This page exists to provide a more transparent window into how the Ocate Cliffs program functions, so that more people can find ways to be involved. Last updated in December 2022.
Communication channels
We are more or less keeping up with these channels of communications:
- Web site, including:
- automated newsletter subscription
- a page showing the current needs for donations and volunteers
- on-line donations
- facebook and twitter share links
- Newsletter – Those in the tribe database (see below) will receive periodic newsletters detailing progress. The newsletters are also stored on the web site.
- Google group “Ocate-Cliffs-Talk” for planning and supporting the manager(s)
- Facebook page – managed by Star
- Twitter feed – no longer active
- Google ads – not actively managed
Current operations
The events held in the summers of 2014 through 2019 have been camping-style retreats focused on volunteer construction work. In 2020 we opened for guests in small groups. In 2022 we held the first family camp. Future summers are open to small groups, major retreats organized by us or others, and long term stays.
Digital files
The following sections detail what information we keep on file.
contacts
- Database of contacts – This database (called the “tribe”) contains notes for 200+ people associated with Divergent Labs and how we came in contact, what they need and what they can offer. It’s a fairly complex system of overlapping circles, so you can be in the tribe database and be in one or more of the “circles” that are set up, depending on your interests.
- Government and business contacts files
overall management
- Vision folder – business plan and overall vision
- Site plan folder – application for zoning approval and notes
- Contracts folder – leases, notably the rental agreement between Divergent Labs and Star and Crystal as land owners
- Forms folder – letterhead
- Funding folder – letters of interest to foundations and recordkeeping on the grants applied for, and the overall funding plan
- History folder – newsletter history and log of work completed
- Jobs folder – open and past job openings
- Marketing folder – logos, T shirt designs, brochures, presentations, and testimonials
- Operations folder – forms, work retreat management notes, guest book, waivers, inventory, and operations manual
- Other places folder – notes on similar sites
files on the site and building process
- Build folder – documents on contractors, the staff house plans, water supply, waste engineering, calculations and diagrams on water flows and electricity
- Built folder – documents on things already built such as the well maintenance and reporting requirements
- Design folder – notes on the different guest house concepts
- Land folder – documents about forest management and thinning, grazing, conservation easement, neighboring parcels, and roads; also maps of the vicinity, boundaries, trails, and site plan
money
- The accounts are kept for Divergent Labs as a whole (not just Ocate Cliffs program) by Star (volunteer).
- An equity file tracks the amount of equity Divergent Labs owns in the land and buildings.
- A donation log is kept in the tribe database.
Management roles
- Financials – accounts managed by Star (volunteer)
- Operations – retreats managed by Star (volunteer)
- Building – process and contracting managed by Star (volunteer)
- Land management – roads, forest thinning and grazing managed by Star (volunteer)
- Case management – contacts with people in the tribe database managed by Star (volunteer) – but not very active
- Marketing – reaching out to potential renters has not started yet
- Management of contracts and guests – not started yet
More..
Also see the transparency page for Divergent Labs showing the IRS and other official documents and financials. From the Divergent home page, click on Transparency near the bottom.