Information on how to start

I have recently decided to start to draft some plans for a commune and was looking for any useful information regarding the essentials to establish such a community. I have many friends who also are interested in this idea and I would like to create an informative presentation for them.

Thank you,
Lordapo

 

seems like starting a commune today might not be as easy as it is would have been 40 years ago. the conditions of our society aren't so fertile for such things.

if i was going to start one, i would start it in one of the cities in my home state.

i'd start out with one house, with maybe like 7 or 8 bedrooms. if the house was a total dump you might save money buying a house that needs to be renovated. then i would get the word out and try to build up my community until i had atleast 60 people. we could get additional houses as they are needed. also it's important during this time that you have a strong core group of people that can stand up to any presumptuous passers by that want to come in and take over your commune. a small communally owned business like a restaraunt could be useful at this time too.

then once the initial 60 people have been formed I would move to a farm and enjoy my stay there living the good life with people i love, while also still keeping our doors open to new members.

i believe that while self-sufficient living and living a sustainable lifestyle are good and imporant in communal living, people are what matter most.

there are still alot of seekers that are looking for a better way of life that will actively come and visit communes. but while some of them are very respectable, others are not and i just plain wouldn't want to live with them. i've seen everything from the humble, friendly, loving person that is just thankful and wants to learn, to the absolutely insane self-prophesied second coming of jesus. expect to have a few great people show up at your door, as well as a few complete psychos.

 

I suggest you get a copy of Diana Leafe Christian's book Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities It is the single book I recommend.

I believe there is also lots of good info at ic.org.

Beyond that, there are some ICs (like the one where I live) that offer classes in about creating an IC - we have a two week residential course for example. Also lots of groups have internships or work-study programs.

 

$2000 dollars. ouch. we did that shit for free at the twelve tribes. and it lasts as long as you want so long as your respectful.