The Amercian Redoubt Project

## Chapter 1: Faith and Community

The foundation's organizational structure will operate as a 501(c)(3) religious organization, with explicitly granted tax exemption status. This designation enables charitable donations to be tax-deductible for donors.

Additionally, state-specific foundations will be established to seek similar exemptions, allowing for potential interstate expansion or the inclusion of other foundations under our umbrella, provided they adhere to our established standards.

The foundation embraces a religious character that combines elements of Unitarian Universalism and New Monasticism. This distinctive blend is reflected in our community lifestyle, referred to as "cloistering." As a member, you are afforded the freedom to practice or not practice any religious beliefs, as long as your personal convictions do not intrude upon others.

Our community center meeting halls and chapels are available to those who wish to participate in or attend worship services within the community.

This approach fosters an environment that respects diverse spiritual perspectives while promoting a sense of unity among community members.

## Chapter 2: Code of Conduct

The community adheres to a code of conduct to maintain harmony and uphold the values we hold dear. Violations of this code may lead to expulsion from the community; however, it is important to note that housing shares will not be revoked from families in such cases. Expulsion simply means that the individual in question cannot utilize their housing share.

The first rule is to exercise discretion when discussing the community, avoiding excessive disclosure to outsiders. The second rule emphasizes the importance of maintaining the community's reputation and avoiding actions that could tarnish its image, such as engaging in illicit drug trafficking, openly displaying symbols of hate, or engaging in firearm use outside of sanctioned activities like hunting or ranching. Any such behavior is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate expulsion.

The third rule emphasizes the value of non-violence within the community. Disputes or disagreements should be resolved peacefully, and if necessary, arrangements can be made for a supervised boxing match to allow individuals to vent their frustrations in a controlled environment while others enjoy the spectacle over a picnic and beverages.

The fourth rule is straightforward: theft is strictly prohibited. The community provides for all its members, rendering any act of theft unnecessary and contrary to our shared values.

The fifth rule is a reminder to treat others with respect and kindness. If efforts to find a resolution that promotes community harmony are unsuccessful, the disruptive individual may be removed from the community for the sake of everyone's well-being.

The sixth rule pertains to relationships and sexual conduct within the community. It strictly prohibits engaging in extramarital affairs, sexual deviancy, or promoting such behavior, especially involving children.

Any violation of this rule will result in immediate expulsion. In exceptional circumstances, limited polygamy may be considered on a case-by-case basis if it serves the needs of the community, such as providing support for a widow.

However, once an individual assumes an elder position within the community, they are prohibited from taking additional wives from among the members.

These rules are in place to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive community environment where individuals can thrive and live harmoniously together.

The seventh rule is of utmost importance: individuals deemed undesirable are strictly prohibited from entering the community premises under any circumstances. Only the Abbot holds the authority to grant exemptions to this rule in exceptional circumstances, such as for construction work, public relations purposes, or to prevent potential discrimination claims. In cases where visits are permitted, strict supervision by a community elder will be enforced at all times. Additionally, any outsider visiting the community should be accompanied and supervised by a community member.

Visits by officials or members of the press must be announced to the Abbot in advance. This allows for necessary precautions to be taken, such as temporarily suspending certain activities that could attract public scrutiny, such as the operation of an indoor firing range or conducting inventory of the community armory.

These measures are in place to ensure the safety, security, and integrity of the community, while also respecting the privacy and well-being of its members.

## Chapter 3: Layout of the Community

The founding community, known as "The Abbey," will feature a thoughtfully planned layout consisting of 10 single-family homes arranged around a ring road. At the heart of the community, a community center will be situated on a central 10-acre green, with greenbelts and a community orchard strategically placed between the homes to provide privacy. Additionally, each community green space will include a dedicated playground for the enjoyment of the children once the construction is complete.

To ensure responsible growth and prevent suburban sprawl, future communities will be established at least a half mile apart. As the second community begins to take shape, a dormitory building will be constructed on the Abbey green. This building will accommodate 32-40 apartments along with a central common area equipped with various amenities such as a lounge, bar, and recreational games.

The dormitory will be intended for individuals aged 16 and older who choose to stay and for singles within the community. An appointed elder will oversee the dormitory to maintain a harmonious atmosphere and ensure it remains focused on fostering meaningful connections rather than devolving into excessive revelry.

Simultaneously, as the third community is developed, plans include the construction of a gymnasium complex on the Abbey green and a shop on the second community or monastery green. These additions will further enhance the community's facilities, providing opportunities for physical fitness and a convenient space for various commercial activities.

By carefully designing the community spaces and amenities, we aim to create an environment that promotes social interaction, personal growth, and a strong sense of community among its residents.

Each newly established community will feature a distinct utility building situated across the green from the community center, offering a range of specialized facilities. These buildings may include a wood shop, a brewery, an auto shop, or other amenities, adding a unique character to each community and fostering meaningful interactions between them.

To ensure convenient mobility within the community, each community center will provide internal transportation options such as Kawasaki Mules. These vehicles will enable members and their children to easily commute to work sites and assist cellarers in efficiently transferring specialized goods between community pantries.

As the communities continue to grow, approximately every 4-5 communities, a dormitory will be constructed in the farthest community. This prepares for future expansion and signifies the establishment of a new Abbey. With this growth, the community's governance structure will undergo reorganization, incorporating an additional layer of administrative representation.

By providing diverse utility buildings, facilitating efficient transportation, and planning for future expansion, we aim to create vibrant communities that encourage collaboration, productivity, and a sense of shared purpose among members.

## Chapter 4: Hierarchy & Responsibilities

The governance structure of the foundation will be organized as follows. At the helm is the Abbot, who serves as the chief executive and chairman of the board. The Abbot's responsibilities encompass financial administration, oversight of capital investments and construction, and serving as the ultimate arbiter in cases involving irreconcilable disputes or expulsion orders. Assisting the Abbot is a council of Priors, who act as a jury in these matters.

The Priors hold the position of chief executives within their respective communities and often serve as board members of the foundation. They are responsible for managing capital investments and construction projects in their communities, as well as resolving disputes that cannot be resolved at the council or community level. Additionally, they oversee the conduct of their communities and act as judges in cases of misconduct brought before the council.

Supporting the Priors are the Sub-Priors, who assist in their absence. In the Abbey, the Abbey Prior fulfills this role, stepping in when the Abbot is unavailable.

This governance structure ensures effective financial management, construction oversight, and dispute resolution, while also promoting community leadership and accountability at various levels of the foundation.

Within the foundation, the role of Circuitor serves as a training position for future elevation. Circuitor responsibilities include serving communities with a dormitory, screening new members, upholding discipline and conduct standards, and providing guidance and counseling to those under their supervision in the dormitory.

For internal community decisions, a council of married men, overseen by the Prior, handles matters pertaining to the male members, while a circle of married women, overseen by the Prior's wife, manages decisions regarding the female members. The Prior and his wife do not possess voting rights in their respective bodies but are entrusted with implementing their decisions.

These governing bodies determine work assignments based on gender, facilitate conflict resolution, and, in the case of the men's council, make recommendations to the executive for community improvements or repairs. It is crucial that decision-making authority rests with the lowest-ranking level of government to promote direct rule, and instances of abuse of power by executives can lead to their removal and replacement.

This system ensures inclusive and participatory decision-making, with power distributed among various bodies and accountability mechanisms in place to prevent abuses of authority.

Once there are sufficient communities to support two dormitories, one of those communities will undergo a transformation into an Abbey. The Prior of that community will be elevated to the position of Abbot, while an existing Abbot will be further elevated to the role of Bishop. The Bishop assumes the managerial responsibilities previously held by the Abbot, resolves disputes between Abbots, and ensures that the Abbots are maintaining order within their respective communities. The Abbots will continue to fulfill their existing duties and responsibilities towards their associated communities.

The next community to be constructed will serve as the Bishop's Seat in terms of office space allocation within community buildings. However, as this community will be managed by a Prior, it will remain subordinate to one of the Abbeys in terms of overall authority and governance.

## Chapter 5: Housing and Membership

Membership obligations and benefits within the community are as follows:

Members of the community will not be required to pay for rent, utilities, or any food or essential items provided by the community pantries. However, families that do not have a full-time employee of the foundation (excluding executives or officers' families) will be expected to contribute 4-5 hours of labor per week for every two individuals in the family over the age of 10 (rounded up). This labor contribution should average out to approximately 4-5 hours per week over the course of a year.

Failure to fulfill this obligation may result in the loss of access to the pantry, unless the member arranges compensation with another member for the completion of their duties at a rate agreed rate

In due course, a fleet of vehicles will be provided at the dormitories for the convenience of all members.

These vehicles can be used for carpooling to campus, transportation for young members who do not have their own means of transportation, or for special needs and occasions such as furniture shopping or family trips to nearby national parks.

It aims to provide transportation solutions to members who require them.

Members who are not full-time employees of the community are encouraged to donate a minimum of 10% of their outside income to the foundation. These donations can be applied towards additional housing credits at a rate proportional to the amount donated. For example, if a house costs $200,000 to construct and a member donates $20,000, they would earn credit equivalent to 10% towards a housing share. If the construction cost of a house later increases to $400,000, the member would need to donate that amount to earn a full credit. Additionally, these donations can be used to offset income taxes.

Full-time employees who are exempt from the donation policy will have credits applied to their family each year equivalent to 10% of their income, as if they had made that donation. They are still welcome to donate additional funds as they see fit.

These membership obligations and benefits are designed to ensure a fair and balanced contribution from all members of the community while providing essential support and resources to its members.

A full housing credit represents an inheritable privilege that ensures suitable housing within the community for a family. The type of housing allocated depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the family. For instance, a 16-year-old boy may be provided with a dorm room, while a newlywed couple who has vested in the community may be assigned a small single-family home. Similarly, a family with a larger number of children would be accommodated in a larger single-family home, and empty nesters may be downsized to a smaller single-family home based on the community's requirements.

All homes and dormitories within the community will be constructed using quality materials and a set of standardized architectural plans, making them interchangeable. Housing decisions within the community will be prioritized based on the number of shares held by each family, from the highest down to individuals without any shares. It is important to note that no child will ever be denied housing within the community if spare housing is available in any community, provided they possess good character and meet the minimum membership qualifications. Housing credits can be sold or traded among community members, allowing flexibility for members to "cash out" if desired.

Individuals who are inducted into membership from outside the community will be required to make a donation, which will range from 1-2 times the cost of a single housing share, in exchange for an inheritable housing credit. The difference in cost, compared to existing members, will contribute to infrastructure expansion, maintenance, community enhancement projects, additional housing construction for the children of members who have not fully vested, and investment in the education of members to enhance their skills and potential income.

Membership eligibility criteria include a minimum IQ threshold of 95. Furthermore, members must have an IQ of 105 or higher to be eligible for voting or elevation to any office within the community. These IQ requirements may be adjusted upward in the future but will never be lowered. Children of members who do not personally meet the eligibility criteria for membership may remain within the community for their lifetime, subject to housing availability and vestment. However, their children would not be eligible to stay in the community, thereby encouraging ineligible individuals to plan for their families' future and accumulate a substantial safety net. Any housing shares relinquished by ineligible members would be returned to their family line for use by relatives.

These membership policies and housing arrangements are designed to ensure fairness, provide appropriate housing solutions, and encourage long-term planning and investment within the community.

## Chapter 6: Cultural Practices

The alliance of communities adheres to certain social principles and practices. These include:

1. Homeschooling Mandate: The community upholds a policy of mandatory homeschooling for all children, with the exception being circumstances where enrollment in a public school is legally required due to factors such as mental retardation.

2. "Plain People" Community: The community embraces a lifestyle characterized by simplicity and modesty. In line with this, women predominantly wear dresses/skirts, unless the nature of their work or specific tasks necessitates alternative attire. Additionally, girls and women have the option to wear hair coverings, hats, or bonnets. Married women may choose whether or not to adopt this practice.

3. Dress Code for Men: Men within the community are expected to wear trousers and attire that is understated and unobtrusive in its appearance.

4. Discouragement of Body Modification: The community strongly discourages any form of body modification, including piercings, tattoos, and similar alterations. However, newcomers to the community may be granted exceptions on a case-by-case basis, provided they remove any facial piercings or other prominent modifications.

It is important to note that these guidelines are integral to the social fabric of the alliance of communities and help foster a sense of shared values and identity.

Within the alliance of communities, an important aspect of the social structure revolves around religious practices and educational opportunities. The following guidelines are observed:

1. Ordained Clergy: All members aged 16 and above are ordained as clergy, taking on roles such as monks, friars, or sisters. As part of their ordination, they are granted the authority to perform sacraments outside of the community's premises at any appropriate venue.

2. Internal Religious Ceremonies: The community primarily organizes religious ceremonies internally. These may be arranged by community members themselves or conducted by the executives within the communities. These ceremonies cater to nondenominational weddings or funerals and can serve as an additional avenue for those interested in pursuing such responsibilities.

3. Housing and Education for Young Adults: When children of members reach the age of 16 and have spent a minimum of two years in the community, they are offered housing in a dormitory. This arrangement allows them to live in proximity to their parents while also facilitating their integration into young adulthood. They are encouraged to enroll in free community college, fostering social connections among fellow young adults and helping them adjust to the responsibilities of adulthood in a supportive and controlled environment.

4. Subsidized Continuing Education: Upon reaching the age of 18 and obtaining a degree, young adults who express a desire to pursue further education that would benefit the foundation are eligible for subsidized support. The foundation is committed to investing in the ongoing education of its members to enhance their skills and contribute to the growth and development of the community.

These practices reflect the alliance of communities' dedication to fostering spiritual growth, providing educational opportunities, and supporting the transition of young adults into independent and productive members of society.

## Chapter 7: Security and Infrastructure

As part of the community's infrastructure, each community center will feature a bell tower. These towers will be equipped with a minimum of four FLIR cameras strategically positioned to form a panopticon, allowing for surveillance of the housing within the village to detect potential intruders. The ringing of the bell will be reserved for announced ceremonies, community celebrations/festivals, or to signal incoming danger. In the event that one community sounds the bell, neighboring communities will follow suit to indicate the presence of intruders.

The initial agricultural focus of the communities will encompass various initiatives such as cattle ranching, pig farming, chicken tractors, hay production, community gardens, and community orchards. These endeavors will gradually expand to include additional pursuits like beekeeping, beer and cider production, and produce preservation through canning and root cellars. To manage these agricultural activities, each community will have a designated cellarer or a team of part-time cellarers, appointed by the women's circle, to oversee the pantry and coordinate community kitchen initiatives according to the vision of the women involved. While outdoor work, beyond gardening, will primarily be assigned to men and boys, collaboration and input from all community members are encouraged.

Looking ahead, potential future initiatives may include:

1. Skilled Nursing Facility: Establishing a skilled nursing facility within a community to cater to the needs of elderly members. The facility would be staffed by community members, ensuring the well-being and care of the elderly within a familiar environment.

2. Community Clinic: Establishing a community clinic staffed by members to provide healthcare services exclusively to community members. This initiative would prioritize the health and well-being of individuals within the community.

3. Charter School: Establishing a charter school to centrally oversee the homeschooling cooperatives and enhance the education of the youth. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive and quality education within the community.

4. Bed and Breakfast: Creating a welcoming bed and breakfast facility on the community borders, nestled within an orchard setting. This space would invite outsiders for relaxation and potentially offer spiritual counseling by community elders in exchange for positive publicity.

5. Side of the Road Produce Stands: Setting up produce stands along roadsides to distribute excess community production that may not be suitable for commercial sale. This initiative would allow outsiders to take the produce for free or make a donation if they wish, further promoting positive community engagement.

6. Wedding Chapel and Park Grounds: Developing a small wedding chapel and park grounds on the community borders. Members would have the opportunity to offer marriage services for a fee, while the foundation collects venue fees to support the expansion of the community.

7. Mobile Butcher Truck: Acquiring a USDA-approved mobile butcher truck and associated facilities within a community to reduce production costs and provide employment opportunities to community members. This initiative would also generate income from outside sources.

The alliance of communities welcomes suggestions and ideas for further development and improvement. Should any questions or clarifications arise, please respond to this post, and the document will be revised and updated accordingly.