There are many kinds of intentional communities currently in existence and being planned and their diversity in style is very reassuring. Without the diversity in social structure, building styles, belief systems, technology usage, and all the things that go in to making a community, we would not have the variety to look at to learn what works for us.
Co-housing
There are several types of intentional communities, and no two are exactly the same. The Canadian Co-housing Network promotes "a return to Small Communities". Co-housing is an option for people who want to make the change toward an intentional community, but cringe at the thought of being too far from their city of work, or other aspects of their life in the modern world. Co-housing makes 'going green' in the suburbs possible. No need to move out to 'the boonies', suburbia has a place for people to come live in a community.
Some of the things that are common at co-housing communities are community dinners a couple of times a week, usually a potluck but sometimes taken up by volunteers. Socializing is an integral part of the lifestyle, so everyone gets to know everyone. Co-housing communities combines the independence of private dwellings with the advantages of shared resources and community living. Residents usually own their own home, and the homes are clustered around shared amenities such as a common kitchen/dining area, children's playroom, workshops, guest rooms, arts & crafts, laundry facilities, workout room, garden, and even home office support. Efforts are made to live to standards of energy efficiency (ex. BC Hydro Power Smart certified) and ecological responsibility, and residents can partake of various common entertainment/social events such as Movie Nights and book clubs.
Ecovillage
An ecovillage is an intentional community of varying numbers of individuals and families that usually aims to be a small, locally self-reliant community. There can be a variety of living arrangements from single-family dwellings to multiple resident buildings for it's residents, but all share in the vision of the community. There is usually a focus on organic agriculture/permaculture, technology and sustainable economy, as well as the use of alternative energy sources and the use of ecologically responsible building construction. It is based on the dedication to live, work, and play in community where human activities are integrated into the natural world with as little harm as possible.
Co-op
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which all co-operatives put their values into practice. A Co-operative is an autonomous (independent) association of people who are voluntarily united to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a joint-owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Co-operatives are based on the tenets of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Memberships are voluntary, and open to all who are willing and able to accept their responsibilities - regardless of gender, social, racial, political, religious sexual background. They are usually democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively set policies and participate in decision-making process. Members also actively participate in the equity and economics of their co-op.
Farm
"We abuse the land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac" (taken from Hundredfold Farm's website)
Farms are intentional communities that predominantly are located in rural areas. There is a focus on conserving the environment that surrounds the farm community, (often they are situated in forested areas, with nearby springs, creeks and/or rivers). It is a lifestyle that promotes freedom from the dependency on many amenities and technologies that are often taken for granted, such as television and the Internet. Food is usually grown by the community in the form of crops and farm animals. Land is jointly owned and managed by its members.
Shared-faith communities
Just as intentional communities in general encourage the cohesion and harmony of people who share common beliefs regarding sustainability and ecological responsibility, some types of IC's also incorporate faith. These faith communities are places where people live together out of the desire to commonly practice their deep devotion to their shared faith. There is a focus on spiritual teachings, healing, joy, and worship.
Examples of these types of communities are Amish, Mennonites, and places like monasteries. |
