Find Intentional Communities: A Guide to Purposeful Living

Imagine a life centered around shared values, collaborative living, and a commitment to a better world. This isn’t just a utopian dream; it’s the reality for those who choose to live in intentional communities. But how do you actually find intentional communities that align with your vision? This guide explores the world of purposeful living, offering a roadmap to discover, evaluate, and connect with the perfect community for you.

What is an Intentional Community?

An intentional community is a group of people who live together based on shared values, beliefs, and a common purpose. These communities can vary widely in size, structure, and focus. Some are rural ecovillages committed to sustainable living, while others are urban co-housing projects focused on building strong social connections. What unites them is the conscious decision to live in a more collaborative and meaningful way than traditional society often allows.

Common Characteristics of Intentional Communities:

  • Shared Values: A unifying set of principles that guide community life, such as sustainability, spirituality, or social justice.
  • Collaborative Decision-Making: Many communities utilize consensus-based or other participatory methods to make decisions.
  • Shared Resources: Resources like land, buildings, vehicles, or tools are often shared among members.
  • Social Connection: Intentional communities prioritize building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Commitment: Members are typically committed to the long-term success and well-being of the community.

Why Choose Intentional Community Living?

The reasons for seeking out intentional communities are diverse, reflecting a growing desire for connection, purpose, and a more sustainable way of life. Here are some common motivations:

  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Many communities embrace sustainable practices, reducing their footprint through shared resources, local food production, and eco-friendly building techniques.
  • Stronger Social Connections: Living in close proximity with like-minded individuals fosters deeper relationships and combats social isolation.
  • Personal Growth: The challenges and opportunities of community living can lead to significant personal growth and self-discovery.
  • Shared Resources and Reduced Expenses: Sharing resources can significantly reduce living expenses, making it possible to live more frugally and focus on other priorities.
  • Meaningful Contribution: Participating in a community provides opportunities to contribute your skills and talents to a shared purpose.

Where to Start Your Search for Intentional Communities

Finding the right community takes time and research. Fortunately, several resources can help you in your search. These resources can help you find intentional communities that fit your own personal values.

Online Directories and Databases:

  • The Foundation for Intentional Community (FIC): The FIC’s website (ic.org) is the most comprehensive online directory of intentional communities worldwide. You can search by location, size, focus, and other criteria.
  • Cohousing.org: This website focuses specifically on cohousing communities, which are a type of intentional community that emphasizes private homes alongside shared common spaces.
  • Global Ecovillage Network (GEN): GEN connects ecovillages and sustainable communities around the world. Their website (ecovillage.org) offers information and resources for those interested in ecological living.
  • Online Forums and Social Media Groups: Explore online forums and social media groups related to intentional communities, permaculture, sustainable living, and related topics. These platforms can provide valuable leads and connect you with individuals who have firsthand experience.

Questions to Consider Before You Start Searching:

  • What are your core values? What principles are most important to you in a community?
  • What type of environment are you seeking? Do you prefer rural or urban living? Are you looking for a community focused on sustainability, spirituality, or something else?
  • What level of involvement are you willing to commit to? How much time and energy are you prepared to dedicate to community activities and decision-making?
  • What are your financial resources? Can you afford the membership fees or housing costs associated with different communities?

Evaluating Potential Communities

Once you’ve identified a few communities that seem like a good fit, it’s important to evaluate them carefully before making a commitment. Here are some key factors to consider:

Community Culture and Values:

  • Read the community’s mission statement and guiding principles. Do they resonate with your own values?
  • Talk to current members about their experiences. What do they love about the community? What are the challenges?
  • Observe community meetings and events. Get a sense of the dynamics between members and the decision-making processes.
  • Ask about the community’s conflict resolution policies. How are disagreements handled?

Practical Considerations:

  • Housing Options: What types of housing are available? Are they private or shared? What are the costs?
  • Financial Structure: How is the community financed? Are there membership fees, shared expenses, or income-sharing arrangements?
  • Decision-Making Processes: How are decisions made? Is it a democratic or hierarchical system?
  • Work and Responsibilities: What are the expectations for work contributions? Are there shared tasks or individual responsibilities?
  • Sustainability Practices: What steps does the community take to reduce its environmental impact?
  • Location and Amenities: Is the community located in a place that meets your needs in terms of access to jobs, healthcare, and other amenities?

Visiting Potential Communities

The best way to get a feel for a community is to visit. Most communities offer visitor programs that allow you to spend a few days or weeks living alongside members and participating in daily life. This is an invaluable opportunity to experience the community firsthand and determine if it’s the right fit for you.

During Your Visit:

  • Engage with Members: Ask questions, share your story, and get to know the people who live in the community.
  • Participate in Activities: Attend community meals, meetings, and work sessions to get a sense of the daily routine.
  • Observe the Environment: Pay attention to the physical surroundings, the energy of the community, and how people interact with each other.
  • Trust Your Gut: Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join a community is a personal one. Trust your intuition and choose a place where you feel comfortable and aligned.

Making the Transition to Community Living

Moving into an intentional community can be a significant life change. It’s important to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with living in close proximity with others and sharing resources.

Tips for a Smooth Transition:

  • Be Open and Flexible: Community living requires compromise and adaptability. Be willing to adjust your expectations and try new things.
  • Communicate Clearly: Open and honest communication is essential for building strong relationships and resolving conflicts.
  • Participate Actively: Get involved in community activities and contribute your skills and talents.
  • Be Patient: Building trust and establishing relationships takes time. Don’t expect to feel fully integrated into the community overnight.
  • Seek Support: Lean on other community members for support and guidance.

Examples of Different Types of Intentional Communities

The world of intentional communities is incredibly diverse. Here are a few examples of the different types of communities you might encounter:

Ecovillages:

These communities prioritize ecological sustainability and strive to live in harmony with nature. They often incorporate permaculture principles, organic gardening, renewable energy, and natural building techniques.

Cohousing Communities:

Cohousing communities combine private homes with shared common spaces, such as a kitchen, dining room, and recreational facilities. They emphasize social interaction and collaborative living.

Communes:

Historically, communes often involved shared finances and a rejection of mainstream societal norms. Modern communes can vary widely in their structure and values, but often emphasize communal living and shared resources.

Spiritual Communities:

These communities are centered around a shared spiritual practice or belief system. They may involve meditation, yoga, chanting, or other spiritual activities.

Residential Land Trusts:

These are not always intentional communities in the strictest sense, but they offer a way to create affordable, community-controlled housing. Residents often share a commitment to stewardship and community values.

The Future of Intentional Communities

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges and social isolation, intentional communities offer a compelling alternative to traditional ways of living. They provide a model for building more sustainable, equitable, and connected societies. The search to find intentional communities is increasing. As more people seek meaningful connections and purpose-driven lives, the intentional community movement is likely to continue to grow and evolve.

Finding Your Place

The journey to find intentional communities that resonate with you can be both exciting and transformative. By exploring your values, researching different communities, and visiting potential homes, you can discover a path towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life.