All Blog Posts
The Question I Get Asked the Most
Posted on April 1, 2017 by“What can I do?” It’s the right question—almost.
A New Memoir Explores The Checkered History of Zendik Farm
Posted on March 30, 2017 byWhile we love to focus on the positive side of intentional living here at FIC, we also know that communal living, when taken to its extreme, can become, well, a cult. A new memoir by Helen Zuman tells the story of the years she spent at Zendik Farm, where relationships were orchestrated and overseen by the community… Read More
A New Web Series Profiles Intentional Communities All Over The U.S.
Posted on March 27, 2017 byOne of the most exciting things about building community in the age of the Internet and social media is that it’s easier than ever to get an inside look at the communities that interest us. While nothing can replace an in-person visit, a new web series called “intentional” comes as close you can get to seeing what life is like… Read More
Visit Or Volunteer at the Sustainable Kashi Ashram
Posted on March 23, 2017 byMidway between Miami and Orlando, the Sustainable Kashi Ashram is an interfaith intentional community that combines yoga, meditation, and permaculture projects on 80 acres land on the eastern coast of Florida. Founded in 1976, the community’s teachings are based on Hindu philosophy, but participants of any religion – or none – are welcome to visit and… Read More
Addressing Climate Change: Two Generations at Heart-Culture Farm Community
Posted on March 21, 2017 byFor the next generation, planting trees, growing food, and living in community are only the start.
Joining Community While On Disability
Posted on March 20, 2017 byThis is a guest post by Lily Silver, who blogs at How to Get On, “a guide to Social Security Disability, Medicaid and Home Care for CFS/ME and those who are homebound.” She sent us this article about joining community while on disability, and we thought it would have some useful information for our readers. Please post in the… Read More
A Q&A With Eris Weaver About Cohousing And Politics
Posted on March 16, 2017 byThis is an interview with Eris Weaver, a presenter at the National Cohousing Conference in Nashville May 19-21. Eris will be leading several workshops and at the event, including Cohousers in Politics and Let’s Talk About Money. Check out our overview of the event to learn more, and be sure to visit our bookstore if you attend #Coho2017 in… Read More
Is The Country of Bhutan The World’s Largest Intentional Community?
Posted on March 13, 2017 byThis post is an excerpt from Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption by Ma’ikwe Ludwig, published by The Foundation for Intentional Community. Visit our fundraising campaign to learn how you can support the publication of the book and get yourself a copy! **** A group of researchers studying variations in per capita carbon emissions notes that, “Much… Read More
Local Solutions to Global Warming: Paying for Our Carbon Meal
Posted on March 11, 2017 by5 Comments
Compared to carbon offsetting, carbon onsetting may be a more effective strategy to build sustainability.
These Communities Offer On-Site Permaculture Workshops & Immersion Programs
Posted on March 9, 2017 byCurious about how you can apply permaculture principles in your community or ecovillage? There’s no better way than to visit a community in person and learn from hands-on workshops and immersion programs. Here are two very different programs – one an affordable “spring break” at a community in Washington state, the other a permaculture design… Read More
What Makes a Meeting Work?
Posted on March 7, 2017 byCommunity Bookstore Special Best of Communities ― The Cream of Our Crop Good Meetings by Kim Kanney, Community Bookstore Manager Best of Communities Volume IV Good Meetings A special selection of articles from Communities: Life in Cooperative Culture $15 in print; $10 in digital The Foundation for Intentional Community is pleased to offer you the cream… Read More
Race, Class, Gender and Climate Change: An Excerpt From Together Resilient by Ma’ikwe Ludwig
Posted on March 6, 2017 byThis post is an excerpt from Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption by Ma’ikwe Ludwig, published by The Foundation for Intentional Community. **** Climate change is deeply intertwined with race, class and gender. I’d like to focus on the who of different roles we are all playing in the crisis. First off, note what countries… Read More
An Interview With Alice Alexander About The National Cohousing Conference
Posted on March 2, 2017 byThis is an interview with Alice Alexander, Executive Director of the Cohousing Association of the United States and co-founder of the Durham Central Park Cohousing Community in North Carolina. She took some time to answer our questions about the National Cohousing Conference in Nashville May 19-21, which the Foundation for Intentional Community is co-sponsoring. Check out our… Read More
Living Energy Farm: An Answer for Climate Change
Posted on March 1, 2017 byA fossil-fuel-free community empowers its members to dramatically reduce their dependence on the corporate economy.
Are you part of an impact center?
Posted on February 28, 2017 byAre you part of an impact center? Looking for a transformational travel experience? NuMundo is an FIC partner organization by Sky Blue, FIC Exec. Director Do you know of a project that offers sustainable living education and strives to leave a positive impact? Or are you looking for a transformational travel experience at a center… Read More
How to Start A Meal Sharing Co-op: An Excerpt From Together Resilient by Ma’ikwe Ludwig
Posted on February 27, 2017 byThis post is an excerpt from Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption by Ma’ikwe Ludwig, published by The Foundation for Intentional Community. Visit our fundraising campaign to learn how you can support the publication of the book and get yourself a copy! **** Food is one of the true universals: everyone eats. Most of us have familial… Read More
Climate Crisis, Dystopia, and Community
Posted on February 25, 2017 byFrom the personal to the global, with hard times undeniable, community may be our life-support.
Community as Experiential Laboratory–An Excerpt From Together Resilient by Ma’ikwe Ludwig
Posted on February 23, 2017 byThis post is an excerpt from Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption by Ma’ikwe Ludwig, published by The Foundation for Intentional Community. Visit our fundraising campaign to learn how you can support the publication of the book and get yourself a copy! **** The appeal and potential of intentional communities lies largely in one of their fundamental… Read More
We’re in this Together: Climate Disruption
Posted on February 21, 2017 byWe’re in this Together: Climate Disruption Initiative Maikwe, for FIC’s Climate Initiative Team Maikwe, Christopher, Chris, Marty and Sky “Is it possible to jettison our current system of exploitation and environmental destruction, and create a new system that is not only sustainable but affords us a comfortable and fulfilling life? The answer is a resounding… Read More
Colonists Wanted: The Story of the Llano del Rio Commune of LA County
Posted on February 20, 2017 by“Colonists–Wanted,” the ad proclaims. “Llano del Rio, in the Antelope Valley, Los Angeles County, California, needs 900 single men and women and married men and their families. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to solve the problem of unemployment and provide for the future of yourself and children.” It almost sounds like something you… Read More
Communities and Climate Change, #174 Contents
Posted on February 20, 2017 byOur Spring issue examines how intentional communities and other groups are responding to the challenges presented by climate change. Through stories from more than a dozen diverse communities, we learn about steps being taken both to mitigate the intensity of climate disruption and to adapt to its effects. Innovative approaches include carbon onsetting, biochar production and use, personal/spiritual work, strategies for fossil-fuel-freedom, and more.
The Cool Block Program Helps Neighbors Work Together to Fight Climate Change
Posted on February 16, 2017 byWhen we hear the words “intentional community,” we may think of residential communities like back-to-the-land communes and urban housing co-ops. But you don’t have to live in the same house to have a shared vision and make an impact. A non-profit called Cool Block brings entire neighborhoods together to support each other and build community over… Read More
Are Seasteading Communities the Next Wave of Sustainable Living?
Posted on February 13, 2017 byWayne Adams and Catherine King, two artists living in Tofino, Canada, couldn’t afford to buy a house of their own. Instead, they took their assets offshore — literally — and created a floating paradise off the coast of Vancouver Island called Freedom Cove. For over 20 years, they’ve been living off-grid on this brightly-colored collection of buildings and rafts.… Read More
French Documentary “Tomorrow” Explores Transition Projects All Over the World
Posted on February 9, 2017 byA new documentary made by a French filmmaking duo takes a look at transition projects in Europe and all over the world. Cyril Dion and Melanie Laurent set out to find practical solutions to the problems facing our planet. The result, called Tomorrow, tells the story of “pioneers who are re-inventing agriculture, energy, economy, democracy and education” in 10… Read More
Don’t Miss The National Cohousing Conference May 19-21 in Nashville!
Posted on February 6, 2017 byEach year, the Cohousing Association of the United States hosts a national conference for those participating in or interested in the cohousing movement. This year’s conference will take place May 19-21 in Nashville, TN: “The 2017 National Cohousing Conference promises an amazing lineup of offerings, from innovative approaches to developing new and affordable communities, to… Read More
Vegvisits Is An Airbnb Alternative for Vegans and Vegetarians
Posted on February 2, 2017 by1 Comment
Over the past few years, peer-to-peer homesharing platforms have been making it easier to connect with like-minded people when you travel. While Airbnb is still the most well-known platform, it’s no longer your only option. You can choose from homesharing sites specifically intended for elderly travelers, LGBT guests, eco-friendly lodgings, and more. There are even sites… Read More
Nine Traditions that Draw Us Together: How a Small Town Nurtures Community
Posted on February 1, 2017 byThe art of creating community spirit within mainstream towns and neighborhoods has much potential to change the world for the better.
An App Called Teem Helps You Delegate Tasks Within Your Community
Posted on January 30, 2017 byOne of the challenges of living in a community with lots of new residents or guests is getting everyone oriented to the tasks and projects at hand. When I lived at Foster Village, a 10-person community in Portland, Oregon, we had a membership committee in charge of welcoming new residents, and a liaison assigned to… Read More
Your Community Could Win Up to £25,000 For Regenerative Projects
Posted on January 26, 2017 byIs your community working on a project that supports “environmental and social regeneration”? The Lush natural cosmetics company is accepting applicants for its 2017 Lush Spring Prize, which will award up to £200,000 to eco-communities and permaculture projects around the world. According to its website, “For many years, environmental campaigners have focused on the idea of sustainability – that… Read More
ThePOOSH Connects Volunteers With Natural Building Projects
Posted on January 23, 2017 byLots of intentional communities are connected with the WWOOFing network (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms). It’s a great way for volunteers to gain experience living and working on an organic farm in exchange for room and board. But have you heard of the POOSH network, which connects people interested in natural and sustainable building projects?… Read More
