Towards Integral Non-violence: Regenerative Living in an Ecovillage in Southern Italy

CODE: IT-SCI W10.9

Work

The study will consist of a more theoretical and a more practical session, both interactive: the first will focus on a possible paradigm of Integral Non-violence, the second on principles and methods of regenerative agriculture. There will also be opportunities for less formal learning about Yoga, vegan cuisine, and green building.

The work, organized into two shifts of up to three hours each in the morning and afternoon, will first include mechanical weeding and pruning, and then focus on harvesting the olives donated each year by approximately 560 ancient trees. This will be followed by transportation to the mill and sowing the green manure for the soil's natural nourishment cycle.

Accommodation and food

People participating in the volunteer camp will be housed in yurts (one for men, one for women, and a mixed one based on their preferences) with mattresses and foutons: they will be required to bring their own sleeping bag and/or sheets, pillowcase, and towels. Only compost toilets and outdoor/indoor showers (heated with solar energy or wood) are available. In the kitchen, separate from the living quarters and the beating heart of the ecovillage where they prepare and eat together, volunteers will be able to access electrical outlets to charge their electronic devices. At the beginning of the camp, self-managed cleaning shifts will be set in circle and by consensus.

Location and leisure

The volunteer camp will take place at the Giardino della Gioia Ecovillage, in the seaside town of Torre Mileto, a short distance from San Nicandro Garganico, in the province of Foggia.

The Ecovillage Garden of Joy is a wonderful place, affiliated with various local, national, and international networks, which has welcomed visitors, volunteers, seminars, and retreats since 2011. It is a true oasis of frugal and laborious peace in an immense centuries-old olive grove among the mountains and beaches of Gargano, Puglia, where syntropic agriculture, synergistic horticulture, green building, vegan cuisine, arts, wood-baking and spiritual quest are practiced. During the volunteer camp, participants will be supporting in several tasks, especially agricultural ones, necessary for the food and energy self-sufficiency of the resident community.

During their free time, volunteers will be able, independently or with their local partner, to go to the beach or visit nearby caves, hermitages, towers and lakes. There will also be an excursion to a beautiful shell beach.

Requirements

As this is outdoor and open-air work, the work-camp is not indicated for people who are allergic to pellitory, olive, or other native plants. The type of work will involve at least some degree of physical effort: volunteers are therefore encouraged to bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Two dogs and three cats also live in the ecovillage.
Special documents required: It's mandatory to attach a motivational letter to participate in the camp.

Note: Open for volunteers with children