THE CONNECTION CENTER

The time to gather in trusted community to co-create, dream up and build the world we need is critical, now more than ever. Currently, there is no sizeable, accessible or safe gathering space for diverse community in Washtenaw County that also has places for people to sleep. Immersive, land-based gatherings can be supportive to community in actualizing their dreams and potent experiences for supporting personal and collective transformation.

The vision for the land and the Center is to be used by community in a way that is financially and structurally accessible to them, meaning groups can use it ideally for no-to-little costs (subsidized by grants or because costs have already been covered) and can sign-up with ease. The felt sense should be one of ‘collective ownership’; used for personal, community or professional purposes, whether for a few hours or multi-day and overnight gatherings.

To lower costs and make this resource possible, the property will be owned by me (Anna), with the vast majority of costs covered by personal funds. I would live on the property in order to do much of the design and labor, and may need housemates or farmers leasing land to subsidize the mortgage, while other costs may be fundraised. Some form of Anishinaabe land stewardship (e.g. land tax or rematriation) would occur.

An integral and sacred part. The land would be situated in southeast Michigan on Anishinaabe land. Inclusive of at least 6 acres of land in order for there to be room for yurts, gardens, paths, water, a small animal sanctuary, and more. Ideally the land will have been tended in a mutually caring way beforehand (e.g. a homestead, through permaculture, etc.). The land would be secluded enough from neighbors and highways/sound for a sense of stillness, while also being safe for BIPOC and queer folks. The land would also either be big enough for some trails or have access to trails, and ideally not surrounded by big farms to limit pesticide inhalation.

While it may be challenging to find, having a body of fresh water is essential. Being in the area of the Great Lakes is precious. This could be a body of water on the land (ideally a lake or large pond) or a pond that could be expanded, or access to one. Again, for it to be safe to all folks, it would likely need to be secluded or private. The lake would be engaged with through canoeing, swimming, grief, and ritual. 1.5-6 acres for the lake would be ideal.

The gardens and related land-based sites are important parts of not only the ecology but the human experience, too. These gardens may include: vegetable garden, herb garden, memorial garden (for those who are no longer alive), connection garden (for those incarcerated). The land would also include: a walking labyrinth, earth altars, a food forest (inc. fruit trees), and a small animal sanctuary to support the ecosystem (and love on the animals!). The gardens could/would be tended by local farmers/gardeners, and used by all for nourishment and healing.

There would be one primary building for folks to gather. Whether it’s an old big wooden barn or a newly structured one (example here), the space would be able to hold 40 people in a comfortable circle for programming, like: somatics, ritual, singing, team-building exercises, workshops, performances, trainings, yoga, etc. The space would need to have 20-ft high ceilings (for martial arts) and be about 60×60ft; ideally to be used year-round.

Cooking meals in a shared space is such a special experience. This kitchen, made out of earth-cob materials would include a full kitchen for cooking either for a full group or for smaller groups to use. There’d be storage for each yurt, and food could be resourced from the land itself (e.g. food forest, gardens, etc.) and local farmers. Groups can also cater if they prefer. (Image: Inch Hideaway, Ireland)

This building represents either how the big building may be built, including local wood and materials from the land. It’s also possible that there may be an additional and smaller, more intimate, building on the land for programming that needs this (e.g. bodywork, somatics, ritual). Ideally eco-infrastructure + local builders would be used as much as possible. (Image: Soul Fire Farm, NY)

Yurts are a wonderful form of shelter traditionally from Central Asia and can be used in all seasons if built accordingly. They can also be non-permanent structures. Yurts are made out of canvas material, have windows that allow for fresh air to move through, and sit on a wood deck platform. The yurts will be situated in a cluster, each with their own little private zone with a table and bonfire. Likely will be sourced from a local Michigan yurt company (Great Lakes Yurt Co.)

Many people are not used to sleeping outdoors or in rustic environments and so it’s important that the sleeping and bathing areas are especially comfortable so that it’s welcoming. The inside of yurts can be very magical with comfortable beds, places to sit, and woods stoves to stay cozy in the cooler times. The yurts would also be clustered nearby each other so that folks do not feel isolated while still maintaining some private space.

The bathhouse would be a comfortable place and use permaculture principles, like a greywater system - meaning that the natural resources would be used in a sustainable and harmonious way. With two compost toilets, and 3 showers with changing rooms, the bathhouse would meet the needs of overnight and day experiences. All cleaning products on the land would also be eco-friendly.