APPLICATION: Before acceptance into the Synergy Farms Membership Program, Members candidates complete an application, sign a Waiver of Liability form and references are reviewed. There’s a $25 non-refundable application fee that is used towards your security deposit if you’re accepted into our program. False information provided by Members leads to termination of their contract. Management provides orientation interview outlining work program, community rules and ethics. Upon acceptance, a minimum of $200 or one month’s tuition based on length of commitment (which ever is greater) is used as a security deposit and is required to hold your space, $200 of which is non-refundable if you are unable to make it or chose not to show up.

CONSCIOUS COMMUNICATIONS GROUP: Members are required to participate in our weekly 90-minute communications group where we learn how to honor and respect each other’s consciousness by incorporating non-violent, compassionate communications, active listening, voice dialogue centering and other consciousness awakening psychotechnologies into our lives and communications with each other. Group meets Monday, 7PM and is free to Community Members.  Monetary, time, energy and others donations are very welcome.  Suggested donation $10-$25. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Each community member contributes a minimum of 10 hours community service each week Service includes but is not limited to the following: cleaning, organizing, repairing, maintenance, gardening, planting, weeding, harvesting, painting, remodeling, construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, water systems, ponds, pools, waterfalls, streams, dams, sewing, computer work, filing, clerical, sales, promotions, web sites, advertising, marketing, etc. We assign tasks based on your skill set, work experience and ability to perform tasks. You will be assigned to a specific department and given specific tasks and areas of responsibility during your stay with us.  Community service does not include cleaning up after oneself and includes (but isn’t limited to) the following:

EVENTS: Members may attend Synergy Community Farms events and classes at a discounted rate.  If presenter or organizer of the event consents, on-campus, permanent community members may attend free or at discounted rate in return for help with setup before and cleanup after. Many events are gender-balanced or of limited capacity, so you must attend on time and attend the entire event or you forfeit your right to participate in future events.

FIRE ZONE: Synergy Community Farms is located in a high fire zone. No freestanding candles are allowed to be burned. Candles manufactured in heat tolerate glass or containers permitted. No unattended fires are permitted. Please be careful when you cook and do not leave pots unattended.

FOOD AND OTHER STUFF: Member provides his or her own food, beverages, kitchen products, paper products, toilet paper, soaps, toiletries, personal effects, bedding, pillows, pillow cases, sheets, towels, supplies, batteries, flash lights, etc.

GUESTS: Members are not permitted to bring guests to the farm without prior written agreement by Management. Guests must sign a Waiver of Liability Agreement and commit to volunteer work and paid tuition in order to be on the property.. No guests are permitted during work hours unless they are donating work to the community. No overnight guests are allowed in Volunteer quarters. Overnight guests may be permitted (with prior approval and payment) for a reduced rate of at least $15 a night per person plus a commitment of at least 1 hour of volunteer work per day. All guests must be approved by Management on a per visit per day basis.

HOUSING: Most housing is dorm or private rooms with shared bath. All use shared kitchen. Members are assigned housing (room, bed, dorm) based on availability. Those who commit to 2 or 3 months receive preference in housing. Management reserves the right to relocate Members as necessary. All accommodations include bed, end table or dresser and lamp. Please note that housing is basic, simple, rustic and fairly small in size. Avoid bringing valuables or excessive items.

INSURANCE: Each Member is responsible for his or her own apartment, health, life and auto insurance.

KITCHEN: Member clearly marks food items in community kitchens with his or her name and arrival and departure dates or when food was purchased and may expire. Refrigerators are cleaned weekly and spoiled, smelly or ancient items may be thrown away unless clearly marked. Member is responsible to keep kitchen clean. Wash your own dishes, pots, pans, silverware, dry and put away before leaving the kitchen. Members may not leave items to soak nor take community cups or dishes to his or her own room.

LATE FEES: A $5.00 per day late fee per day is accessed for any late payments. A $30.00 overdraft fee is accessed for bounced checks. Late fees, fines, penalties and interest must be paid by noon on Saturday or lack of payment could result in cancellation of Community Membership.

LAUNDRY: Laundry is coin-operated. Members must not remove items they do not own from the laundry area. Members must bring a basket marked with their name to the laundry area in case someone else wants to use the washer or dryer and you’re not around. They may place unattended laundry in laundry basket if it is finished and they wish to do a load of laundry. Members are forbidden from removing laundry baskets from laundry room if they are not yours. They are responsible for their own soap, bleach, softeners, quarters. They must remove lint and place in proper containers and take empty laundry containers to the dumpster.

LINENS: You may bring your own linens or rent the following items at the following prices:

• Regular Pillow $10.00, Queen or King Pillow: $15.00

• Bolster pillow $20.00, Sm throw pillow $5.00, med $7.00, lg $10.00

• Twin Sheet set: $20.00, Twin Blanket: $20.00, Twin Bedspread, $25.00

• Full Sheet Set: $30.00, Full Bedspread $35.00, Full Blanket $25.00

• Queen Sheet Set $40.00, Queen Bedspread: $45.00, Queen Blanket $30.00

• King Sheet Set, $50.00, King Bedspread: $65.00, King Blanket $35.00

• Large Bath Towel: $10.00, Regular Bath Towel: $6.00, Beach Towel: $10.00

• Wash Cloth: $2.00, Hand Towel $3.00.

• Receive up to 80% back when items are returned in decent, useable condition.

• A 20% fee is retained as a cleaning fee.

MISSED HOURS: If Members cannot work any of their scheduled hours for any reason (illness, holidays, vacation, etc), they can make up any hours missed the following week or if unable to do so, pay $5.00 to Synergy Farms Community for every hour of work missed. Members must notify their supervisor if you are not able to work as the community relies on Volunteer work commitment for the completion of necessary tasks. Hours worked and monetary commitments must be paid by the end of the work day on Saturday to create a clean slate for the new week.

NO DRUGS, DRINKING, DRAMA, PETS, SMOKING: Synergy Community Farms is a spiritual growth, holistic health center and tantra temple. Guests and community members expect and deserve a quiet, peaceful, meditative environment in harmony with the beautiful nature that surrounds us. No smoking in rooms or permitted within 100 feet of any building or any other person. Smoke off property if you must smoke. No drugs permitted. No growing, selling or use of any illegal substances permitted. No abuse of any drugs, legal or illegal, permitted. No alcohol permitted in public areas. No drunken, slovenly or disorderly conduct permitted. No yelling or screaming permitted. No loud music that can be heard outside of your room/quarters permitted. No pets of any kind including birds, cats, dogs, fish, goats, pigs, horses, cows, etc. No guns.

NO VIOLENCE: If you are violent, yell or threaten, you’ll immediately be escorted off the property and be banished from the community. If Synergy Farms is required to evict a Member because of any illegal acts or acts of violence or theft, Member forfeits any monies paid or services rendered to the Community and agrees to not seek compensation.

ORIENTATION INTERVIEW: After completion of application, potential Members are scheduled for an orientation interview/review by two or more community members before admission to the community. Once interview is completed and if candidate is accepted, Member is a Probationary Member for three months and subject to a weekly review and renewal process.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Synergy Farms is not responsible for any personal property of Members, Community Members or Guests. Items left on the property after termination of Member by Management or if Member quits are considered abandoned and may be disposed of by Management upon departure of Member. Management will hold items left behind by accident for two weeks if space is available and will attempt to contact Member who leaves provided they have given us forwarding address they leave Synergy Farms.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All Members are on probation for the first three months. After three months, Members may apply for full time status. After one year, Member may be considered for permanent status.

SECURITY DEPOSIT: A minimum of $200 or one month’s tuition based on length of commitment (which ever is greater) is used as a security deposit and is required by Member before admission to the Residental Volunteer Program. Deposit will be returned after departure provided Member provides Synergy Farms with a forwarding address and housing room is left clean, undamaged and inventory complete.

SERVICE HOURS: Hours are scheduled by your supervisor/manager based on the tasks you’re required to perform. Most service is performed between the hours of 8AM to 2PM, Monday through Sunday (daily). Work hours are during those hours so Members can coordinate efforts and beat the afternoon heat. In addition, we work with Members so that their community commitment is complete by late morning or early afternoon and they are free to schedule other jobs, appointments and have time for fun. Members work closely with their Supervisor to schedule and make certain their time commitments to the community are rendered. The Community relies on its Members performing assigned tasks. Time cards and work week begin Sunday and end Saturday.

TANTRA TEMPLE: Temple services are held Sundays from 10 - 11:30 AM.  Focus in on meditation, healing and the core principals of the temple (see www.tantratheosophicalsociety.com).  Attendance by members is not required.  But attendance is taken and those who participate in temple services are more likely considered for long term membership in the community.  Monetary, energy, time and work donations are gratefully accepted.  Suggested donation $5-$25.

TERMINATION: This agreement is on a week to week basis and may be terminated at any time by either the Member or Synergy Community Farms.  Member agrees to leave Synergy Community Farms property within 24-48 hours of written notification of his or her dismissal from Synergy Community Farms with a good heart, without drama. If Member is violent, Member may be escorted off property immediately; he or she may retrieve belongings accompanied by the police. Member agrees that if he or she causes any legal expenses to be incurred by Synergy Community Farms as a result of the necessity to remove Member using the legal system, Member agrees to pay all legal fees. Members performance is evaluated on a weekly basis and if found lacking, Member may be terminated or may shift to a rent only basis if agreeable with Management. If Member is terminated by Management, Member agrees to depart voluntarily within 24 hours of notification without hassle or drama. If court action must be taken to remove Member, Member agrees to pay all fines and court fees. Failure to keep current with donations may result in expulsion from the residential community.  You may be able to continue as a NON-RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY MEMBER.

TIME CARDS & MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS: Weekly Work Contribution Time Cards and money contributions to the Community are due in the office by noon Saturday. Failure to deliver time cards and money contributions to the office in time could result in additional late fees, fines, penalties and interest and/or cancellation of Community Membership. Member agrees to bring enough money or work outside the community after his or her time he or she commits to the Community to provide money to meet his or her own personal needs during Member’s stay at Synergy Farms.

TIME CARRIED OVER: Synergy Farms relies on Members time commitments in order to accomplish tasks necessary for the care and maintenance of this land. If Members are unable to perform their duties, they must give Synergy Farms notice and move on to make space for those who can. If Supervisor agrees Member make up time missed during the week in the following week. But all time and monetary commitments must be complete by the second week. Extra hours worked during the week will not be carried over to the following week. Member cannot stockpile hours.

TRANSPORTATION: Member is responsible for his or her own transportation. Only one vehicle (truck, moped, motorcycle or car) per person is permitted on property. Parking space is assigned by Management. Bikes are encouraged as parking is limited and not guaranteed. You may have to park on the street. All vehicles must be registered with Management to avoid towing. Guests must park outside hedge row. Member agrees to refrain from hitching rides on Malaihi Road.

TUITION: You must pay your tuition in full as soon as you arrive when you check in. The security deposit is held to insure that the condition of your housing space is left the way you found it (neat, clean and in good repair) along with all of it’s original items. Prior to your departure, the Manager will inspect your room and if all is in order, neat, clean and good repair, the deposit will be returned to you. If room, including bedding and linens, is not returned clean, a minimum of $75 cleaning fee will be deducted from the security deposit.

UTILITIES: No air conditioners permitted. Utilities are included with tuition donation.  Please turn off all lights, fans, etc. when leaving the room.

WATER: Our water comes from the mountain and while it’s very pure, it could contain bacteria unfamiliar to your immune system. Drink at your own risk. We suggest Members filter the water or purchase and/or bring in filtered water.

WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL WORK REVIEW:  All Members are subject to a weekly review by Community Management and if tuition is not paid and or work requirements are not fulfilled enthusiastically, well and on time, Member may not be renewed for another week.  Weekly review with Supervisor is Saturday after the end of Member's work day when time card is handed in.   

WORK REVIEW GROUP - Every Monday morning at 8:30 AM we meet to review last week’s accomplishment and the current week’s priorities. We share accomplishments and requests for support.

YOGA: Vini Yoga instruction: Wednesdays 9-10:30 AM.  Class is free to Community Members.  Monetary, time, energy, work and others donations of products and services are very welcome.  Suggested donation $5-$15.

I understand that Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) is located in a rustic, hilly and wild area. I and my assignees, heirs, personal and legal representatives, release from liability, hold harmless and will not make any claims (present and future) against Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) or any of its staff, agents, contractors, guests or volunteers for any physical or emotional injury, including death, that may occur to me and accompanying children, animals or adults at Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) ; including but not limited to slipping and falling, use of any pools or water including infections or drowning and use of any trails; including but not limited to any loss of any kind to my property or vehicle, whether resulting from my own acts, the acts of others, acts of God or from acts of any Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) staff, agents, contractors or volunteers. Synergy Community is a private, spiritual members-only organization and reserves the right to terminate the tenancy of a guest or member for reasons Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) shall deem objectionable
 

I agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement: