Honoring Our BIPOC Elders
Welcome to the Grandmothers’ Village Project (GVP), where we are igniting a movement to honor and uplift our Elders of Color, providing them with the dignity, respect, and care they deserve. As a fiscally sponsored nonprofit, we are in the final stages of securing our 501(c)(3) status, and our mission is more urgent than ever.
At GVP, we envision a world where our beloved elders live in harmony with the Earth and each other, in eco-sustainable, net-zero homes that nurture body, mind, and spirit. We are actively pursuing land to create a holistic, all inclusive Intentional Community village—a sanctuary grounded in Spiritual Animist practices, Trust-Based philosophy, and the timeless wisdom, and practice of Indigenous Technologies, Values, and Customs. Our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, as we strive to create a community where everyone, especially our elders, can thrive.
Our vision extends far beyond housing. We are cultivating a regenerative, organic farm and an eco-educational retreat center where mental & emotional health, community and relationships, physical health, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship are celebrated. Imagine a place where you can engage in healing practices like Tai Chi and Yoga, explore the depths of your cultural roots, learn about dementia and Alzheimer’s care, or prepare for the end of life with dignity and grace. Our offerings will also include a small clinic and hospice, a retail space for biodegradable products, and a farm stand to nourish our residents (free or very low cost) and the broader community.
But we cannot do this alone. We are actively securing partners for this project, and are seeking new Board Members and volunteers to help us with our mission. Your support is vital to bringing this dream to life. We invite you to join us in raising the funds needed to secure our land and build this transformative community. Please visit our Donate Page and give today!
Together, let’s create a future where our elders are cherished, our environment is respected, and our collective spirit is strengthened. Please give what you can to help us help our elders.
What Does it Take to be an Elder?
An elder is thoughtful, strong and even compassionate. An elder condemns all kinds of violence and abuse, not just those kinds that are convenient for them to condemn. An elder stands up for the weak and speaks truth to power.
An elder is not perfect but neither is he or she a hypocrite. An elder recognizes that his or her strength comes from a long line of Ancestors and their accumulated wisdom. An elder is always learning.
An elder is someone you can expect a “fair go” from. An elder will not attack you when you least expect it. Instead, an elder will stand up for you when you most need it.
An elder will definitely not take responsibility for you, but will encourage you to take responsibility for yourself, and stand alongside you while you try.
An elder knows that true dignity comes from within. And that nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. An elder is slow to judge, but fierce in his or her defense of the oppressed.
An elder understands that our history of colonization has left many of us hurting and afraid. An elder will not manipulate our hurt and fear, but will help us to see that we can overcome it together.
An elder has a vision for a more peaceful community. An elder lives in such a way to make this community happen.
Elders do not hit women or children. Elders do not rape men, women or children. Elders do not tolerate the abuse of any man, woman or child EVER.
Are you an Elder? Or are you just old?
(Anonymous Koori Woman- Northern NSW)