Dear participants, old and new friends,
Thank you for being part of the network, the movement – and this Gathering!
The European Ecovillage Gathering is our biggest event and it is very dear to our hearts. Every year at the Gathering, we come together from all across Europe and we create a temporary community of 800+ people!
Although we are united by our interest in and dedication to the ecovillage movement, its vision, its values, and our commitment to regenerative, participatory, and community-based living, we each come with our own neurotype, background, culture, worldview, opinions and experiences, creating a rich and diverse tapestry of humans, who will interact a lot in various spaces during 6 days.
It is very important to us to do all we can to support the European Ecovillage Gathering to be a safer, respectful, inclusive, brave, transformative, caring, nourishing and inspiring space for all.
To contribute to the best conditions during this event we recognise that we are creating a temporary intentional community, where it is important to consciously create a common culture and have shared agreements.
This is why we have developed a set of aspirations and collective boundaries, outlined below. The aspirations are community agreements that invite us into a shared culture of respect and care, whilst the boundaries are clear non-negotiable rules that aim to create and maintain a baseline sense of safety that we can all relax into.
We want to invite you on a collective learning journey. We are all learning how to be more self-aware, self-responsible, respectful, caring, mature and educated in our interactions, connections and relationships – in our communities and at our Gathering. The Gathering provides an opportunity to gain greater awareness of each other and ourselves and to learn and grow.
These guidelines are tools to help us navigate our shared experience with care. Please take the time to read them before the Gathering begins, and let’s support one another in living them out—with kindness and patience for ourselves and each other.
Finally, we – GEN Europe – acknowledge that there will always be room for improvement, and we continuously strive to improve them, with your feedback
GLOSSARY
Aspiration – A quality we want everyone to embody even if we don’t all know what it may look like in the moment
Commitment – A way of acting that we want everyone to agree to take on
Agreement – Specific behaviors asked of everyone coming which, if not acted on, are likely to affect others’ experience in a specific way
Intention and impact – What we mean by “intention” is what is motivating our action: what we may be aware of in terms of the meaning we make of our action. What we mean by “impact” is what our action results in: what happens to and within another person when we take an action. When impacts are named, often people want to be seen for their intention instead of focusing on taking in the impact on another person. This can get exacerbated when those who name an impact end up attributing a specific meaning to the action or even an intention (at times imagining it is unconscious). We strive to keep the two distinct from each other, so that everyone can see the impact without blaming anyone and accept a person’s statement about their intention without it negating the impact.
ASPIRATIONS, AGREEMENTS & COMMITMENTS
As a participant to the European Ecovillage Gathering:
🧡 I aspire to be fully present, here and now.
🧡 I aspire to be honest, authentic, self-aware and self-responsible.
🧡 I aspire to take responsibility for the nature of my experience.
🧡 I commit to show up on time for sessions that I would like to participate in.
🧡 I agree to respect the boundaries set by session hosts, such as signs on doors or maximum participant limits, and to not enter once the session has started or is marked as full.
🧡 I commit to request support, guidance or help when I need or wish for it, using clear and direct requests.
🧡 I commit to use tools, spaces & techniques available to me to regulate & process my emotions. I agree to make use of the Emotional Support Team if I need support.
🧡 I commit to speak with people, not about them, and to use compassionate communication. If someone attempts to gossip to me about others, I agree to ask them to speak directly to the person or to ask for facilitated support to carry the conversation with the person.
🧡 I agree to seek mediation or facilitated support through the Emotional Support Team if a conflict arises that I am unable to resolve directly.
🧡 I commit to ask people if they want my feedback before I give it to them, and at a time that is suitable for both of us.
🧡 I aspire to make room for people to have their own experience. I agree to not intervene unless they ask for support – e.g. not giving touch/hugs or advice that has not been requested – especially in emotionally charged spaces such as sharing circles, healing practices, or ceremonial settings.
🧡 I aspire to stay aware of power dynamics, particularly when in positions of facilitation, leadership, or care; to engage with humility and transparency, and to show up with care for the impacts of my actions regardless of intention; and to welcome feedback as a gift from others if they experience impact in relation to my role or influence.
🧡 I aspire to be responsible and respectful with myself and in my interactions with others. I commit to use clear and direct verbal communication, ask for consent in all cases related to touch and intimacy, and practice consensual safer sex practices at the Gathering. (In some workshops or sessions there might be an invitation for touch. Giving and receiving touch is always optional.)
🧡 I commit to honour my own energy and boundaries, practicing self-care and resting when needed so I can remain grounded and present throughout the Gathering.
🧡 I commit to express clearly to the facilitators and/or my co-participants if I am not comfortable with something in a workshop and to uphold my boundaries and participate only to the extent I choose to. If I don’t manage to overcome any internalized barriers to doing so, especially in the context of power differences, I commit to seeking support from the Emotional Support Team.
🧡 I aspire to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of any differences between us — including but not limited to gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, racialisation, ethnicity, nationality, culture, language, religion or belief system, socio-economic status, body size and appearance, physical or mental health, neurotype, disability, age, citizenship or migration status, family or relationship structure, political beliefs, education level, and personal opinions & experiences. I commit to cultivate awareness of moments when I may, consciously or unconsciously, act in ways that might replicate or be perceived as discriminatory or upholding systems of oppression. When this happens, I commit to take responsibility for the impact of my actions and being open to engaging in learning, reflection, and growth. I commit to cultivate active allyship where possible. I affirm and respect each person’s right to self-identify and will aim to honor the identities and pronouns my co-participants choose for themselves.
🧡 I aspire to practice speaking about impacts I experience or witness, especially in relation to systemic patterns. When speaking about impact, I commit to do so with clarity and kindness and without making assumptions about what is going on, inviting a deep inquiry that honours everyone’s dignity and assumes a willingness to learn and grow.
🧡 I aspire to engage respectfully with participants of all ages, with special attention to children and elders, recognising the importance of intergenerational care, understanding, and collaboration. I commit to ask for their consent before any form of physical contact with a child (stroking their hair, hugging them, etc.).
🧡 I aspire to be mindful of language barriers and support inclusive communication wherever possible, especially in multilingual or cross-cultural settings. This means, for instance, that if I am a fluent English speaker, I commit to pay attention to slow down my speech and to use simple language rather than complicated words and idioms. If I meet people speaking my native language (other than English), I commit to check first if everyone in the group speaks that language before switching to it.
🧡 I aspire to celebrate cultures in ways that are relational and care for the historical and systemic implications of borrowing cultural practices outside their context. I aspire to honour stories, elders, and the ongoing struggles of marginalised peoples (including indigenous peoples). I commit to think through the following questions before choosing what to do on a case by case basis:
- Do my actions pay respect to the cultural tools I am borrowing from & do I humbly acknowledge the culture I’m borrowing from?
- Do I know this culture well enough to not deliver false/distorted information about it?
- Do I provide context for why this cultural tool is appropriate to use?
- Is there a way I can communicate the same message using my own cultural practices?
🧡 I agree to seek informed consent before taking photos or videos of other participants, and be mindful of how content from the Gathering is shared, especially on social media. (Photos are not allowed in workshop spaces and sharing groups, except by GEN Europe’s media team and the workshop facilitator.)
🧡 I agree to refrain from using illegal (in the host’s country) drugs or alcohol (outside the authorised bar where only light alcoholic beverages will be served) at the Gathering. I agree not to smoke on the community premises except for the designated smoking area.
🧡 I commit to travel to and from the Gathering as sustainably as possible within my means ( = favouring walking, cycling, train, bus, ferry, car-sharing over flying and using a car for one person). If I must fly, I aspire to offset my emissions and reflect on ways to reduce future impact.
🧡 I agree to leave no trace at the host community after the end of the Gathering. This includes minimising “waste” and taking care of any material that I have brought to the site.
🧡 I agree to keep noise in camping and community areas down after 22:00 and
🧡 I agree not to enter areas marked as “private” and to use the main paths in the grounds to maintain the privacy of the host community members.
🧡 I aspire to recognise the potential for gathering such as this one to catalyse real-world change beyond these six days, carrying insights, actions and inspirations home.
BOUNDARIES
To maintain the Gathering as a safer, inclusive, and enjoyable space for all, GEN Europe has put together a list of behaviors that we consider unacceptable. These collective boundaries are designed to support mutual respect and healthy interaction, so we can all relax, play, and connect freely. We ask all of us to support one another in upholding them with care for everyone.
There will be a safety team, an emotional support team and a medical care team onsite available for support. Where necessary, we aim to intervene immediately to prevent and reduce harm in the moment. Where possible, we aim to address harm through restorative or transformative approaches.
We mourn that, at times, the collective capacity to do so may not be in place and that the only way to care for significant impacts or harm resulting from people going against these agreements is to ask people to leave, and we are prepared to do that if necessary as part of maintaining peace and safety for the whole group, including denying entry or re-entry if the safety or wellbeing of participants is deemed to be at risk.
Information on how to seek support and report incidents will be clearly displayed in various locations (such as next to programme boards, workshops spaces, toilets, etc.)
Here are the behaviours which fall into this category:
❌ Physical violence, aggression, or abuse.
❌ Psychological violence or abuse, including insults, vilification, humiliation, manipulation, gaslighting, and stalking.
❌ Any form of discrimination or hostile attitude, in words or in deeds.
❌ Sexual harassment, including unwanted or non-consensual physical contact, verbal sexual advances, or intimidation.
❌ Child abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
❌ Possession or use of weapons or harmful chemicals.
❌ Taking photos, videos, or audio recordings of participants (of any age) without their clear consent.
❌ Sharing, displaying, or circulating discriminatory, humiliating, or sexually explicit material.
❌ Coercion, manipulation, or social pressure to adopt specific belief systems, engage in rituals (high-pressure invitations into spiritual, sexual, or community practices that are not clearly explained or consensual), or participate in unwanted activities.
❌ Behaviour that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment for others.
❌ Persistent disruptive actions or deliberate attempts to disturb sessions, activities, or group harmony, that disregard group agreements or facilitator requests, while recognising that constructive dissent and questioning are part of healthy community life.
❌ Use of illegal drugs (which drugs are illegal may vary from country to country so the legislation in the host country will apply), even if these substances may be normalised or tolerated in other contexts.
CONSENT
Consent is clear, affirmative, and essential. It is never a grey area. At the same time, we recognise that many of us are on an ongoing journey of learning how to practice and embody consent more consciously and respectfully in all areas of life. We have collected some resources to support deepening our awareness of what consent is, how it is communicated, and what it can look and feel like in different contexts.
Consent is an ongoing, mutual agreement between people to engage in a specific interaction. It must be given freely, clearly, and enthusiastically — without pressure, manipulation, or impairment — and can be withdrawn at any time.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to uphold a consent culture for safer communities.
Consent is not just about sex.
It applies to:
- Physical contact (hugs, touch, dancing)
- Gifts and substances (especially if mind-altering)
- Photography and video
- Entering personal spaces (tents, domes, cuddle puddles)
- Emotional labor (venting, asking for help)
- Objects (taking people’s stuff
F.R.I.E.S. is a widely used model that helps clarify what true consent looks like. It stands for:
- Freely Given – No pressure, guilt-tripping, coercion, or intoxication.
- Reversible – Consent can be withdrawn at any time, even if things have already started.
- Informed – Both people understand what they’re consenting to. No deception or withheld information.
- Enthusiastic – A real yes! — not a “fine, whatever” or a silent shrug.
- Specific – Saying yes to one thing doesn’t mean yes to everything. Consent is not a blanket agreement.
Example:
Saying “yes” to a cuddle doesn’t mean you’ve said yes to making out or being touched elsewhere. Consent is moment-by-moment.
This model is helpful for reminding people that consent is about communication, not just checking a box.
Created by Dr. Betty Martin, the Wheel of Consent is a powerful framework for understanding who is doing, who it’s for, and how power is exchanged.
The Four Quadrants:
- Giving – You do something for someone else’s benefit. (e.g., giving a massage they want)
- Receiving – You allow someone to do something for your benefit. (e.g., receiving a massage)
- Taking – You do something for your benefit, with the other person’s permission. (e.g., touching someone’s hair because you want to, and they consent)
- Allowing – You allow someone to do something for their benefit. (e.g., letting someone hug you because they need comfort)
Key insight:
We often confuse or collapse these roles — the wheel helps bring clarity.
Why it matters in consent culture:
- Helps uncover hidden assumptions (“I thought I was doing this for you, but it was actually for me.”)
- Encourages honest requests, clearer boundaries, and mutual awareness
- Helps identify manipulation or pressure disguised as generosity
✅ Asking for Consent – Examples
- “Can I hug you?”
- “Would you like a shoulder massage?”
- “Would you be open to cuddling right now?”
- “Is it okay if I take your photo?”
- “Would you be interested in kissing or connecting more intimately?”
❌ Saying No – Examples
- “No, thank you.”
- “Not right now.”
- “I’d prefer not to.”
- “I’m not feeling that, but thanks for asking.”
- “That’s a no for me.”
It’s important to normalize direct and kind refusals. “No” is a full sentence — and it’s not personal.
🙏 Receiving a No Gracefully
- “Thank you for being clear.”
- “Thanks for taking care of yourself.”
- “I appreciate you being honest.”
- Don’t guilt-trip, argue, or try to negotiate the no.
- Be aware of body language and tone — show that you genuinely respect their answer.
Modeling gracious responses to ‘no’ is how we create safer community. It’s a culture of mutual care, not personal rejection.
🍷 1. Intoxication
Consent and intoxication is one of the most complex realities in festival spaces.
How to navigate this responsibly:
- Avoid initiating new sexual connections when someone is noticeably altered.
- If both people are high and have a prior foundation of trust and communication, extra care, explicit verbal check-ins, and post-play debriefs become crucial.
- Use slow pacing, clear verbal language, and simple yes/no questions.
- Recheck consent multiple times: “Do you still want this?”
- If you’re unsure whether someone can give meaningful consent: pause or stop.
Important distinction:
Being “friendly,” “flirty,” or “physically open” under the influence ≠ consent. Intoxication often lowers inhibition but doesn’t remove the need for clear, mutual agreement.
Best practices:
- Consider a no-new-intimacy-while-altered personal or camp guideline.
- Normalize a “wait until we’re sober” culture — it often leads to deeper, more trusting connections later.
- Practice post-consent conversations the next day: “How was that for you?” to repair or affirm what happened.
🌍 2. Cultural Differences
- Cultural and personal backgrounds can affect how people express boundaries. In some cultures, direct “no” is discouraged or considered rude.
- Body language, indirect language, or avoidance can signal discomfort — it’s important to ask, not assume.
- Encourage explicit verbal check-ins, even if it feels awkward or redundant.
- Normalize saying no and hearing no as acts of mutual respect, not rejection or confrontation.
🧠 3. Neurodiversity
We all have different neurotypes — some of us have autism, ADHD, or experience sensory processing differences.
These neurotypes may experience or express consent differently:
- Some may have difficulty reading body language, tone, or implied social cues
- Others may experience touch, sound, or interaction as overwhelming or unpredictable
- Some might use very direct language that can seem blunt or out of sync
- Others may mask discomfort to maintain social connection, making it hard to detect a non-consensual yes
What helps:
- Clear, verbal, and literal communication: “Would you like a hug?” > “Come here!”
- Asking permission before initiating any kind of touch or closeness
- Offering space for a pause or timeout — overstimulation is real
- Accepting “no” or hesitation without needing explanation
- Creating zones or cues for sensory-safe interaction (e.g. coloured bandanas, hand signs, quiet zones)
⚖️ 4. Power Imbalances
- Social capital, leadership roles, popularity, age, or experience can all create dynamics where someone may feel pressured to say yes.
- Check yourself: Would they still say yes if I weren’t in this position?
- Make space for someone to express boundaries without consequence — e.g. “It’s totally okay if you’re not feeling it.”
👯 5. Assumptions Based on Clothing or Vibe
- Flirtation, nudity, openness, or sensual behavior does not equal consent.
- Don’t assume “yes energy” applies to everything — always ask:
“Is this okay?” “Would you like this?” “Are you into that?”
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this long but essential document! Together we care for one another, together we learn, together we create community!