APPLICATION: Before acceptance into the Synergy Farms Membership Program, Members candidates complete an application, sign a Waiver of Liability and references are called and verified.  If accepted, a phone interview is arranged.   Management provides orientation interview outlining work program, community rules and ethics. Upon acceptance and before taking occupancy Members pay one months fees & utilities plus an additional fee equal to one month’s fees plus utilities.

BACKGROUND CHECK:  For your safety and ours we have added a required background check.  A non-refundable fee of $25 is required to process your application to run the background check. Mahalo for your understanding in this matter.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE WORLD :  Bring your own internet or cell phone service to guarantee connection to the outside world.  Most cell phone and internet systems like AT&T, Verizon, Clearwire, etc. work on the property however, some better than others. If you already have a service, call them directly to ask if their system will work in Maui. If you don't have a service, it may be best to wait till you get here and check out the latest systems that are available when you arrive.  Technology is always changing. 

CONSCIOUS COMMUNICATIONS GROUP: Members are required to participate in our weekly 90-minute communications group while on probation (first three months) and at least twice a month after that. We we learn how to honor and respect each other’s consciousness by incorporating non-violent, compassionate communications, active listening, voice dialogue centering and other consciousness awakening psychotechnologies into our lives and communications with each other. Group meets Monday, 7PM and is free to Community Members.  Donations to the Tantra Temple are very welcome. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE: Each community member contributes community service each week to keep all neat, orderly, clean, safe and sanitary. This is your home for the duration of your stay with us. Community Service includes but is not limited to the following: cleaning, organizing, repairing, maintenance, gardening, planting, weeding, harvesting, painting, remodeling, construction, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, water systems, ponds, pools, waterfalls, streams, dams, sewing, computer work, filing, clerical, sales, promotions, web sites, advertising, marketing, etc. We assign tasks based on your skill set, work experience and ability to perform tasks. You will be assigned to a specific department and given specific tasks and areas of responsibility while you are here.  Community service does not include cleaning up after oneself, washing your own clothes and dishes, keeping your personal space clean, etc.  Community Service and includes (but isn’t limited to) the following:

EVENTS: Members may opt to attend Synergy Community Farms events and classes at a discounted rate (discount rate is based on discount offered by the facilitator. Some may be as high as 50% off) when we get enough people registered to make the event happen.  If presenter or organizer of the event, group or party consents, on-campus, community members may attend an event in return for help with setup before and cleanup after. Many events are gender-balanced or of limited capacity, so you must attend on time and attend the entire event or you forfeit your right to participate in future events. No cell phones permitted at events.

FIRE ZONE: Synergy Community Farms is located in a high fire zone. No camp fires or fires outside, no unattended cooking, or freestanding candles are allowed to be burned. Candles manufactured in heat tolerate glass or containers permitted. Incense must be place in containers designed for incense.  No unattended fires inside or out are permitted. Blow out all candles and fires of any kind before going to sleep or leaving the room. Please be careful when you cook and do not leave pots unattended. 

FOOD AND OTHER STUFF: Member provides his or her own food, beverages, kitchen products, paper products, toilet paper, soaps, toiletries, personal effects, cleaning products, insecticides, bedding, pillows, pillow cases, sheets, towels, supplies, batteries, flash lights, etc.  Please use environmentally safe, green products only.

GUESTS: Members are not permitted to bring guests to the farm without prior written agreement by Synergy Farms Management. Guests must first sign a Waiver of Liability Agreement and commit to volunteer work and paid tuition in order to be on the property.. No guests are permitted during work hours unless they are donating work to the community. No overnight guests are permitted on property. Residents/Members only.  Mahalo.

HOUSING: Housing consists of dorms or private rooms with shared bath. All use shared kitchen. Members are assigned housing (room, bed, dorm) based on availability and seniority. Management reserves the right to relocate Members as necessary. Housing includes bed and end table, dresser , lamps, etc. if available. Please note that housing is basic, simple, rustic and fairly small in size. Avoid bringing valuables or excessive items.  Bring no more than 3 boxes or suitcases or a combination of these things with you as there's no room for such things. 

INSURANCE: Each Member is responsible for his or her own apartment, health, life and auto insurance.

KITCHEN: Member clearly marks food items in community kitchens with his or her name and arrival and departure dates or when food was purchased and may expire. Refrigerators are cleaned weekly and spoiled, smelly or ancient items may be thrown away unless clearly marked. Member is responsible to keep kitchen clean. Wash your own dishes, pots, pans, silverware, dry and put away before leaving the kitchen. Members may not leave items to soak nor take community cups or dishes to his or her own room.

LATE FEES: A $5.00 per day late fee per day is accessed for any late payments. A $30.00 overdraft fee is accessed for bounced checks. Late fees, fines, penalties and interest must be paid by noon on Saturday or lack of payment could result in cancellation of Community Membership.  A fee equal to the current minimum wage rate is charged for each hour of work exchange not completed in a given week.  All late fees, penalties and interest must be paid in full before the last day of the month at 12 noon in order to be renewed for the following month.

LAUNDRY: Laundry is coin-operated. Members must not remove items they do not own from the laundry area. Members must bring a basket marked with their name to the laundry area in case someone else wants to use the washer or dryer and you’re not around. They may place unattended laundry in laundry basket if it is finished and they wish to do a load of laundry. Members are forbidden from removing laundry baskets from laundry room if they are not yours. They are responsible for their own soap, bleach, softeners, quarters. They must remove lint and place in proper containers and take empty laundry containers to the dumpster.

LINENS: You may bring your own linens or rent the following items at the following prices:

• Receive up to 80% back when items are returned in decent, useable condition.

• A 20% fee is retained as a cleaning fee.

MISSED HOURS: If Members cannot work any of their scheduled hours for any reason (illness, holidays, vacation, etc), they will not get credit for those hours unless they can make up their hours missed the following week or before the last day of the month at noon,  Member may pay a penalty payment to Synergy Farms equal to the current minimum wage for every hour that Member misses work to get current and avoid possible penalties or dismissal.  Payments of all late fees and penalties must be made before the last day of the month by noon or Member risks non-renewal of his Membership on the first of the month for the new month.

NO DRUGS, DRINKING, DRAMA, GOSSIP, PETS, SMOKING, FIREWORKS, GUNS, WEAPONS: Synergy Community Farms (SF) is a spiritual growth, holistic health center and tantra temple. Guests and community members expect and deserve a quiet, peaceful, meditative environment in harmony with the beautiful nature that surrounds us. No smoking in rooms or permitted within 100 feet of any building or any other person. No smoking.  No illegal drugs permitted. No growing, selling or use of any illegal substances permitted. No abuse of any drugs, legal or illegal, permitted. No alcohol. No drunken, slovenly or disorderly conduct permitted. No yelling or screaming permitted. No loud music that can be heard outside of your room/quarters permitted. No pets of any kind including birds, cats, dogs, fish, goats, pigs, horses, cows, etc. No guns or weapons.  Incessant or malicious gossip may be grounds for dismissal.  Respect fellow Members, full or part-time, visitors or guests.  Be kind, peaceful, gentle and loving.

NO VIOLENCE: If you are violent, yell or threaten, you’ll immediately be escorted off the property and be banished from the community. If Synergy Farms is required to evict a Member because of any illegal acts or acts of violence or theft, Member forfeits any monies paid or services rendered to the Community and agrees to not seek compensation.

ORIENTATION INTERVIEW: After completion of application, potential Members are scheduled for an orientation interview and review by two or more community members before admission to the community. Once interview is completed and if candidate is accepted, Member is a Probationary Member for three months and subject to a weekly review and renewal process.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Synergy Farms is not responsible for any damage or theft to personal property,  of Members, Community Members or Guests. Items left on the property after termination of Member by Management or if Member quits are considered abandoned and may be disposed of by Management upon departure of Member. Management will hold items left behind by accident for two weeks if space is available and will attempt to contact Member who leaves provided they have given us forwarding address they leave Synergy Farms.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All Members are on probation for the first three months. After three months, Members may apply for full time status. After one year, Member may be considered for permanent status.

REFUND POLICY:  If you must cancel notify us via email to synergyfarms@aol.com or in writing to Synergy Farms, PO Box 2973, Wailuku, HI  96793.  The date we receive your written cancellation determines amount we refund to you. Subject to the following:

SECURITY DEPOSIT: Security deposit is not applicable towards monthly tuition but is to be used in case of damage, missing items or for payment of any unpaid late fees, penalties and interest.  A minimum of $250.00 or one month’s tuition (whichever greater) is required by Member before admission to the Synergy Farms' Volunteer Program. Deposit will be returned after departure provided 1) Member gives a 30 day notice, 2) Member provides Synergy Farms with a forwarding address and 3) housing room or dorm is left clean, undamaged and 4) inventory complete and returned in good order 5) and no money. penalties, late fees, interest or work hours are owed to Synergy Farms.  Work hours owed will be priced based on current minimum wage.

SERVICE HOURS: Hours are scheduled by your supervisor/manager based on the tasks you’re required to perform. Most service is performed between the hours of 8AM to 2PM, Monday through Sunday (daily). Work hours are during those hours so Members can coordinate efforts and beat the afternoon heat. In addition, we work with Members so that their community commitment is complete by late morning or early afternoon and they are free to schedule other jobs, appointments and have time for fun. Members work closely with their Supervisor to schedule and make certain their time commitments to the community are rendered. The Community relies on its Members performing assigned tasks. Time cards and work week begin Sunday and end Saturday.

TANTRA TEMPLE: Temple services are held Sundays from 11AM and runs about 1-2 hours. We focus in on meditation, healing and the core principals of the temple (see www.tantratheosophicalsociety.com).  Attendance by members is not required.  But attendance is taken and those who participate in temple services are more likely considered for long term membership in the community.  Monetary, energy, time and work donations are gratefully accepted.  Free for Synergy Community Members but donations are always gladly accepted.  Suggested donation $5-$25.

TERMINATION:  Member agrees to leave Synergy Community Farms property within 24-48 hours of written notification of his or her dismissal from Synergy Community Farms and to do so with a good heart and without drama. If Member cooperates, they will be given a good reference.  If Member is violent, Member may be escorted off property immediately; he or she may retrieve belongings accompanied by the police. Member agrees that if he or she causes any legal expenses to be incurred by Synergy Community Farms as a result of the necessity to remove Member using the legal system, Member agrees to pay all legal fees. Members work performance is evaluated on a weekly basis and if found lacking, Member may no longer be able to participate in the Work Exchange Program. Failure to keep current with donations may result in expulsion from the residential community. 

TIME CARDS & MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS: Weekly Work Contribution Time Cards and money contributions to the Community are due in the office by noon Saturday. Failure to deliver time cards and money contributions to the office in time could result in additional late fees, fines, penalties and interest and/or cancellation of Community Membership. Member agrees to bring more than enough money or work outside the community to earn money for living expenses above and beyond the time he or she commits to the Community.  Member is responsible to provide money to meet his or her own personal needs during Member’s stay at Synergy Farms.

TIME CARRIED OVER: Synergy Farms relies on Members time commitments in order to accomplish tasks necessary for the care and maintenance of this land. If Members are unable to perform their duties, they must give Synergy Farms notice and move on to make space for those who can. If Supervisor agrees Member make up time missed during the week in the following week. All time and monetary commitments must be complete by the second week. Extra hours worked during the week will not be carried over to the following week. Member cannot stockpile hours.

TRANSPORTATION: Member is responsible for his or her own transportation. Due to very limited parking, we seek members who are physically strong, willing to ride bikes two and from the property so we can minimize our impact on the land and the environment. Only one vehicle (truck, moped, motorcycle or car) per person is permitted on property. We love it when Members ride bikes or mopeds or pitch in together to share a vehicle.  We coordinate rides into town for shopping for supplies.  Parking space is limited and assigned by Management and not guaranteed. You may have to park on the street. All vehicles must be registered with Management to avoid towing. Guests must park outside hedge row. Member agrees to refrain from hitching rides on the road.

TUITION: You must pay your tuition in full as soon as you arrive when you check in.  The security deposit is held to insure that the condition of your housing space is left the way you found it (neat, clean and in good repair) along with all of it’s original items. Security deposits are not to be used for your last month's fees. 

UTILITIES: No air conditioners permitted. Utility payments itemized (see chart) and are not included with tuition donation.  Please turn off all lights, fans, etc. when leaving the room.  Utilities may rise if they go up for the community.  Please conserve.

WATER: Our water comes from the mountain and while it’s very pure, it could contain bacteria unfamiliar to your immune system. Drink at your own risk. We suggest Members filter the water or purchase and/or bring in filtered water.

WEEKLY INDIVIDUAL WORK REVIEW:  All Members are subject to a weekly review by Community Management and if tuition is not paid and or work requirements are not fulfilled enthusiastically, done well and on time, Member may not be renewed for another week.  Weekly review with Supervisor is Saturday after the end of Member's work day when time card is handed in.   

WORK REVIEW GROUP - Periodically Members will meet with Management to review  accomplishments and new discuss priorities. Duties will be reviewed and assigned. We share accomplishments and requests for support.

YOGA: Vini Yoga instruction followed by meditation: Tuesdays, 12 noon at the Body of Light Yoga Studio in downtown Wailuku. This class runs approximately 90 minutes.  Class is free.  Monetary, time, energy, work and others donations of products and services are very welcome. 

I understand that Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) is located in a rustic, hilly and wild area. I and my assignees, heirs, personal and legal representatives, release from liability, hold harmless and will not make any claims (present and future) against Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) or any of its staff, agents, contractors, guests or volunteers for any physical or emotional injury, including death, that may occur to me and accompanying children, animals or adults at Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) ; including but not limited to slipping and falling, use of any pools or water including infections or drowning and use of any trails; including but not limited to any loss of any kind to my property or vehicle, whether resulting from my own acts, the acts of others, acts of God or from acts of any Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) staff, agents, contractors or volunteers. Synergy Community is a private, spiritual members-only organization and reserves the right to terminate the tenancy of a guest or member for reasons Synergy Community (SC) /Synergy Farms (SF) /Synergy Services, Inc.(SSI) shall deem objectionable
 

I agree to the terms and conditions of this agreement: