How AFTIN Works
AFTIN is a structured mutual-assistance network built around the Garden Tree Wheel — a four-stage growth journey from Seed to Tree, where each contributor progresses through a four-week growth progression within a 15-person community.
The Garden Tree Wheel
The official AFTIN educational graphic illustrating the growth journey and Tree structure.
The Garden Tree Wheel® — Seed → Sprout → Sapling → Tree
The Growth Journey
Every contributor progresses through four stages — Seed, Sprout, Sapling, and Tree — within a structured 15-person community.
Seed
8Every contributor begins as a Seed — the starting position within a Tree, ready to grow.
Sprout
4As the Tree fills, Seeds grow into Sprouts — taking root and beginning to establish themselves.
Sapling
2Sprouts mature into Saplings — strong, structured, and approaching full growth.
Tree
1The Tree is the mature position — the centerpiece of the 15-person structure.
The AFTIN Tree Structure
Each Tree is a complete community of 15 contributors, progressing together through the Contributor growth journey.
8
Seeds
4
Sprouts
2
Saplings
1
Tree
15
Total Contributors per Tree
Four-Week Growth Cycles
AFTIN is ideally designed around a four-week Contributor growth progression from Seed → Sprout → Sapling → Tree. A Tree reaches Full Growth and completes its cycle when all eight Seed positions are planted.
Form
A Tree begins forming as Seeds join and fill the 8 open positions.
Grow
When all eight Seeds are planted, the Tree reaches Full Growth and its cycle completes — making it eligible for the next stage of the AFTIN process.
Split
After the cycle completes, the Tree splits — creating new Trees for continued growth.
Begin your journey
Apply to join AFTIN and start as a Seed in the next Tree.
Apply to Join AFTIN