What we’re about
"The next Buddha will not take the form of an individual. The next Buddha may take the form of a community; a community practising understanding and loving kindness, a community practicing mindful living. This may be the most important thing we can do for the survival of the earth." - Thich Nhat Hanh
Meet other local people who live in, or are interested in creating, intentional communities, including collectives, co-housing and cooperatives. Interested in both urban and rural initiatives for becoming more self-sufficient in key areas of economics, energy, food, housing, transportation, education, organization and governance. Think community incubator!
An emphasis on creating healthy, high-functioning, supportive community that is in harmony with the earth's natural systems is foundational.
More than a discussion group, it is hoped that concrete action plans to address the very real barriers for creating a sustainable civilization will emanate from this group.
For example, access to land. The majority of our food supply is not local and is dependent upon fossil fuels. We must bring it local and wean ourselves from petroleum. Yet land is expensive and unaffordable to beginning farmers. Is there a solution?
Access to housing. It too is unaffordable to buy for an increasing majority of people, or even build given current zoning and building requirements. Is there a solution?
Access to employment and a living wage. Many people lost their jobs thanks to the wall street meltdown and cannot find a new job. One answer is to start a business. Most businesses require capitalization. Bank loans are tougher then ever to obtain. Is there a solution?
Access to tools and technology. Do we really all have to own one of everything we need? If we cannot afford it must we simply do without? Besides that, the earth has finite resources and a burgeoning population. Is there a solution?
There are solutions to all these barriers and more. Exciting innovative solutions are being devised, tried and tested the world over. Why not here too? If that wheel has already been invented, we'll find it and adapt if for use here. If not, we will invent our own.
Last, but not least, if you are not familiar with the intentional communities movement, please familiarize yourself by visiting our web pages where we are placing links to additional information for your edification. Simply click on the Pages menu item above.
The village can and will return. Come, join us.
