FAQ

1. What is the relationship between Ascending Awareness and the Black Diamond Guild?

Ascending Awareness is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to promoting self-reliance through sustainable living. We provide housing, educational resources, and services aimed at fostering independence. The Black Diamond Guild is a private membership association that serves as a fundraiser for Ascending Awareness. By joining the Guild, members gain access to various programs and retreats that teach essential life skills like home building, horticulture, homeopathy, and homeschooling. Membership fees from the Black Diamond Guild help sustain Ascending Awareness’ mission.

2. What are the main differences between the Dignity Dens, Bridging the Gap, and Next Step retreats?

The retreats differ in intensity, purpose, and membership level requirements:

Dignity Dens: A foundational retreat that offers short-term stays in 32-square-foot micro-houses. It provides introductory knowledge on sustainable living. Bronze membership is required to participate.
Bridging the Gap: A more intensive retreat available to Bronze members. It has two pathways:
1. An 18-month program aimed at saving for a down payment on a Next Step home.
2. Shorter learning retreats in 10' by 12' tiny homes, offering more advanced knowledge than Dignity Dens.
Next Step: Exclusively for Silver, Gold, and Diamond members, this retreat allows members to design and build their own homes in collaboration with Ascending Awareness, focusing on long-term self-sufficiency and off-grid living.

3. What does a Bronze member get by joining and paying the $10 per month?

Bronze membership is the foundation for all of Ascending Awareness' offerings. By paying $10 a month, Bronze members receive:

Access to Educational Resources: View movies and information on sustainable living, homeopathic care, home building, horticulture, homeschooling, and more through our website.
Participation in Retreats: Bronze membership is required for both the Dignity Dens and Bridging the Gap retreats.
Learning Materials: Gain insights from the vast online resources on self-reliance, sustainability, and off-grid living. All additional membership levels and retreats build on this base.

4. What are the different membership levels in the Black Diamond Guild, and what do they offer?

The Black Diamond Guild offers four membership levels:

Bronze: Provides access to the Dignity Dens and Bridging the Gap retreats, as well as the educational content on our website, which includes videos and resources on self-sufficient living.
Silver: Offers participation in the Next Step retreat, where members design and build their homes. Silver members pay month-to-month while living long-term on charity land.
Gold: Gold members pay 30% more than Silver members for 20 years, after which they receive a 99-year retreat lease.
Diamond: Diamond members pay upfront for a 99-year lease, securing long-term living at a discounted rate compared to Gold members.

5. What is the role of Bronze membership in the Dignity Dens and Bridging the Gap retreats?

Bronze membership is required for both the Dignity Dens and Bridging the Gap retreats:

Dignity Dens: Bronze members can participate in short-term retreats where they stay in a 32-square-foot micro-house and learn basic self-reliance skills.
Bridging the Gap: Bronze members can either join an 18-month savings program for homeownership or attend more advanced, short-term learning retreats in a 10' by 12' tiny home.

Bronze membership serves as the entry point for accessing these retreats and educational content.

6. How long can I stay in each retreat, and what are retreat leases?

The length of stay depends on the retreat and membership level:

Dignity Dens: Short-term retreats in small micro-houses, available to Bronze members at daily, weekly, or monthly rates.
Bridging the Gap: Bronze members can either participate in an 18-month program to save for a home, or stay in 10' by 12' tiny homes for shorter-term learning retreats.
Next Step: Silver, Gold, and Diamond members participate in long-term stays in homes they design and build themselves. Silver members pay month-to-month, Gold members pay for 20 years, and Diamond members pay upfront for a 99-year lease.

7. Can I participate in the Bridging the Gap retreat without joining the 18-month program?

Yes, Bronze members can attend the Bridging the Gap retreat without committing to the 18-month savings program. You can stay in the 10' by 12' tiny homes for shorter, more advanced learning retreats, which provide deeper knowledge in sustainable living compared to the Dignity Dens retreat.

8. What are the costs associated with the Black Diamond Guild memberships and retreats?

Bronze members: Pay $10 per month for access to educational resources and retreats. Additional fees apply for participating in the Dignity Dens or Bridging the Gap retreats.
Silver members: Pay month-to-month for the Next Step retreat and design and build their homes.
Gold members: Pay 30% more than Silver members for 20 years, after which they receive a 99-year retreat lease.
Diamond members: Pay upfront for a 99-year lease, saving 30% compared to Gold members.

9. Are there additional costs for utilities or maintenance while staying in the retreats?

Yes, especially for long-term retreats:

Next Step participants (Silver, Gold, and Diamond members)**: Pay $10 per month for access to knowledge retreats, and $40 per month for infrastructure maintenance such as road repairs and community garden upkeep. These fees ensure the retreat’s infrastructure and communal spaces are well maintained.

10. What skills will I learn in the Dignity Dens, Bridging the Gap, and Next Step retreats?

Each retreat offers different levels of learning:

Dignity Dens: Basic skills in sustainable living, including home building, horticulture, and natural health practices.
Bridging the Gap: More advanced training in off-grid living, financial planning for homeownership, and sustainable lifestyle practices.
Next Step: Silver, Gold, and Diamond members gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and managing off-grid homes. This retreat offers the most comprehensive training in self-reliance.

11. What is the 18-month program in the Bridging the Gap retreat, and how does it help me save for a home?

The Bridging the Gap retreat offers an 18-month program for Bronze members designed to help participants save for a down payment on a Next Step home. During this time, members live in a 10' by 12' tiny home, learn advanced skills in sustainable living, and build financial management strategies that prepare them for homeownership.

12. How do I become a member of the Black Diamond Guild and start participating in the retreats?

To become a member of the Black Diamond Guild, you must first join as a Bronze member by paying the $10 monthly fee. This grants access to all of our educational resources, including movies, guides on sustainable living, homeopathic care, and more. After joining, you can participate in the Dignity Dens and Bridging the Gap retreats. For long-term participation in the Next Step retreat, you can upgrade to Silver, Gold, or Diamond membership. Visit our website to sign up and start your journey toward sustainable living.

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section!