Appendix 10: Core values of LILAC

Members must commit to creating a project with the following values which have emerged from several discussions between members. The core values in no particular order of priority are as follows:

• Environmentally sustainable – This is a main value and encompasses a broad definition of sustainability and sustainable living balancing economic, social and ecological issues. It also embraces the desire to live low impact, low carbon lifestyles and sees permaculture as a guiding principle to meet these.

• Grassroots – the project needs to be people-led, rather than institution led. It aims to be people centred rather than centred on the needs of governments or business. We envision this being done in a horizontal way, for example working groups which are accountable to the wider group, with all decisions made by consensus rather than by a smaller group having been given this power.

• Inspiration and Resource – the project will act as a resource in the wider city to address local problems. It also aims to be an inspiration for what can be achieved in terms of building a more socially and ecologically just world. This is particularly important in terms of links with deprived communities in Leeds.

• Respect – this is at the heart of how we see people interacting towards each other and their environment. This also includes a strong element of responsibility towards each other and our environment and community.

• Inclusivity and affordability – this is particularly important in terms of access and affordability. It is essential that the project is financially accessible to all those who share its values.

• Self reliance – members of the project are committed to gaining more control over their lives and resources. The project will aim for self reliance – that is obtaining as many things we need for daily life as possible from the project itself (work, food, energy) rather than complete self sufficiency.

• Learning – the project is to be a place of learning. This could be in terms of educational provision on site but also in terms of training in areas such as construction during project set up. Learning will also focus on interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.

• A healthy, safe place – the community values the health and wellbeing of all its members and will look to create a protective, nourishing atmosphere in the project.

• Connections –LILAC will be a place where a community lives but it will not be a ghetto. Many aspects of the project will reach out beyond the community to share its values with others.

• Diverse –LILAC aims to accommodate a diversity of people and in particular aims to be multigenerational and multiethnic. Children will play an important role in the life of the community.