East Wind Community
The East Wind, founded in 1973, is an intentional community located in the Missouri Ozarks. This commune is devoted to "equality, ecology, cooperation and nonviolence" and encourges people of all races or sexual orientations to join. It is a egalitarian democracy which votes on its laws and gives a small amount of its profit to each member. The East Wind includes over 1000 acres (4 km²) of land from which its members live off of.
The East Wind makes money from both the nutbutter business and from making rope sandals. It gives $125 of its profits each month to each of its members to spend any way he or she may like. Visitors are also allowed to have outside jobs. All personal wealth belonging to members before joining is given to the organization one year after joining. With a few exceptions (such as washing dishes or a few hours of work in businesses for certain members), the East Wind has not had assigned labor since 1983.
For recreation, East Wind members will enjoy the land or use one of the organization's seven computers when they are not being used for business. There is also a library and televisions with VCR's and a satellite cable for members to enjoy. Parties within the East Wind often include bonfires, sweat lodge gatherings, and drumming circles.