One sentence summary
The Communities Directory is a comprehensive guide to intentional communities and cooperative living options, providing insight and resources for those interested in alternative lifestyles.
Book genre
Non-fiction reference guide.
Main topic of the book
The main topic of the book is intentional communities and cooperative living, exploring various types of communities and their philosophies, values, and structures.
Key ideas
- The concept of intentional communities, which are defined as communities created on the basis of shared values, beliefs, and goals.
- The principles of cooperative living, which involve working together, sharing resources, and making decisions collectively.
- The diversity of intentional communities, including ecovillages, communes, cohousing communities, and more.
- The benefits and challenges of living in intentional communities, such as building a support network, reducing environmental impact, and resolving conflicts.
- The process of finding and joining an intentional community, including researching and visiting potential communities, and considering factors such as location, culture, and structure.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Introduction: Provides an overview of the book’s content and the importance of intentional communities in today’s society.
- Part I: Understanding Intentional Communities: Explores the concept and principles of intentional communities, and delves into the history and current state of intentional communities around the world.
- Part II: Finding the Right Community: Discusses the process of finding and joining an intentional community, including setting priorities, researching options, and evaluating potential communities.
- Part III: Types of Communities: Provides an in-depth look at various types of intentional communities, including descriptions, values, and examples.
- Part IV: Resources for Community Life: Covers essential resources for a successful community, including governance, communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Part V: Special Topics: Tackles specific topics within the realm of intentional communities, such as finance, legal considerations, spiritual aspects, and diversity.
- Appendices: Offers additional resources, such as a glossary of terms, community profiles, and a directory of community support organizations.
Key takeaways
- Intentional communities offer a way for individuals and families to live in harmony with their values and promote sustainable living.
- Cooperative living involves cooperation, communication, and compromise in decision-making.
- There is a diverse range of intentional communities, each with its own unique culture and structure.
- Finding the right community requires careful consideration and research, and it is important to visit and get to know potential communities before joining.
- Effective community resources can contribute to a successful and fulfilling communal living experience.
- There are various considerations to keep in mind when it comes to legal and financial matters within intentional communities.
Author’s background and qualifications
The Fellowship for Intentional Community (FIC) is an organization that promotes intentional living and provides resources and support for the creation and maintenance of intentional communities. The FIC team has extensive experience and knowledge in the intentional community movement, with many members having lived in and studied various types of communities.
Target audience
The Communities Directory is primarily aimed at individuals and families who are interested in living in intentional communities. It also serves as a valuable resource for community organizers, researchers, and anyone curious about alternative living options.
Publisher and first publication date
The Communities Directory: A Guide to Cooperative Living was published by the Fellowship for Intentional Community in 1995. It has since been updated and republished several times, with the most recent edition being released in 2017.