The prototype for the soil model was developed in 2024 during our annual spring assembly. It was created in an ongoing moment of transition in which the organization of Massia is being distributed from one person to multiple people.
You can read more about the history of Massia and the context of its transition here: bit.ly/rhrn. To echo that history, the soil model is a proposal for an alternative way of distributing labor and responsibility among us and rethinking the ways we give, take, and make space. The soil model is a chance to transform the principles which underlie the activities required for running spaces like Massia; to try for non-oppressive, non- extractive possibilities.
The soil model consists of five different roles called grassroots, slime molds, earthworms, breezes, and spores. The rest of this document describes these roles and their interconnections. Please keep in mind that the soil model is a work-in-progress.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Grassroots are the main co-organizers of Massia who have different responsibilities based on their interests. They work on projects such as administration, structural repair of the building, group bookings, large event planning, and funding applications. Something that ties the work of the grassroots together is that they work on tasks that require continuity throughout the year. When grassroots are not staying on-site then they work remotely to help keep Massia functioning.
Slime molds support the everyday operations of Massia during their stay. They are the first point of contact for stayers and their work includes taking care of on-site finances, animating collective maintenance, daily problem solving around the house, and helping out with emotional labor. Slime molds also distribute knowledge about the site (building and garden) to new stayers.
Earthworms are closely involved with all things related to food, foraging, and produce. They work in relation to the garden and the greenhouses, as well as the surrounding forests and lands which are full of fruit trees, berry bushes, and wild herbs. They also cultivate relationships with local farmers and growers to build a more sustainable food supply for Massia. Earthworms are tuned to the seasons and have an overview of what kind of work needs to be done in the garden and surrounding lands at specific points during the yearly cycle. They also take care of distributing and animating this earthy labor.
Breezes work remotely to support the communication needs for Massia. This includes answering and labeling emails, as well as inputting reservations into our booking system and helping create room plans for larger events.
Spores work remotely to plan larger events and gatherings at Massia. This includes the work of conceptualizing the event, creating and curating the program, making promotional materials, and spreading the word about it in various digital (and physical) ways.
