up. The last pick up is early Friday morning before the Fair opens. All large items such as couches, chairs, foams, tables and rugs must be hauled out and not left in the fair garbage. Volunteer to be a Waste Warrior and help staff the recycling kiosks on Sunday night. The Community Village is a flood zone. Everything must be secured against or placed above flood level. (See Booth Coordinator Responsibilities) As far as Post Fair cleanup is concerned, ALL MUST BE PERFECT!”

GROUND COVER: All straw and other ground cover must be removed from the Village, Booths and camping areas after the Fair. (See the OCF Guidelines.)

REFORESTATION: BRUSH CUTTING IS NOT PERMITTED, AND IS GROUNDS FOR OCF PROBATION. Use existing campsites. Encourage growth of natural barriers between camps and elsewhere. Please observe and respect areas roped off for reforestation.

PETITIONS: can be offered for signature in the Village as long as they do not support or oppose a candidate for office, a ballot measure, or specific legislation.

VENDING: The Community Village is not a sales or fundraising area of the Fair. Only the Village Restaurant and Cooperative Fruit are permitted sales in the Village. See special note regarding sales of Village T-shirts

4 HUGS PER DAY: is the minimum required for basic human maintenance. As the population increases the minimum daily hug requirement (mdhr) also increases!

NUDITY: Folks are required to cover their genitals in public places during public hours.

RAIN: When it is not raining, there can be no plastic visible to the public. Sometimes you will need to prepare for a rainy fair. Plastic for upstairs floor, tarps to cover area, clear sheets of plastic for wall displays (thus papers and display don’t get wet and the rain runs down the plastic)

GRIEVANCE PROCESS: The goal of the Grievance process is clarification, understanding, and resolution as early in the process as possible. The person who perceives a problem 1) talks with the person seen as causing the problem or not following an agreed upon process; 2)talks with their Booth coordinator; 3) talks with their Booth as a group; 4) talks with their Council Booth liaison; 5) talks with the Council as a group. The Council has the authority to impose consequences; 6) brings the issue to a Village meeting to appeal a Council decision, consequence, or for further discussion; 7) files an OCF grievance procedure if needed. The OCF Grievance Committee can often help you with a neutral mediator if needed.

SAFETY section #4

Items in this section should be thought of as “rules” rather than “guidelines.” Thank you.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE & FIRST AID: Stay calm; do not become part of the problem. We have a minor first aid kit at the Info Booth. White Bird is on E 13th just before Main Stage. For more help, contact Fair Central via telephone in CV Info. Fair Central will contact appropriate crew or services as necessary. Describe clearly: what is happening; where help is needed; what help is needed.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL: The OCF adheres to federal and state laws.  In 1997, the OCF Board adopted a drug and alcohol free policy. Alcohol consumption is not allowed in public places during public hours.

FIRE: EVERYONE is on the Village Fire crew! All camping areas have fire exits. The camping coordinator will point out fire exits when you are shown where to camp.  Fire exits are for emergency use only. All Booths and camping areas must have a shovel and two 5 gallon buckets filled with water and burlap bags in each. Know where the buckets are and be sure they are filled. (Buckets and bags provided by the Village, the Booth supplies the shovel) All camping areas and booths must have a 5lb ABC fire extinguisher.
In case of fire, send someone with knowledge about the fire to the Information booth to contact Fair Central to give clear directions to the fire’s location. Simultaneously, take action to put out the fire. Use whichever is closer: wet burlap bags or fire extinguisher. You can beat a smoldering fire out with wet burlap bags. If using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS” –Pull Aim Squeeze & Sweep. Hold onto the fire extinguisher, pull the pin, and aim the hose at the base of the fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep the hose so the spray can hit the base of the fire. “PASS”. They are only effective for about 10 seconds.
No unenclosed or unattended candles or lanterns!

CAMPFIRES: Community Village has a village campfire Saturday night, if approved by the OCF Fire Marshall. A responsible adult from Community Village must monitor the fire at all times with 2 water buckets, wet burlap bags and shovel within reach. The water hose must be ready for use, as well. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CAMPING AREAS

LANTERNS & LIGHT: Unenclosed and unattended candles are not allowed at the Fair; fire danger is too high. If using the beautiful paper lanterns, illuminate with a flashlight or a glow stick. Other options at night are LED battery powered holiday lights, solar lights, and other personal lights without flames. Remember, light is alive.

SAFE SEX: Free condoms are available at the Village Health & Healing Booth and WhiteBird.

WILD CHILDREN: Although we collectively try to cope with youth energy this does not eliminate the need for parental responsibility. From the OCF guidelines: “Youth, 18 and under, found by Fair management to be under-supervised and in unsafe situations will result in a one year suspension for the responsible adult listed with the youth’s pass. Further incidents involving youth and the same adult will result in a permanent expulsion of the adult from the OCF.” If you see inappropriate behavior, be a responsible adult; intervene/redirect the energy. If you are not able to do this find someone who can. “A better way to restructure young people’s perception about behavior and relationships is adult modeling and practicing warm, genuine connection with young people. This means adults playing with young people and going in some positive direction that the young people want to go in.” – Kerin Hoag 3/10/91

SUN: Avoid overexposure. Drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruit to avoid dehydration. Note: irritation is the first sign of dehydration. Get enough rest.

NO SMOKING in Community Village. Don’t be shy about asking visitors to extinguish cigarettes, just be polite and refer them to the nearest designated smoking areas, where the ashtrays are, between Shady Grove and the Junction. .

OCF INFORMATION section #5

LOST & FOUND: Return all tools or anything else you find to the Info Booth. After the Fair, all lost items are taken to the Fair office. A Lost Item form is available on the OCF family website.

OCF GUIDELINES: (OCF Guidelines are Rules, that must be followed, not guidelines which one may fudge): “Failure to abide by the Oregon Country Fair Code of Conduct, the Guidelines, or State, County and Federal laws may result in expulsion from the Fair, Booth penalty, removal from staff position, termination of membership, or being turned over to the proper officers of the law, as the situation requires…” All people receiving a pass should be familiar with the OCF Guidelines, available on the OCF website.

HUMANISTIC INTERVENTION: Training is offered to all by the Fair. It is strongly encouraged that all Villagers attend human intervention training. All persons with a Staff T-shirt are required to attend annually. They usually are on the last Sunday in June. Check the calendar published in the OCF Guidelines.

FAIR FAMILY NEWS AND OCF MEMBERSHIP: To receive the Fair Family News and/or become a Fair member (to vote for Board Members, referendum questions, and  the Jill Heiman Vision Fund category at the Annual Meeting, contact the Fair office. To be a voting member, you must have participated in one of the last two Fairs (does not include SOPs) and be registered 30 days prior to the election.  See the OCF calendar for current dates and deadlines.

OCF BOARD OF DIRECTORS meets the first Monday of each month (except July) at 7 pm in the EWEB Community Room, Eugene. Due to the Labor Day holiday, check the calendar on the Fair website or in the Fair Family News for the date and location of the September board meeting.
OCF CONTACT INFO:
OCF, 442 Lawrence Street Eugene, OR 97401
office@oregoncountryfair.net 
(541) 343-4298.
OCF public website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.org
Fair Family website: http://www.oregoncountryfair.net

VILLAGE CONTACT INFO:
Village website: http://www.communityvillageocf.org

(The following info changes year to year) 
2018:

Mail: Samuel Rutledge, 512 Heywood Ave, Eugene, OR 97404
Village Ear: 541-521-7208
Email: ocfcvcc@gmail.com


Expectations for Booth Coordinators (BCs)

    • Read and be familiar with the Country Fair guidelines, available at the OCF office.
    • Read and be familiar with the Village guidelines, and make sure all booth members understand the Village guidelines.
    • Understand eligibility criteria; insure all booth members submit eligibility form.
    • Comment on eligibility form regarding groups and individuals, RE: contributions so far this year, contributions in previous years, eligibility of group, etc.
    • Be accessible by phone to booth members and council liaison.
    • Be a member of a group, or an individual, in the booth they represent.
    • Take attendance and facilitate during booth breakdown, or arrange/appoint an alternate.
    • Participate in booth coordinator meetings or send an alternate.
    • Find out from alternate what happened.
    • Identify and record their group’s contacts and make sure they all have all necessary information.
    • Help with outreach by aiding new group’s entry coming into the Village.
    • Help with networking by being the coordinator for groups and individuals in the booth, aiding in the communication and cooperation among them.
    • Encourage group members to participate in the planning process and build cohesiveness in the booth.
    • Encourage development of displays and demonstrations within the booth.
    • Help encourage and coordinate workshops from your booth for the fair.
    • Communicate regularly with your council liaison.
    • Collect registration forms and fees; distribute the day pass and camping pass receipts.
    • Help coordinate use of living space around the booth. Loft space must be filled before camping spaces are allotted.
    • Attend workparties and take roll of members of the booth attending workparties, or appoint an alternate for this task.
    • Coordinate booth staffing during the fair and anything else that comes up that needs doing.
    • Help with the sweep each evening, encouraging others to help with this important part of village responsibility and tradition.
    • Help with needed cleanup after the fair.
    • Have participated in the Village at least two years and with the booth one year, or co-coordinate.
    • Notify council of booth members who do not earn their pass.
    • Hold at least one booth meeting not during village meetings unless circumstances forbid.
    • Coordinate construction on booth:
      • Get diagnosis from construction coordinator or other qualified person as early as possible.
      • For major projects, arrange preparation of written plans and cost estimates by Feb. 1st.
      • Extract commitments for projects.
      • Draw from talents of booth members whenever possible.

CONSENSUS REACHED List

from 11-2015 to … up to date, 11/2023

Village Meeting Time – November 2023

Consensus: Agree to move meeting time to 6:30-8:30 for all of 2024, or reconsider again earlier if needed, or if the venue is unavailable. CONSENSUS REACHED!

Village Decon Process – April 2023

Consented to authorize Council to enact this plan:
Booths and Coord be allowed to propose someone from booth to staff Sunday at end of Fair to Tuesday AM to pack up stage, remove bamboo planters, gathering sign for long term storage and other non-booth infrastructure. That effort would fulfill eligibility requirement of 2 pre-Fair work parties. They would also be fed during their time working, Sunday dinner to Tuesday lunch, and allowed to stay camped onsite.

Allow Chicken to be served at Cafe Mundo – April 2023

Consented to allow free range, organic chicken along with vegetarian meals, all kept separate, from this restaurant (Café Mundo) going forward..

November 10, 2022

Consensus: CV Coordinating Council members are confirmed.

Council Members Standing: Tim, Nathan, Karla, Diane, Omo, Sara, David. Shadows: Banjo Mike, Kelsey

Additional shadows will be invited to sign on in January.

October 13, 2022
Consent to allow Shadows to be recruited and joined in January of 2023. CONSENTED.

Because Council numbers only 7 this year and there is much to do, this POLICY allows us the option of soliciting Shadows in January 2023 to help with Council duties, experience working with Council, and perhaps enjoying Council perks if worked for.

March 11, 2021

ELDER STATUS INFORMATION… Consensus reached March 11, 2021

Following discussion on this proposed addition to our Guidelines from Jain Elliott, we consented to add this to the Guidelines at the March 11, 2021 Village Meeting:
“Country Fair participants are eligible for Elders Status after reaching 55 years of age and 20 years of documented Fair volunteer activity. You should be keeping your own records of pass holding years, and the booth and booth coordinator information to verify your claim. John Flanery (registration coordinator in 2021) can confirm your participation history for 2004 through 2008 and 2012 through 2019, and may be able to help you with 2001 through 2003 for Community Village information.”


October 10, 2019

See related discussion HERE (soon).

Council Selection Process…Consensus reached Oct 10, 2019

It is understood that as a community, we will resolve our issues with one another in a timely manner.

  1. STAND FOR COUNCIL
    People will stand for Council this coming January of 2020, but for future years people stand for Council at the October Community Village meeting (beginning October 2020).
  2. EXPRESS CONCERNS, IF THERE ARE ANY
    A Villager (and/or advocate if needed) with concerns about a person standing for Council must notify that person within 1 week of the CVDrum posting of those standing for Council. Parties shall discuss and resolve issues by phone or in person, (email is not recommended).
  3. FACILITATED DIALOGUE
    If concerns persist:
    * parties notify Council that dialogue has not resolved issues, and
    * either party requests facilitated dialogue from CeDaR. CeDaR is the fair’s conflict resolution team that focuses on interpersonal disputes between fair family members. CeDaR volunteers are professionally trained mediators from the Center for Dialogue and Resolution, a nonprofit agency located at 1400 Cross St. Eugene 541- 344-5366.
    *If facilitated dialogue is not requested within three weeks after the stand for Council the person standing will be confirmed to council.
    *CeDaR will arrange a time and place.
    *CeDaR will provide to Council the final written agreement.
  4. ARBITRATION
    If issues are not resolved within 7 weeks, arbitration is requested from the Village Resource Group. The Village Resource Group will be made up of people who have been in the village for at least 3 years; and at least 3 of whom must be present for the arbitration. (Village Resource Group will be further defined and developed.) Village Resource Group members will recuse themselves if they have a conflict of interest. They will seek appropriate training.  (The Fair offers trainings in conflict resolution and arbitration each October).  The arbitrators will listen to both parties and decide the outcome. OUTCOME IS BINDING. This will happen before the second meeting following the stand for Council.
  5. VILLAGE WELCOMES NEW COUNCIL
    The Village welcomes the new Council the second meeting after the stand for Council.
    In 2020, Council will stand at January meeting and be welcomed by March. Subsequently, Council will stand in October (2020 and on) and be welcomed in January of the following year.

June 13, 2019

Moon Lodge request to be given Booth Status.
After 2 months of discussion during April and June 2019 meetings…

The question was called and no one expressed further concerns. Consensus was reached: Moon Lodge is now a Booth.


April 11, 2019

Pass Proposal for Crew Equity

Arthur again outlined his proposal to request equitable pass prices/SO ratio for our booths/crews who do the same work as Fair crews who’s passes are free. Details HERE. It would result in the Village getting over 20 additional SO passes, and affected crew passes would be free. Fair crews worker/SO ration is 4/3, in the Village it’s 3/1. Part 2 of the proposal (how to distribute the pass cost savings) will be discussed further.

CONSENSUS WAS REACHED. Arthur will deliver this proposal to the Council for submission to the Fair.


January 10, 2019

Sound Enhancement

Joe hopes to apply his expertise to provide unobtrusive, wireless hearing aid / FM signals to amplify sound for the hearing impaired. Possible goals include a loop of wire in the house loft that can generate a wireless signal to people in the House with certain hearing aids. The amplified sound would come from the stage sound board, or a special microphone. Jowe also talked about generating some FM signal, about using it to amplify Village Green speakers or events, tu use in the yurt, whatever is appropriate.

He was asked if he wanted Village money? Would it look obtrusive, wires hanging around? Is there signage so users know? (yes)

Maybe we could have a ‘silent rage’.

The Village consented to allow Joe to move forward with his plans. Financial support was not determined.


June 14, 2018

Village T-shirt sales in the Village

“T-shirt sales will be allowed to continue as they have, low key and out of public view, in the Village.”

Outer Limits Parking Sticker Distribution

“Outer Limits parking stickers will be distributed via the ratio of vehicle stickers allocated to each booth. For example, if 1 of every 8 stickers is Outer Limits, each booth would get 1 Outer Limit sticker for each 7 regular stickers.”


April 12, 2018

Creation of Kids’ Council

Proposal re: kids council: suggestion of creating a council of kids (8ish – 12ish) to advise the village, especially in respect to kids’ issues. Youth power will advise, kids to report to the village at least once a year. Consensus reached.


Feb 8, 2018

Council authorized to develop late registration policy

“The Village directs the council and/or booth coords to create a policy by which one or more passes may be applied to the wait list from the allocation of a booth that has not met the registration deadline.” – with the understanding that “booth” includes council, areas, and any other registration group.”

Go HERE to read the policy

Allows for a virtual, remote South meeting

SOUTH SATELLITE MEETING: The Village approves defining a virtual South Satellite Meeting as an official meeting counting towards the 2 meeting eligibility requirement.

Amends Eligibility Guideline to codify requirements for activist individuals to participate in the Village

ELIGIBILITY: Eligible groups are democratically managed, have a cooperative focus, are responsive to community input, promote social change, are non-partisan and non-sectarian, and make a positive contribution to the community. Eligible individuals engage the public on subjects promoting the above values, both at and outside the Fair, or perform other activities approved by the Village as eligible. All groups, and individuals not performing activities approved as eligible, must submit a completed eligibility form to their Booth Coordinator by the second Wednesday in April. Eligibility is determined by the Eligibility Committee (which is open to everyone).

– Creates a temporary OCF 50th Anniversary Ideas Committee

50th Anniversary (2019) Celebration Ideas
We brainstormed a bunch of ideas, all of the Village centered, that is, they will happen in the Village. At the end we Consented to
create the 50th Anniversary Idea Committee to develop and present up to 10 ideas for the Village to choose from
at the March meeting



Remove Guideline: MEETINGS – DECISIONS AFTER APRIL MEETING

The village reached consensus 11/9/2017. Arthur stood aside.

“Village consents to remove guideline recommending rule against making decisions after April and directs the council to be vigilant about the village’s time especially in regards to eligibility and the logistical needs of pre-fair meetings when setting village meeting agendas.”


Eligibility Forms for Designated Service Booths
October 2017

“Service Booths shall be exempt from the standard eligibility form, and instead are required to use an internal, booth oriented eligibility process, subject to periodic review by the Eligibility Task Force or Coordinating Council. These booths are: Restaurant, Cooperative Fruit, Info booth, Little Village, AAAA, Youth Power and Areas.”


Village Expansion Proposal
November 2015

We spent the majority of the time talking about the list and the committee who would be tasked with communicating and designing with Path Planning. In the end  we reached consensus on the following:

1: We as a village are empowering a committee to design the new village space with Path Planning, provided that the committee adheres to the following three lists while doing so: A list of mandatory criteria regarding the design of the space, a list of conditions that must be followed for village to move forward with the new space, and a wish list of design elements we hope come to fruition.

2: The mandatory criteria list for the committee is as follows. The design must be:

  • Safe for children
  • Preserve green space
  • Have appropriate space for our customary workshop and will ideally be quiet
  • Quiet space for reflection
  • No booth will be forced to move outside of the already existing village consensus process for movement of booths
  • A plan in place to secure existing camping space
  • The design will inspire, excite, and educate
  • Ideally will create new village camping space
  • Will have a narrow entrance and a slow flow of traffic

3. The list of mandatory conditions that will be followed for our consent stand is as follows:

  • Village committee will develop the design and have an ongoing voice in implementation
  • Peace Parker area will be nonsmoking
  • The design will have a narrow entrance and slow traffic flow
  • Capital for the project will come from OCF
  • Village committee’s involvement will be ongoing

4. The wish list for the area includes:

  • The new entrance can be closed at night

March 3, 2010

Always Room for New Agenda

Community Village Meeting Agenda proposal
“Each village meeting agenda prepared by council shall specify where to add new topics. Any village member may add a topic during agenda review. If more than one new topic is added the facilitator decides their order. New topics are discussed only if time permits. Other changes to the agenda require the consent of the Village. Extended discussion of the agenda is not appropriate; if concerns arise around changing the agenda then it’s not changed.

Raised by John Flanery. 

Consensed without further discussion.