Starting a Community
Vision and Reality in Ecotopia
Posted on September 7, 2012 byInnovative ecovillagers turn challenges into opportunities.
Coming of Age
Posted on September 7, 2012 by1 Comment
In Ithaca, New York, a pioneering project continues to break new ground in ecological design, education, and community.
Creating eCohousing
Posted on September 7, 2012 by1 Comment
The Yarrow Ecovillage uses the cohousing model to create ecological buildings that meet their occupants’ needs.
Ecovillage Infrastructure
Posted on September 7, 2012 by1 Comment
Water supply, human waste treatment, zoning regulations, legal structure, homeownership models, and other core technical issues are essential in ecovillage planning.
An Ecovillage Future
Posted on September 7, 2012 by1 Comment
For the health of our species and the planet, we need ecovillages.
Spirit in the Woods
Posted on March 7, 2012 byAt New View Cohousing, practicing consensus, navigating illness, and simply
sharing lives are continuing spiritual exercises.
Creating Spiritual Community at the Hermitage
Posted on March 7, 2012 by2 Comments
To these communitarians, all work was holy—but overwhelmed by “the
accumulating weight of such holiness” and other disappointments, they
eventually adjust their aspirations.
How Permaculture Stole My Community!
Posted on December 7, 2011 by1 Comment
After a painful period stranded in “permaculture heaven,” an Earthaven founder finds her community finally moving back towards balance with its eco-spiritual roots.
Unto the Second Generation
Posted on September 7, 2011 by12 Comments
When a cohousing group’s honeymoon ends, and economic stress dictates selling units to any willing buyers, can a community’s core values and connections endure?
A Communitarian Conundrum
Posted on June 7, 2011 by1 Comment
Despite widespread desire for community, structural and cultural obstacles to intentional community in the modern world loom large.
And I Listen
Posted on December 7, 2010 by2 Comments
Howling, shouting, cries of despair, and The Pierced One greet a parent on her first visit to her daughter’s adopted community. Luckily, through lots of talking and listening, things improve.
Balancing Powers
Posted on September 7, 2010 by1 Comment
In a healthy community, leadership and followship are equally important roles, each with vital skill sets that can assure effective teamwork.
More Perspectives on Leadership and Followship
Posted on September 7, 2010 by1 Comment
The author identifies additional leadership skills, cautions against blind followship, and reflects on the many types of power in cooperative groups.
Being “Overthrown”—A Celebration
Posted on September 7, 2010 byThe founder of Enright Ridge Urban Ecovillage describes what it’s like to be criticized, marginalized, stripped of leadership responsibilities, and given the opportunity to explore a new role.
Together and Apart; Eden Within Eden
Posted on March 7, 2010 byReviews of two great books on community living, one on life in a convent with surprising insights even for the most secular, and one on the history of utopian experiments in Oregon.
From Visions of Utopia to “The Many Faces of Community”
Posted on March 7, 2010 byGeoph Kozeny’s community documentary brings forth reflections on Hearthaven, discussions among neighbors and friends, and ultimately a new intergenerational family community.
Throwing in the Founder’s Towel
Posted on September 7, 2009 by1 Comment
After many years of dealing with the unique struggles inherent in starting a community, a community founder discovers her vision manifested elsewhere, and becomes a community joiner.
Emergency Community
Posted on September 7, 2009 by1 Comment
After serving thousands of meals, a community of post-Katrina relief kitchen volunteers moves to the West Coast and acquires a mortgage, a baby, full-time jobs, and the challenges of the mundane.
All We Have Is All We Need
Posted on December 7, 2008 byA group of North Americans establishes a community in Costa Rica and
learns new lessons about simplicity, wealth, change, growth, balance,
and happiness.
Abundance and Scarcity in the Goodenough Community
Posted on December 7, 2008 byA community confronts economic adversity by remaining constant in relationship, holding financial losses in common, and working together in fundraising, educational programs, and new projects.
Every Politician Should Live in a Commune
Posted on September 7, 2008 byAfter living in the PRAG House collective for 25 years before running for office, a Seattle City Councilor recommends that anyone entering politics consider experiencing intentional community first.
The Quest for Community
Posted on June 7, 2008 byTree Bressen traces her own path of exploration from commune to collective household, discovering that community isn’t always drawn in black and white.
The Meandering Paths of Arcadia
Posted on September 7, 2007 by1 Comment
Builder and old-house renovator Alex Daniell fell in love with the charming, old-world village atmosphere of 8-year-old Arcadia Cohousing. He asks Giles Blunden, the group’s architect, how he did it.
Celebrating the Food Revolution
Posted on June 7, 2007 byRed Earth Farms cofounder Alyson Ewald loves it that her rural community wildcrafts, grows, processes, ferments, pickles, and celebrates food.
