Editor's note: This is Part 4, the summary and conclusion of an extended essay in four parts. It is strongly recommended that readers read the entire essay. Links to parts 1, 2, and 3 are provided below. The survivability of the human species may depend on a sensible transition from huge megacities to small communities.
This Part 4 concludes a series devoted to envisioning a socio-ecological intentional community (IC). In Part 1 we addressed “why” concerns, with an overview of the socioecological challenges facing humanity and the planet. In Part 2, we addressed the concept of envisioning and determining the essential qualities of an IC, preferably one comprised of like-minded, mutually-supportive people committed to working collaboratively. In Part 3 attention was directed towards expanding on the foundational concepts and beliefs presented in Part 2, beginning with the understanding that developing a cohesive spirit among all community members requires everyone to fully commit to the group’s defined mission, values, and guidelines.
All three previous parts contained socioecological reasons why our socio-ecological human predicament—in the form of a metacrisis (a crisis of crises)—provides the motivation needed for joining a community dedicated to becoming as self-sufficiently sustainable as possible in preparation for a potentially very challenging future.
The conclusion: If we wish to counter capitalistic civilization’s dangerous anthropocentric destruction of our planet’s bio-ecosphere, it will require forsaking our global allegiance to the existing neoliberal economic paradigm. Humanity’s irrational addition to the concept of ongoing material growth and consumption as a worthy goal in creating human wellbeing is simply incompatible with reality: Earth is a finite system!
The overarching theme of this IC exploration series is focused on envisioning a community in which goals and guidelines include the adoption of time-proven sustainability goals, strategies, methods, and techniques. In planning for the short-to-long-term future, a viable community must carefully evaluate any use of high-energy technologies that also produce harmful externalities, particularly toxic pollution of air, water, soil, flora, and fauna.
Foundational Phase – Getting Started
After sufficiently researching available information about intentional communities, one might invite others to discuss either joining or creating an IC. If so, also deciding what type and form of successful intentional communities should be considered. Preliminary meetings will likely involve intense discussions regarding organizational concepts, strategies, methods, and techniques, with the goal of identifying, determining, and implementing essential steps to be taken.
Helpful sources for information and perhaps potentially interested persons may be found in connection with prominent big-picture oriented organizations, particularly Post-Carbon Institute, Transition Town U.S., Consilience Project, Earth Overshoot, The Great Simplification, and other socio-ecologically oriented organizations. College and University graduates with majors in environmental studies and related academic areas might be interested, especially those interested in organic farming, forestry, and related environmental fields.
This topic deserves more attention, but since this is the last post in the IC series, we’ll have to settle for assistance from AI. The next section consists of subtopics to help you further explore whether or not an IC is an appropriate objective for your consideration. If so, what type, where, and with whom?
A Guideline for Exploring Intentional Communities
1. Define your vision and values:
Reflect on what "sustainable" means to you: Consider the ecological, social, economic, and personal aspects you value in a community.
Assess your motivations: Ensure that your desire to join or start an intentional community is to participate in genuine collaboration and shared goals rather than for gaining control or personal fulfillment.
Identify your core values: Determine the core values and purpose that will guide the community, such as bio-ecological sustainability, personal well-being, social justice, and spiritual growth.
Articulate your goals: What do you hope to achieve by joining or creating an IC? Examples include reducing your ecological footprint, building stronger social connections, or pursuing personal-development interests.
Clarify your search by creating a preference list: Outline preferences for IC location, size, lifestyle, and how you envision the community functioning.
2. Research and engage with different types of communities:
Plan visits: Pre-arrange actual or virtual visits (online events) with communities that align with your preferences.
During visits: Remain courteous, thoughtful and mindful, as you engage in the community's daily life, including decision-making processes, social interactions, and environmental practices. Inquire about the IC’s governance model—its financial structures, conflict-resolution processes, and ways of addressing challenges.
3. Evaluate communities based on your needs and values:
Assess sustainability practices: Do their ecological practices align with your vision for a sustainable lifestyle? Consider factors like energy use, food production, water conservation, and waste management.
Evaluate their social and economic sustainability: Is the community socially inclusive and equitable? Do they have a viable economic model that supports the well-being of their members and the community as a whole?
Consider the governance model: Do the decision-making and conflict-resolution processes align with your preferences for participation, fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness? Is leadership hierarchical or egalitarian?
Community Building: Observe the social dynamics and opportunities for connection, such as shared meals, workshops, group sports, performing groups, and communal activities, including social and entertainment events.
Membership Process: Familiarize yourself with the community's membership requirements, processes, financial aspects, and timelines.
Clarify expectations: Make sure you understand any expectations for participation, contributions, and community involvement.
4. Consider the legal and financial aspects:
Legal structure: Understand the community's legal form (e.g., cooperative, non-profit) and any associated legal implications.
Financial plan: Review the community's financial plan, funding sources, and how member contributions are managed.
Zoning and regulations: If starting a new community, research local zoning laws and building codes to ensure feasibility.
5. Focus on long-term viability:
Look for communities with a strong social fabric: A thriving community relies on positive relationships and effective communication among members.
Evaluate levels of adaptability and resilience: How well is the community equipped to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges?
Consider historical and future plans: Look for communities that have a clear vision for the future and a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Assess commitment levels: Look for communities with strong commitment mechanisms and a shared sense of responsibility.
Seek open communication: Communities that maintain clear communication channels and remain true to their core values are more likely to thrive in the long term.
6. Embrace cooperative culture:
Accept and commit to shared responsibility: Understand that living in an IC requires active participation and a willingness to contribute to the collective good.
Practice effective communication: Open communication and conflict resolution are vital skills for navigating challenges and fostering strong relationships.
Prioritize interdependence: Recognize that individual well-being is intertwined with the health and sustainability of the community as a whole.
My Preferences for an Intentional Community
oAt this point in exploring ICs, I imagine readers have discerned the type of IC I tend to prefer. Yes, it is an ecovillage consisting of approximately 100 persons sharing a life-affirming, socio-ecologically oriented belief system, all living on sufficient land acreage for growing most food needs, and access to sufficient available water and natural resources.
This community would feature all essential energy-efficient buildings, including facilities for members’ housing, office, maintenance and storage, medical care, socializing and recreation, animal housing, and so on. Most maintenance and construction would depend largely on using low and mid-tech equipment, but also some high-tech sources, particularly energy systems powered by solar, wind, and geothermal.
Opportunities for wholesome mind-body activities (work, recreation) and well-rounded educational training (interns, workshops, critical thinking, creativity) would provide attractive offerings that enhance personal and group development. An educational program would provide an essential component.
Also, the IC would cultivate cooperative, collaborative relationships with surrounding communities for exchanging services, including those beyond the IC’s generative capacities, especially medical care, certain goods, and energy sources not produced by the IC. These kinds of topics are addressed by organizations and sources listed earlier.
Now, what kind of IC do you tend to favor? If you have a preference, please feel free to share any thoughts, ideas, or concerns.
Wrap Up
After thoughtfully exploring all of the IC information presented thus far, including the above steps and guidelines, readers should have a general understanding regarding the various types and purposes of intentional communities, particularly the kinds dedicated to long-term sustainability.
Perhaps some readers may be interested in joining an IC to pursue a more socio-ecologically connected and resilient lifestyle. Or, if not interested in joining an IC, at least the information about the various forms, practices, and benefits of ICs could prove advantageous in coping with future sustainability challenges.
Well, this concludes our intentional community exploration. I’m not sure about forthcoming topics, but the list of possibilities appears endless. One topic high on my list focuses on the pros and cons of material and non-material growth. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clifton Ware, D.M., emeritus professor (voice), professional singer and author of four published books and two unpublished works, retired in 2007 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities School of Music, where he taught for 37 years. Since retiring, as a self-described socio-ecological philosopher he has spent 15 years focusing on sustainability issues, in the process of acquiring an evidence-based, big-picture understanding of all principal societal and ecological systems, including the symbiotic interconnections and role of humans as an integral part of Nature. In 2013 he founded Citizens for Sustainability in St. Anthony Village, MN, produced Sustainability News + Views (2014-2019), a weekly newsletter featuring a variety of articles and a commentary, co-composed 13 Eco Songs with his wife, Bettye, organized Sustainability Forums, and performed eco-oriented programs and presentations for several organizations.
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