We are ready to grow The Village Square into new communities with partners devoted to our idea and with a true pioneering spirit.

If you think that could be you, find an online application that has the info about what we require of new locations HERE.

What you get if we pick you: We help you get up and running, sharing everything we’ve learned so far. Your own hometown Village Square website, we provide accounting, administrative and database support (i.e. you get to skip some big headaches we had). If you’re the first in your state, you’ll be responsible for some paperwork (i.e. you don’t skip all of the big headaches we had. But on the up side, you’re the state alpha dog which has some perks). We share all our program content, graphics, press releases and you can follow along behind us on topics for the season (or pick your own, just know there may be danger in those red hills). Basically, you get a franchise without paying for it, but as franchises go, it’s worth a little less than McDonald’s (just saying).

What you don’t get even if we pick you (yet): The Dinero. Like all good pioneers, you’re going to have to find a sugar daddy (oh like Wells Fargo) to fund your manifest destiny. We have learned a thing or two about the money and will help. We hope to offer a little more start-up support in the future, you’ll just have to decide whether you’ve got the spirit of a real frontiersman or you want to come along later with the women, children and fine china.

We have two financial models for your expansion location: 1. Nothing up front from you at all – as you grow your effort and gain local members, $18 of each $68 membership goes to us. (See above discussion on getting stuff for free and do a happy dance.) 2. If you’re an institution with resources you can skip the ongoing fees through membership (you get to keep it all, woohoo) and simply pay us a small annual franchise fee, depending on the level of services you require from us (website, graphics, programming, advice on how to keep your scalp).

Village Square Lite: Taking a pass for now but interested in dipping your toe in the water of improved civility? Try out self-generated Village Square programming, “The Village Circle,” HERE. Or consider hosting “Politics, Partisans & A Pint,” a monthly happy hour that fosters constructive friendships across the aisle. Find out about the particulars HERE. Want to establish a civility beachhead in your state before you start an official Square? We’re looking for Tweeters to start up state Twitter sites.

General questions? Or did you complete an online application? Call Liz Joyner, Executive Director at (850) 264-8785 or reach her by email at liz@tothevillagesquare.org

(Photo credit)