This is part of a series of articles in regard to building an intentional community. You can find all chapters here. Also, this is a draft, a point of starting the conversation so i encourage you to get involved.

In the same way „you need two to tango”, being part of an community must be intentional, otherwise it will only be just the group at work or your neighborhood, people that might know a thing or two about you, or might share a value or two with you, but there is no real connection, no shared vision.

Becoming a member is an intentional act so not all people that might live at one point in the community are members. Volunteers, children or family members are not default members of the community since they did not choose to become members. To become a member there will be an evaluation period followed by consensus of all members.

Anyone can be a member of the community regardless of age, lived or working experience, capital, marital status, ethnic group, gender, sexual orientation or skin color.

The evaluation period will allow everyone to know and work together. From the newcomer point of view is to know the place, the activities and challenges, to disconnect from previous engagements and connect to the people and community lifestyle. For community members this evaluation period is important to evaluate if the newcomer has a good vibe and what they will bring to the community. But for both, it is very important because you will be neighbors, friends, you will spend a lot of time and work together and you will live within walking distance so no chance of avoiding each other.

After the evaluation period all members will share their opinion of the newcomer, pros and cons, then everyone must agree via consensus (not consent). If you are accepted you will become a full member with the same benefits and participation as everyone else. There will be no hierarchy between members.

As a member you will have a home, like everyone else, you will be part of the circles that you chose to be involved in, like everyone else, and you will help, like everyone else. Since we are different, what you bring will be evaluated and we will all decide on a value. Some might bring a car or money, some might bring tools and experience, some might bring knowledge, some might bring the power of their bodies and curiosity to learn. All are valuable and will be taken into consideration for an inclusive community.

There is no preferred age since a multigenerational community is the only way forward. Some will have kids, some might be single, some might be older, but the only question that all have to answer is ” am i dedicated to be a part of this intentional community?”.

For kids and volunteers they can live with us as long as they are willing, but they will not be involved in any decision making. If someone chooses to leave, the house will be acquired by the CLT or by a new member that was accepted by the community.

„I am because you are. You are because we are!” should be the motto when we accept members, when we need to manage conflict, when we interact between us and with society. If we can see the value that we all bring to the table will be the start of a great adventure.

Cover photo by Amaury Michaux from Pexels.