The Oakland Morehouse, aka the Institute of Human Abilities, is the first Morehouse. Our doors have been open as an intentional community since the winter of 1968.
We are a mix of people with differing ages, races and socio/economic backgrounds living in a 100+ year-old purple Victorian in the Lake Merritt area of Oakland. Sometimes we eat together, sometimes we work together on the house, and we generally take care of each other and have fun. We are dedicated to a lifestyle of doing only what we want to do, while being mindful of our responsibilities and our impact on others. We call this \\\"responsible hedonism.\\\"
“Our philosophy is based on the belief that you are perfect, that the world is perfect, and that you are totally responsible for your life. We believe that perfection includes the potential for change.” By permission from the Lafayette Morehouse website
Our egalitarian social system is based the concept of “one no-vote”:
“The one no-vote was designed to secure that the viewpoint of the weakest member would be considered. This goal is achieved by all members of the community having the same ultimate veto power or no-vote. In this way, no one, regardless of age, race, gender or apparent status, would be subject to decisions he or she finds untenable. Unless the no-vote, once cast, is irrevocable, more powerful members could easily influence or coerce the dissenter into withdrawing his/her vote. Without irrevocability, the sovereignty of every individual member remains a dream.” By permission from the Lafayette Morehouse website.
The intention of the one no-vote is to promote communication. Moreover, we believe that everyone’s goals can be met with enough communication.
We have weekly house meetings that average about an hour in length. While we don’t have regularly shared meals, there is a dinner available most nights. Each house member also has six hours of shifts a week, during which they can have their attention on the well–being of the physical house and the people in it.
If you want to know more about our unique style of communal living, you are welcome to attend one of our parties or a group. We also contract from Lafayette Morehouse courses in which our philosophy and lifestyle are described in more depth. These courses address group living and critical aspects of human interaction, including, sensuality, communication and man/woman relationships.
There is usually space in our house for enthusiastic participants who want to have more pleasure and consciousness in their lives and who are interested in exploring the More philosophy. For more information on Morehouse go to www.lafayettemorehouse.com.
Please feel free to email us for more information.
"\"Fun is the goal. Love is the way\"
-- Victor Baranco |
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| setting |
legal structure: for-profit corporation
surroundings: big city (multiple locations)
land ownership
building ownership
neighbors
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| population |
total number of people: It varies, we usually don\'t publish numbers
children (0-10): we have some \'part time\' children now who spend a few days a week with us.
teenagers (11-19): yes
adults (20-60): yes
seniors (61 and older): yes
females: yes
males: yes
people with disabilities: yes
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| housing |
number of buildings: 1
house sharing: 2 or more units or families per building
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| sharing |
communal meals: occasional communal meals
communal food: most food is communal
tools and machinery: some tools and machines are shared
motor vehicles: vehicles are private property
bicycles: bicycles are private property
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| ethnicity |
ethnic diversity: proportional to general population
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| spirituality |
spiritual diversity: proportional to general population
meditation: some people meditate regularly
agnostic: some people practice this faith
anthroposophic: acceptable though no current presence
atheist: some people practice this faith
bahai: acceptable though no current presence
buddhist: some people practice this faith
roman catholic: some people practice this faith
christian: some people practice this faith
eastern: some people practice this faith
emissaries: acceptable though no current presence
hindu: acceptable though no current presence
humanist: some people practice this faith
hutterian brethren: acceptable though no current presence
jewish: some people practice this faith
mennonite: acceptable though no current presence
moravian: acceptable though no current presence
mormon: acceptable though no current presence
muslim: acceptable though no current presence
native american: acceptable though no current presence
orthodoxy (greek, russian, etc.): acceptable though no current presence
paganism / earth religions: some people practice this faith
quaker: acceptable though no current presence
scientology: acceptable though no current presence
seventh day adventist: acceptable though no current presence
sufi: acceptable though no current presence
transcendental meditation: acceptable though no current presence
unification church: acceptable though no current presence
unitarian universalist: acceptable though no current presence
taoist: some people practice this faith
eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions): some people practice this faith
ecumenical (includes "all religions"): some people practice this faith
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| government |
common political theme: no official theme
decision making: done by consensus
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| activism |
party politics: some people
protests and demonstrations: a few people
non-violent direct action: a few people
cyber-activism: a few people
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| sustainability |
organic food (grown+purchased): 50%
energy from renewable sources
self-produced fuel: 15%
building material which is salvaged: 50%
food from salvaged source (reject): 50%
waste which ends up being recycled: 50%
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| income and money |
income from state
savings: no defined procedure
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| agriculture / garden |
fruit trees
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| diet preferences |
common diet: no defined common diet
vegan (plant based diet)
vegetarian (plant based and non-flesh animal products)
omnivore
whole foods: no restrictions - burgers and fries taste great!
coffee and caffeine: no restrictions
sugar: no restrictions
salt: no restrictions
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| love and sexuality |
polyamory / open relationships: respected and welcome
bisexuality: respected and welcome
homesexuality (male): respected and welcome
lesbianism: respected and welcome
heterosexuality: respected and welcome
monogamy: respected and welcome
celibacy: respected and welcome
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| parenting / children |
attachment parenting
home education: all kids must be educated at school
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| seeking people |
seeking people: yes
people with children: welcome
people with disabilities: welcome
elderly people: welcome
single parents: welcome
need capital to join: no
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| drugs / stimulants |
tobacco / nicotin: in private room or designated areas only
liquor: no restrictions
wine: no restrictions
beer and cider: no restrictions
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| visitors |
visitors without intention to join: welcome
paying visitors: welcome
wwoofers: not sought
prearrangements: contact a week or more in advance
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last updated 2009/04/02
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