Intentional Communities: A Global Guide to Shared Living Arrangements

In an increasingly interconnected world, the idea of intentional communities is gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional living arrangements. These communities, built on shared values and a commitment to collaborative living, offer a unique blend of independence and interdependence. This guide explores the diverse landscape of intentional communities, examining their various forms, benefits, challenges, and global examples.

What are Intentional Communities?

An intentional community is a group of people who have chosen to live together based on shared values, beliefs, or lifestyle preferences. Unlike traditional neighborhoods, which are often formed by proximity and circumstance, intentional communities are consciously created with a specific purpose in mind. This purpose can range from sustainable living and spiritual growth to social activism and cooperative economics.

Key characteristics of intentional communities include:

Shared Values: A common set of principles or beliefs that guide the community's decisions and actions.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Members actively participate in shaping the community's direction and policies.
Shared Resources: Communal ownership or access to land, housing, facilities, or income.
Community Building: Conscious efforts to foster strong relationships and a sense of belonging.
Commitment to Sustainability: Many communities prioritize environmental stewardship and responsible resource management.

Types of Intentional Communities

The landscape of intentional communities is incredibly diverse. Here are some common types:

Cohousing Communities

Cohousing communities emphasize individual autonomy within a supportive social environment. Residents typically have private homes but share common facilities such as a kitchen, dining room, laundry, and recreational spaces. Decisions are often made through consensus, and residents actively participate in community activities.

Example: Sættedammen in Denmark, one of the first modern cohousing communities, provides private homes with shared community facilities. This model has inspired similar communities worldwide.

Ecovillages

Ecovillages prioritize ecological sustainability and aim to minimize their environmental impact. They often incorporate practices such as organic farming, renewable energy, and natural building techniques. Ecovillages are typically located in rural areas and emphasize self-sufficiency.

Example: Findhorn Ecovillage in Scotland is a well-known example, demonstrating permaculture principles, renewable energy systems, and community-led governance.

Communes

Communes typically involve a high degree of shared resources and collective living. Residents may share housing, income, and responsibilities. Communes often have a strong ideological or spiritual foundation.

Example: Twin Oaks Community in Virginia, USA, is a secular commune that practices income sharing and labor sharing across its various businesses and activities.

Residential Land Trusts

Residential Land Trusts (RLTs) focus on providing permanently affordable housing. The land is held in trust by a non-profit organization, which ensures that housing remains accessible to low- and moderate-income residents. RLTs can be incorporated into intentional communities or operate independently.

Example: Burlington Community Land Trust in Vermont, USA, is one of the oldest and most successful RLTs, providing permanently affordable housing options for many residents.

Cooperative Housing

Cooperative housing involves residents collectively owning and managing their housing. Residents are shareholders in the cooperative corporation, which owns the building or property. Decisions are made democratically, and residents share responsibility for maintenance and upkeep.

Example: Rochdale Village in New York City, USA, is a large cooperative housing complex that provides affordable housing for thousands of residents.

Benefits of Living in an Intentional Community

Living in an intentional community can offer a wide range of benefits:

Increased Social Connection: Intentional communities provide a built-in support system and opportunities for meaningful relationships.
Reduced Isolation: Living in close proximity to others can combat loneliness and promote a sense of belonging.
Shared Resources and Costs: Sharing resources can reduce individual expenses and promote resource efficiency.
Sustainable Living: Many communities prioritize environmental sustainability and offer opportunities to live more ecologically.
Personal Growth: Engaging in community decision-making and problem-solving can foster personal growth and leadership skills.
Increased Security: A strong sense of community can enhance safety and security.
Childcare Support: Shared childcare responsibilities can ease the burden on parents.
Aging in Place: Communities can provide support for older members, allowing them to age in place with dignity and care.

Challenges of Living in an Intentional Community

While intentional communities offer numerous benefits, they also present certain challenges:

Conflict Resolution: Disagreements are inevitable, and effective conflict resolution mechanisms are essential.
Decision-Making Processes: Consensus-based decision-making can be time-consuming and challenging.
Personality Clashes: Living in close proximity to others can lead to personality clashes.
Privacy Concerns: Balancing privacy with community involvement can be difficult.
Financial Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term financial stability of the community is crucial.
Legal and Regulatory Issues: Navigating local zoning regulations and legal requirements can be complex.
Commitment and Time: Active participation in community life requires a significant commitment of time and energy.
Power Dynamics: Addressing potential imbalances of power within the community is important.

Global Examples of Intentional Communities

Intentional communities exist in various forms around the world, each with its unique characteristics and focus. Here are a few examples:

Europe

Tamera (Portugal): A peace research and education center focused on creating sustainable and non-violent communities.
Christiania (Denmark): An autonomous community in Copenhagen known for its alternative lifestyle and social experimentation.
Sieben Linden (Germany): An ecovillage that emphasizes ecological building, renewable energy, and permaculture.

North America

Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage (Missouri, USA): A sustainable community focused on reducing its ecological footprint and promoting simple living.
Earthaven Ecovillage (North Carolina, USA): An ecovillage committed to ecological design, permaculture, and community building.
Los Angeles Eco-Village (California, USA): An urban ecovillage that promotes sustainable transportation, local food production, and community engagement.

South America

Gaia Association (Argentina): A network of ecovillages and sustainable communities across South America.
Instituto de Permacultura da Bahia (Brazil): A permaculture education center and community that promotes sustainable agriculture and living.

Asia

Auroville (India): An international community dedicated to human unity and spiritual evolution.
Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement (Sri Lanka): A community development movement that promotes self-reliance and sustainable development.

Africa

Sekem (Egypt): A sustainable community that integrates organic agriculture, social development, and cultural initiatives.

Starting or Joining an Intentional Community

If you are interested in starting or joining an intentional community, here are some steps to consider:

For Starting a Community:

Define Your Vision: What are your core values and goals for the community? What type of community do you envision?
Find Like-Minded People: Connect with others who share your vision and are committed to building a community.
Develop a Governance Structure: Establish clear rules and processes for decision-making and conflict resolution.
Secure Land or Housing: Find a suitable location and develop a financial plan for acquiring or building housing.
Build Community: Organize regular meetings, events, and activities to foster relationships and a sense of belonging.
Establish Financial Sustainability: Develop a financial plan that ensures the long-term viability of the community.
Navigate Legal and Regulatory Issues: Consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with local regulations.

For Joining a Community:

Research Communities: Explore different types of communities and identify those that align with your values and interests.
Visit Communities: Arrange visits to potential communities to meet residents and experience community life firsthand.
Ask Questions: Learn about the community's governance structure, decision-making processes, and financial arrangements.
Assess Your Fit: Consider whether you are a good fit for the community and whether the community is a good fit for you.
Commit to Community Life: Be prepared to actively participate in community activities and contribute to the community's well-being.
Respect Community Norms: Understand and respect the community's values, rules, and expectations.

Resources for Intentional Communities

Several organizations and resources can provide support and guidance for intentional communities:

The Foundation for Intentional Community (FIC): A non-profit organization that provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for intentional communities. (intentionalcommunities.org)
Cohousing Association of the United States: An organization that promotes cohousing communities and provides resources for developing and living in cohousing. (cohousing.org)
Global Ecovillage Network (GEN): A global network of ecovillages and sustainable communities. (ecovillage.org)
IC.org (Intentional Communities Website): A comprehensive online resource directory for intentional communities and related topics.

The Future of Shared Living

As the world faces increasing social, economic, and environmental challenges, intentional communities offer a compelling model for creating more resilient, sustainable, and fulfilling lives. By embracing shared values, collaborative decision-making, and a commitment to community building, these communities are paving the way for a more interconnected and harmonious future.

The growing interest in intentional communities suggests a shift towards a more collaborative and community-oriented way of living. As people seek deeper connections, greater sustainability, and more meaningful lives, shared living arrangements are likely to become increasingly popular. Whether it's cohousing, ecovillages, or cooperative housing, intentional communities offer a diverse range of options for those seeking a more intentional and fulfilling way of life.

Actionable Insight: Consider exploring resources like the Foundation for Intentional Community to learn more about available communities and the process of either joining or starting one. Reflect on your values and what you seek in a living arrangement to determine if shared living aligns with your personal goals.

Conclusion

Intentional communities represent a powerful movement towards creating more sustainable, equitable, and fulfilling ways of life. While challenges exist, the benefits of increased social connection, shared resources, and a commitment to sustainability make them an attractive option for many. As you explore the possibilities of shared living, remember that the key to success lies in finding a community that aligns with your values and a willingness to actively participate in building a thriving and supportive environment. By embracing the principles of collaboration, communication, and commitment, you can contribute to a more connected and harmonious world, one community at a time.