Volunteer Expectations

Open and Clear Communications

In the spirit of keeping it real and over-communicating, we offer the following guidelines to help set out mutual expectations.

We hope this helps give you a more complete understanding of how we can work and play well together.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Values We Are Looking For

• Thoughtfulness & consideration

• Frugality & responsible consumption

• Laughter and a sense of humor

• Great attitude with an open mind

• Self-motivation, independence and initiative

• Good work habits, diligence and focus

• Clear and honest communication

• Adaptation and flexibility

• Cleaning up after yourself & putting things away

• Respectful use of appliances and tools

• Talents, skills and interests 

Basic Expectations

 ● We believe in open, clear and honest communication.

 ● You will live here as a "family member" with full access, rights and responsibilities.

 ● Take a day after your arrival to orient,  rest, relax, then hit the ground walking (fast).

 ● There is only one rule we all try our best to follow:  Leave everything better than you found it (for all definitions of "thing")

 ● We expect you to have fun and enjoy your stay, but we also expect that you will help us with  maintenance and projects.

 ● We need about 5 hours of help a day during the week (usually in the mornings). And often some assistance in evening preparing meals and cleaning up.

● We  meet at 9am daily during the week to go over the plan for the day and answer any questions.

 ● We take a 30-60 minute "pause" around 2pm and on hot afternoons and enjoy a relaxing happy hour between 6-7pm.

 ● Weekends are entirely yours.

 ● We may also host other friends, family and guests during your stay.

Meals

 ● You may use our refrigerator as your own but please ask before you use-up anything and replace anything you use.

 ● You are welcome to self-serve alcoholic drinks (in moderation) but we ask you to either replace what you use or make a donation for us to replace it.

 ● Breakfasts & lunches are usually self-serve.

 ● Let us know in advance if you will join and help with group meals in the evening, usually around 7-8pm.

 ● Purchase and prepare for any special dietary needs you may have.

Accommodations

● You will have your own private room.  It is rustic but comfortable and yours to maintain at whatever level makes you comfortable.

 ● We ask that you manage your own laundry, room organization and cleanliness level to your own preferences.

 ● We will provide whatever supplies you need to maintain your own space.

 ● When you leave, please leave your space clean and organized for the next guest.

Interaction

● Let us know what level of social and personal interaction you need from us, from other guests and neighbors. We are very flexible but try to let us know in advance what your interaction comfort level expectations and needs will be.

Project & Task Work

 ● After you are settled in, we will create a prioritized project & task list for you to choose what to work on and how you will  schedule your time.

 ● There will be times where we require your flexibility to switch projects or tasks to address shifting priorities as needed by unforeseen factors, visitors or events.

 ● Some projects we will work on together from a plan, other work may be independent and self directed.

 ● You will set your own work schedule. We care more about about what you get done and showing concrete positive results from your efforts, than tracking the time you put in or when you do it.

 ● Let us know in advance of each day if you need a schedule change or have travel plans or other commitments so we can plan accordingly.

 ● We need self-motivated help, strive to be as independent as possible.

Living Together

 ● We strive to maintain a low carbon footprint. Please be reasonably frugal with our resources. (electricity, supplies, food, beverages, etc...)

 ● Please put everything back in the place it came from when you are done using it.

 ● Leave bathrooms and the kitchen clean for other guests. The shower glass needs to be wiped down dry after use (or calcium stains the glass)

   ● We try to limit our trips into town to once or twice a week and you are welcome to join.

 ● Let us know if you have any questions or needs we have not discussed.

 ● Have fun! Enjoy the house, pets, property, neighbors and local sights.

See the following links to learn more about the Pristava volunteer experience.

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