Find Intentional Communities: A Guide to Purposeful Living

Imagine a life where your neighbors are not just people who share a fence line, but active participants in a shared vision. A life where decisions are made collectively, resources are shared, and the rhythms of daily life are interwoven with a sense of purpose. This isn’t a utopian fantasy; it’s the reality for those who choose to live in intentional communities. But how do you find intentional communities that align with your values and aspirations? This guide will navigate you through the world of communal living, offering practical steps and valuable resources to help you discover your ideal community.

What Are Intentional Communities?

At its core, an intentional community is a group of people who have chosen to live together based on shared values, interests, or a common purpose. Unlike traditional neighborhoods, where proximity is often the primary connection, intentional communities are deliberately designed to foster connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. They come in many forms, but common threads tie them together:

  • Shared Values: These could range from environmental sustainability and spiritual practice to social justice and personal growth.
  • Collective Decision-Making: Many communities use consensus or other participatory methods to make decisions that affect the group.
  • Shared Resources: This might include shared housing, gardens, tools, vehicles, or even income.
  • Commitment to Community: Members are actively involved in the life of the community, contributing their skills and energy to shared projects and activities.

Types of Intentional Communities

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

  • Ecovillages: Focused on ecological sustainability, often incorporating permaculture, renewable energy, and natural building techniques.
  • Cohousing Communities: Private homes clustered around shared spaces, designed to encourage social interaction and a sense of community.
  • Spiritual Communities: Centered around a specific spiritual practice or set of beliefs, providing a supportive environment for spiritual growth.
  • Residential Land Trusts: Communities that collectively own the land, ensuring affordability and preventing speculation.
  • Income-Sharing Communities: Members pool their income and redistribute it according to need, promoting economic equality.
  • Student Co-ops: Affordable housing options for students, often emphasizing cooperative living and shared responsibilities.

Why Seek Out Intentional Communities?

The motivations for seeking out intentional communities are as varied as the communities themselves. Some common reasons include:

  • A Desire for Connection: In an increasingly isolated world, many people crave deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
  • A Commitment to Sustainability: Living in an ecovillage or other environmentally focused community can be a powerful way to reduce your ecological footprint.
  • A Search for Purpose: Joining a community with a clear mission or shared purpose can provide a sense of meaning and direction.
  • A Desire for Affordability: Shared housing and resources can significantly reduce living expenses.
  • A Need for Support: Intentional communities can provide a strong support network, offering emotional, practical, and social support.
  • A Vision for a Better World: Many people see intentional communities as a model for a more just, sustainable, and compassionate society.

Where to Begin Your Search to Find Intentional Communities

Ready to dive in? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find intentional communities that are right for you:

1. Self-Reflection: What Are You Looking For?

Before you start browsing community directories, take some time to reflect on your own values, needs, and aspirations. Ask yourself:

  • What are my core values? (e.g., sustainability, social justice, spirituality, creativity)
  • What kind of environment do I thrive in? (e.g., rural, urban, agricultural)
  • What are my financial needs and resources?
  • What level of involvement am I comfortable with? (e.g., decision-making, shared chores, social activities)
  • What skills and resources can I contribute to a community?
  • What are my non-negotiables? (e.g., dietary restrictions, political views, parenting styles)

The more clear you are about your own needs and desires, the easier it will be to find intentional communities that are a good fit.

2. Explore Online Resources

The internet is a treasure trove of information about intentional communities. Here are some key resources:

The Foundation for Intentional Community (FIC): The FIC operates ic.org, a comprehensive directory of intentional communities around the world. You can search by location, type of community, values, and other criteria. Their website also offers a wealth of articles, resources, and events related to communal living. Explore related sites like Ecovillage Directory.

Global Ecovillage Network (GEN): If you’re interested in ecovillages, GEN is a fantastic resource. Their website (ecovillage.org) features a directory of ecovillages around the world, as well as information about ecovillage design, education, and networking.

Cohousing Association of the United States: For those drawn to cohousing, this association (cohousing.org) offers a directory of cohousing communities in the US and Canada, plus resources on how to form a cohousing community.

Online Forums and Social Media Groups: Search for online forums and social media groups related to intentional communities, cohousing, ecovillages, and other relevant topics. These groups can be a great way to connect with people who are already living in community or who are also exploring this lifestyle.

3. Attend Workshops and Events

Immerse yourself in the world of intentional communities by attending workshops, conferences, and other events. The FIC and GEN often host events, as do many individual communities. These events offer a chance to learn more about communal living, network with other people who are interested in community, and even visit existing communities.

4. Visit Communities

Once you’ve identified a few communities that seem like a good fit, arrange a visit. This is the best way to get a feel for the community’s culture, dynamics, and daily life. Most communities offer visitor programs, which may involve staying for a few days or weeks. During your visit, be sure to:

  • Attend community meetings and events.
  • Participate in shared meals and work projects.
  • Talk to residents about their experiences.
  • Ask questions about the community’s decision-making processes, finances, and social dynamics.

Pay close attention to how you feel in the community. Do you feel welcome and comfortable? Do you resonate with the community’s values and culture? Can you see yourself living there long-term?

5. Ask the Right Questions

When visiting communities, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Here are a few key areas to explore:

Governance:
How are decisions made? What happens when there are disagreements?
What are the community’s rules and policies?
How is conflict resolved?
Finances:
How is the community funded?
What are the membership fees or dues?
How is income shared (if applicable)?
Social Dynamics:
What is the community’s culture like?
How do members communicate with each other?
What is the process for joining the community?
Sustainability:
What are the community’s environmental practices?
How does the community minimize its ecological footprint?
Does the community have a garden or other food production systems?

6. Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, the best way to find intentional communities is to trust your intuition. If a community feels like a good fit, that’s a good sign. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Finding the right community can take time, so be patient and persistent. Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep connecting with others who are passionate about communal living.

Challenges and Considerations

Living in an intentional community is not always easy. It requires a commitment to communication, compromise, and collaboration. Here are some potential challenges to consider:

Conflict Resolution: Living in close proximity with others inevitably leads to conflict. Communities need effective mechanisms for resolving disagreements and addressing interpersonal issues.
Decision-Making: Collective decision-making can be time-consuming and challenging, especially when there are conflicting opinions.
Personal Boundaries: It can be difficult to maintain personal boundaries in a communal setting. It’s important to establish clear boundaries and communicate them effectively.
Financial Sustainability: Maintaining financial stability can be a challenge for some communities, especially those that rely on shared income.
Finding the Right Fit: Not every community is right for every person. It’s important to find intentional communities that align with your values and needs, and to be prepared to adjust and adapt to the community’s culture.

The Future of Intentional Communities

As the world faces growing challenges like climate change, social isolation, and economic inequality, intentional communities offer a compelling alternative to mainstream society. They provide a model for living more sustainably, connecting more deeply, and creating a more just and equitable world. By embracing shared resources, collective decision-making, and a commitment to community, intentional communities offer a pathway towards a brighter future.

Start Your Journey Today

The search to find intentional communities that are right for you is a personal journey. Embrace the process, be open to new experiences, and trust that you will find the community that is meant for you. The rewards of communal living – deeper connections, a stronger sense of purpose, and a more sustainable lifestyle – are well worth the effort.