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The Camphill Short-Term Coworker Experience: Individual Survey
Welcome to our survey! This survey is designed to help us better understand the experiences of people who spend time in Camphill communities as short-term coworkers. For the purposes of the survey, we define a short-term coworker as a Camphill coworker who comes to Camphill with the expectation that their stay will be temporary, for a period of up to five years. This includes both "gap year" volunteers and participants in Camphill-based academic or degree-granting programs, such as those sponsored by Camphill Academy. If you are now, or have ever been, a short-term coworker, we hope you will complete the survey! We will be asking leaders of each Camphill community to complete a separate survey about the overall experience of short-term coworkers at their community. This research is sponsored by Camphill Foundation and the Camphill Research Network. Dan McKanan (dmckanan@hds.harvard.edu) is the lead researcher. Your participation in this survey is voluntary. You do not have to participate and you may discontinue your participation at any time. You are free to skip any question that you prefer not to answer. The survey will take fifteen to twenty minutes to complete. Our intention is to keep all responses to this survey confidential. For this reason, we are not collecting identifying information such as your name, email address, or IP address. In public presentation of the results, we will seek to avoid revealing the personal identities of those who participated. However, you should be aware that individual responses will be seen by multiple members of our research team, some of whom may be known personally to you. Feel free to skip questions if you prefer that the answers not be seen by such persons. JUST BE SURE TO HIT "SUBMIT" WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED!
Do you agree to participate in this research? Clicking "I agree," indicates that you have read the information above and that you consent to participate.
I agree.
I do not agree.
Tell Us About Yourself!
Which of these best describes you?
I am currently a short-term coworker.
I came to Camphill as a short-term coworker and am now a vocational (long-term & residential) coworker.
I came to Camphill as a short-term coworker and am now a Camphill employee or nonresidential coworker.
I came to Camphill as a short-term coworker and am no longer a resident or employee of Camphill.
Other
When did you first become a short-term coworker?
2020 or later
2015-2019
2010-2014
2005-2009
2000-2004
1990-1999
1980-1989
1970-1979
Before 1970
How much time did you spend as a short-term coworker? (If you are currently a short-term coworker, please indicate how much time you currently intend to spend.)
less than one year
about one year
between one and two years
about two years
more than two years
Other
How old were you when you became a short-term coworker?
17 or under
18
19
20
21
22-25
26-29
30 or over
How did your Camphill experience relate to your formal education? Please check all that apply.
I came to Camphill for a "gap year" between secondary and university education.
I came to Camphill after beginning university but before completing it.
I came to Camphill after completing university.
At the time I came to Camphill, I had no plans for future education.
Other
Did you participate in formal educational experiences at Camphill? Please check all that apply.
I participate(d) in a general Camphill seminar that does not/did not offer formal academic credit.
I participate(d) in a specialized training program that did not/does not offer formal academic credit.
While at Camphill, I completed a formal education program that resulted in a university degree.
While at Camphill, I completed a formal education program that did not result in a university degree.
While at Camphill, I began a formal education program but did not complete it.
I am currently enrolled in a Camphill-based education program through which I expect to receive a degree.
I am currently enrolled in a Camphill-based education program that will not result in a degree.
I am currently contemplating beginning a Camphill-based education program.
I am/was a short-term coworker at a Camphill that offers/offered a formal education program, but I did not participate.
I am/was a short-term coworker at a Camphill that does/did not offer a formal education program.
Other
At which Camphill place(s) are you, or were you, a short-term coworker?
In which Camphill region(s) are you, or were you, a short-term coworker? Please check all that apply.
Scotland
England and Wales
Ireland
Northern Europe
Central Europe
Southern Africa
North America
Asia
I was at a Camphill community not affiliated with a region.
I was at a Camphill-inspired community.
I don't know which region my community was part of.
Other
Tell Us How You Came to Camphill!
In what country were you living immediately before becoming a short-term coworker?
What were you doing immediately before becoming a short-term coworker?
I was a student in secondary school.
I was a student in college or university.
I was in the paid work force.
I was not employed.
Other
How did you learn about Camphill? (Please check all that apply.)
I lived at a Camphill earlier in my life.
I have family members who are connected to Camphill.
I grew up near a Camphill place.
I visited Camphill places earlier in my life.
I attended a Waldorf school.
I learned about Camphill through another anthroposophical initiative, such as a Waldorf school, biodynamic farm, or Christian Community congregation.
I have friends who spent time at Camphill before me.
I learned about Camphill through an internet search.
I learned about Camphill through a volunteer placement organization.
I had never heard of Camphill before I began seeking a volunteer experience.
Other
How did you begin the process of applying to live at Camphill? Please check all that apply.
I applied to a volunteer placement organization that focuses on anthroposophical initiatives.
I applied to a volunteer placement organization that focuses on disability.
I applied to a volunteer placement organization that focuses on environmentalism.
I applied to a volunteer placement organization without a specific focus.
I applied directly to multiple Camphill places.
I applied directly to only one Camphill place.
Other
If you applied through a volunteer placement organization, please give its name.
How long did you initially plan to stay at Camphill?
Less than one year.
About one year.
A specific period of time that was more than one year but less than five years.
An indefinite period of time.
Short-term coworkers come to Camphill for a variety of motives. From the list below, please indicate how important each was for you at the time you decided to come to Camphill.
Very important
Somewhat important
Slightly important
Not important
I wanted to experience life in a different culture.
I wanted to improve my language skills.
I wanted a break from formal schooling.
I wanted to get experiences that would help me with university admission.
I wanted to get experiences that would help me with future employment.
I wanted to make friends with similar interests.
I wanted to make friends with people from other backgrounds.
I wanted to improve my mental health.
I wanted to live in a spiritual community.
I wanted to live in an intentional community that is service-oriented.
I wanted to learn more about disability.
I wanted to explore a career or vocation related to disability..
I wanted to learn more about agriculture or environmentalism.
I wanted to explore a career or vocation related to agriculture or environmentalism.
I wanted to learn more about a particular craft.
I wanted to explore a career or vocation related to a particular craft.
I wanted to be part of an initiative inspired by anthroposophy.
I wanted to deepen my personal relationship with anthroposophy.
I wanted to pursue an academic degree through a Camphill-based program.
I wanted to have experiences that would help me find my path in life.
From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of disability at the time you decided to come to Camphill.
I had few clear ideas about disability.
My views of disability were shaped by my experience as a person with disabilities.
My views of disability were shaped by my relationship with loved ones who have disabilities.
I thought of people with disabilities as vulnerable and in need of support.
I thought of people with disabilities as oppressed and in need of liberation.
I thought of people with disabilities as unique individuals with important gifts.
I supported the ideals of the disability rights movement.
Other
From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of intentional community at the time you decided to come to Camphill.
I had few clear ideas about intentional community.
I was already familiar with intentional communities.
I had grown up in intentional communities.
I planned to live in an intentional community long-term.
I was discerning whether to live in an intentional community long-term.
I had no plan to live in an intentional community long-term.
I was skeptical of the value of intentional communities.
Other
From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of anthroposophy at the time you decided to come to Camphill
I had never heard of anthroposophy.
I had few clear ideas about anthroposophy.
I was already familiar with anthroposophy.
I had attended a Waldorf school.
I had participated in an anthroposophical initiative other than a Waldorf school.
I had grown up with family members who participated in the Anthroposophical Society.
I was a member of the Anthroposophical Society.
I was attracted to anthroposophy and wanted to learn more.
I valued anthroposophical initiatives but did not value anthroposophy itself.
I valued some aspects of anthroposophy but did not like others.
I valued most aspects of anthroposophy but it was not my own path.
I did not value either anthroposophical initiatives or anthroposophy itself.
Other
Which best describes your mental health at the time you decided to come to Camphill? (By mental health we mean your overall emotional and psychological well-being, regardless of diagnosis.)
I was in good mental health.
I had some minor mental health challenges.
I had had significant mental health challenges in the past, but not at the time I decided.
I had significant mental health challenges at the time I decided.
Other
Below is a list of personal values. For each one, indicate how important it was to you at the time you decided to come to Camphill.
Very important
Somewhat important
Slightly important
Not at all important
Service to others
Economic cooperation
Harmony with the natural world
Professional success
Education
Family
Spirituality
Artistic Creativity
Social Justice and Inclusivity
Community Living
Tell Us About Your Camphill Experience!
How were short-term coworkers treated at your Camphill? Please indicate your level of agreement with each statement.
Agree strongly
Agree somewhat
Disagree somewhat
Disagree strongly
Not applicable
Short-term coworkers were treated as integral members of the community.
Short-term coworkers had a significant voice in community decision-making.
Short-term coworkers were expected to make significant contributions to the well-being of the community.
Other Camphillers helped short-term coworkers discern their life path.
Other Camphillers actively encouraged short-term coworkers to extend their stay.
Other Camphillers assumed that short-term coworkers were not considering a long-term commitment.
Your motives for being at Camphill may have shifted after you arrived. Please indicate how important each of these motives was during your time as a short-term coworker.
Very important
Somewhat important
Slightly important
Not important
I wanted to experience life in a different culture.
I wanted to improve my language skills.
I wanted a break from formal schooling.
I wanted to get experiences that would help me with university admission.
I wanted to get experiences that would help me with future employment.
I wanted to make friends with similar interests.
I wanted to make friends with people from other backgrounds.
I wanted to improve my mental health.
I wanted to live in a spiritual community.
I wanted to live in an intentional community that is service-oriented.
I wanted to learn more about disability.
I wanted to explore a career or vocation related to disability..
I wanted to learn more about agriculture or environmentalism.
I wanted to explore a career or vocation related to agriculture or environmentalism.
I wanted to learn more about a particular craft.
I wanted to explore a career or vocation related to a particular craft.
I wanted to be part of an initiative inspired by anthroposophy.
I wanted to deepen my personal relationship with anthroposophy.
I wanted to pursue an academic degree through a Camphill-based program.
Your views of disability may have changed during your time as a short-term coworker. From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of disability at the end of your time as a short-term coworker. If you are still a short-term coworker, indicate your current view.
I had few clear ideas about disability.
I had learned a lot about disability during my time as a short-term coworker.
My views of persons with disabilities had changed as a result of my time as a short-term coworker.
I thought of people with disabilities as vulnerable and in need of support.
I thought of people with disabilities as oppressed and in need of liberation.
I thought of people with disabilities as unique individuals with important gifts.
I supported the ideals of the disability rights movement.
Other
Your views of intentional community may have changed during your time as a short-term coworker. From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of intentional community at the end of your time as a short-term coworker. If you are still a short-term coworker, indicate your current view.
I had few clear ideas about intentional community.
I had learned a lot about intentional community during my time as a short-term coworker.
My views of intentional community changed as a result of my time as a short-term coworker.
I planned to live in an intentional community long-term.
I was discerning whether to live in an intentional community long-term.
I had no plan to live in an intentional community long-term.
I was skeptical of the value of intentional communities.
Other
Your views of anthroposophy may have changed during your time as a short-term coworker. From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of anthroposophy at the end of your time as a short-term coworker. If you are still a short-term coworker, indicate your current view.
I had few clear ideas about anthroposophy.
I learned a lot about anthroposophy during my time as a short-term coworker.
My views of anthroposophy changed as a result of my time as a short-term coworker.
I deepened my personal connection to anthroposophy during my time as a short term coworker.
I joined the Anthroposophical Society during my time as a short-term coworker.
I joined another anthroposophical initiative during my time as a short-term coworker.
I was attracted to anthroposophy and wanted to learn more.
I valued anthroposophical initiatives but did not value anthroposophy itself.
I valued some aspects of anthroposophy but did not like other aspects.
I valued most aspects of anthroposophy but it was not my own path.
I did not value either anthroposophical initiatives or anthroposophy itself.
Other
Which of these sentences describe your mental health during your time as a short-term coworker. Please check all that apply.
I was in good mental health.
I had some minor mental health challenges.
I had significant mental health challenges.
My mental health improved.
My mental health declined.
Some mental health challenges got better and others got worse.
My mental health was unchanged.
Your personal values may have changed during your time as a short-term coworker. Please indicate how important each value was to you at the end of your time as a short-term coworker (or at the present, if you are currently a short-term coworker).
Very important
Somewhat important
Slightly important
Not at all important
Service to others
Economic cooperation
Harmony with the natural world
Professional success
Education
Family
Spirituality
Artistic Creativity
Social Justice and Inclusivity
Community Living
Short-term coworkers experience many different sorts of learning at Camphill. For each type of learning, indicate how important it was to you during your time as a short-term coworker.
Very important
Somewhat important
Slightly important
Not important
Learning about myself
Learning about disability
Learning about agriculture/environment
Learning about a craft
Learning about a new culture
Learning about intentional community
Learning a new language
Learning about anthroposophy
For each type of learning, indicate how much you learned during your time as a short-term coworker.
a great deal
a moderate amount
a small amount
nothing
Learning about myself
Learning about disability
Learning about agriculture/environment
Learning about a craft
Learning about a new culture
Learning about intentional community
Learning a new language
Learning about anthroposophy
Some aspects of Camphill life can be challenging for short-term workers. Some of these challenges contribute to personal growth and some do not. For each item below, please indicate whether it was challenging for you, whether it contributed to your personal growth, and whether it was positive or negative overall.
This was challenging for me.
This contributed to my personal growth.
Overall, this was a positive part of my experience.
Overall, this was a negative part of my experience.
Not applicable
Living in a shared household with many other people.
Living far away from home.
Sharing life with people with disabilities.
Being expected to take on adult responsibilities.
Having to learn new tasks.
Having to work long hours.
Living in a community shaped by anthroposophy.
Experiencing conflicts with other people.
What Happened After?
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are currently a short-term coworker, please skip this section and continue to the next one!
How would you describe the way you left Camphill? Please check all that apply.
I left earlier than originally planned.
I left at the time I originally planned.
I left later than originally planned.
I never left.
I left because I was unhappy with my Camphill experience.
I left because of personal circumstances unrelated to my Camphill experience.
I left in order to fulfill plans that I had made before coming to Camphill.
I left in order to fulfill new plans that I made during my time at Camphill.
Other
Where did you live immediately after completing your time as a short-term coworker? Please check all that apply.
I lived in a country where I had lived before coming to Camphill.
I lived in the same country where the Camphill was located.
I lived in a country where I had never lived before.
What did you do immediately after completing your time as a short-term coworker?
I enrolled in a college or university.
I remained at the same Camphill place as a residential coworker.
I remained at the same Camphill place as a non-residential employee.
I moved to a different Camphill place as a residential coworker.
I moved to a different Camphill place as a non-residential employee.
I worked for another anthroposophical social therapy/curative education organization.
I worked for a non-anthroposophical organization with a mission related to disability.
I moved to a non-anthroposophical intentional community with a mission related to disability.
I moved to a non-anthroposophical intentional community with a mission unrelated to disability.
I worked for a non-anthroposophical organization with a mission unrelated to disability.
I devoted myself primarily to family responsibilities.
I engaged in extended travel.
Other
Which of these things have you done at some time since completing your time as a short-term coworker? Please check all that apply.
I have been a residential coworker at a Camphill.
I have been a non-residential employee at a Camphill.
I have worked for another anthroposophical initiative.
I have worked for another disability-related organization or school.
I have worked for another organization related to agriculture or the environment.
I have lived at another intentional community.
Other
What is your primary activity today? Please check all that apply.
I am a student.
I am in the paid workforce.
I am seeking paid employment.
I live in an intentional community.
I am engaged in family or household care.
I am retired.
Other
How would you describe your primary vocation or profession? Check all that apply.
Teaching/education
Social therapy/Social Work
Curative Education/Special Education
Disability services and advocacy
Agriculture
Environmental Care
Spiritual Leadership
Political Leadership
Health Care
Law
Business
Family Care
Arts
Food Service
I am currently a student
Other
You may use this space to describe your vocation or profession more precisely.
From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of disability today.
I have few clear ideas about disability.
I feel knowledgeable about disability.
I think of people with disabilities as vulnerable and in need of support.
I think of people with disabilities as oppressed and in need of liberation.
I think of people with disabilities as unique individuals with important gifts.
I support the ideals of the disability rights movement.
Other
From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of intentional community today.
I have few clear ideas about intentional community.
I feel knowledgeable about intentional community.
I believe that intention communities make important contributions to human well-being.
I currently live in an intentional community.
I hope to live in an intentional community at some point in the future.
I am skeptical of the value of intentional communities.
Other
From the list below, please check all items that describe your view of anthroposophy today.
I have few clear ideas about anthroposophy.
I feel knowledgeable about anthroposophy.
I am a member of the Anthroposophical Society.
Anthroposophy is part of my spiritual path.
I value anthroposophical initiatives but do not value anthroposophy itself.
I value some aspects of anthroposophy but dislike others.
I value most aspects of anthroposophy but it is not my own path.
I do not value either anthroposophical initiatives or anthroposophy itself.
Other
Please indicate how important each personal value is to you at the present time.
Very important
Somewhat important
Slightly important
Not at all important
Service to others
Economic cooperation
Harmony with the natural world
Professional success
Education
Family
Spirituality
Artistic Creativity
Social Justice and Inclusivity
Community Living
How much has your experience as a short-term coworker influenced each aspect of your current lifestyle that is listed below?
Very large influence
Somewhat Large Influence
Small Influence
No Influence
Not Appilicable
My work or career
My living arrangements
My friendships
My family life
My spiritual life
My eating habits
My relationship to the natural world
My relationship to the community where I live
My political commitments
My artistic or craft practice
If you are no longer living or working at Camphill, please check all the ways in which you are currently connected to Camphill.
Electronic communication with friends made at Camphill
In-person interaction with friends made at Camphill
I am in a romantic relationship with someone I met at Camphill
I live near a Camphill community
I visit Camphill on a regular basis
I have made at least one return visit to Camphill that lasted more than two weeks
I have encouraged other people to become Camphill coworkers
I have referred people with special support needs to Camphill
I participate in an organization that provides support to Camphill
I donate money to Camphill
I serve on the board of a Camphill community or related organization
I have completed academic research related to Camphill
Other
If you are no longer living or working at Camphill, please indicate your involvement in other related organizations.
I live at an intentional community.
I participate in another anthroposophical initiative.
I participate in another organzation related to disability.
I participate in another organization related to agriculture or the environment.
I participate in the Anthroposophical Society.
Other
Sum It All Up!
What has been the biggest impact on your life that resulted from your experience as a short-term coworker?
What aspects of the short-term coworker experience were most positive for you?
What aspects of the short-term coworker experience could have been better for you?
Thank you! Please feel free to share any other information relevant to the topic of this survey.
Submit
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