Intentional communities

The term might be new, but intentional communities have been around since the dawn of time. The Garden of Eden was the first intentional community: a community created for a specific purpose. Throughout the ages, mankind has consistently immersed itself in community, forming clans, tribes and eventually nations.

In recent decades, urbanization, touted as the most beneficial model of community, has lost its appeal. The city-weary are pouring into rural areas, or at least the ones who can afford to are. This shift isn't exclusive to the United States; it's a global phenomenon, spurring speculation from befuddled city developers the world over: Where's everyone going?

Julie and Andy run Yellowroot Farm at Earthaven Ecovillage.

According to the International Economic Development Council, rural America includes 2,300 counties and 55 million people, and the numbers are growing. The exploding rural population is driving the price of rural property far beyond the reach of the average person. The Office of Federal Housing Oversight found that rural housing prices rose by as much as 59% in the 90s, far out-pacing urban prices. In fact, as the value of urban homes continues to dive in the current market, rural property is holding its value.

Those who want to move to the country, but are hampered by the high price of land, can form or join an intentional rural community. Most intentional rural communities are financially structured as 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations or income-sharing 501(d) nonprofit organizations. It's a simple concept: the more people that contribute to the purchase, the more land the group can afford because large parcels cost less per acre than small parcels.

Non-profitorganizations

Religious, social, educational, environmental and other non-political groups can form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation or a 501(d) organization to buy land. With a 501(c)(3) the property is owned by the organization, but can be leased or sold to individuals. Donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible, and most of these groups actively engage in fundraising. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status are exempted from paying taxes; the group's political activities are also constrained by this status.

With a 501(d) income-sharing nonprofit organization, the land is owned by the association; it can't be leased or sold to individuals. To maintain their 501(d) status, the community must have a common bank account. Unlike the 501(c)(3) status, however, income-sharing communities are free to engage in any political activity they choose. Donations to 501(d) organizations are not deductible and these organizations do not enjoy a tax-exempt status.

Without a doubt, one of the biggest advantages of forming a nonprofit organization (NPO) is access to free government money. In the United States, most government grants are awarded to NPOs. Government grants are available to help nonprofits with everything from buying land to growing alternative crops. Nonprofit intentional rural communities can get grants to educate the public, build wildlife habitat and develop alternative energy sources. For a complete list of government grants visit www.grants.gov and the Catalog for Domestic Federal Assistance at www.cfda.gov.

The rules for establishing nonprofit organizations vary from state to state. There are, however, a few things that groups seeking U.S. nonprofit status must do regardless of where they are located. According to the Foundation Center, an organization dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector, there are 12 steps in forming a NPO:

1. File the certificate of incorporation with the proper state agency

2. Select individuals to serve on the board of directors

3. Develop vision and mission statements

4. Establish bylaws and board policies

5. Obtain an employer identification number (EIN)

Acorn Community garden

6. Open a bank account and establish check signing procedures

7. File for federal tax exemption

8. Follow state and local nonprofit regulations

9. Find office space and obtain office equipment

10. Recruit staff and prepare a personnel manual

11. Establish a payroll system and procure necessary insurance coverage

12. Develop an overall fundraising plan

For a complete tutorial on forming nonprofit organizations, visit the Foundation Center at www.foundationcenter.org or contact a legal professional who specializes in nonprofits.

An income-sharing 501(d) nonprofit community

Founded in 1993, The Acorn Community is a 501(d) income-sharing community in the heart of Central Virginia. Members of the community, 12 adults (ages 20-60) and four children, share possessions, income, work and living space on 72 acres of certified organic farmland along the South Anna River. The community sustains itself through two successful businesses: Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (SESE) and a tin art business.

The group is committed to saving heirloom seed, "We want to preserve genetic diversity," says Ira Wallace, one of the founding members. "We work to make people aware of the potential risk of genetically modified organisms. You can't even add food coloring without more research than has been done on genetically modified food."

The Southern Exposure Seed Exchange sells certified organic heirloom seed grown by the Acorn Community. Members harvest, package and ship the seeds. To view their extensive catalog online, visit www.southernexposure.com or write to SESE, PO Box 460, Mineral, VA 23117.

Members make and sell candleholders, lanterns and plant holders crafted from recycled tin cans that neighbors in the larger community save for them.

Rod Rylander's Hobbit House

Each member/family has their own room, but they share common spaces and possessions. If a member has something they don't want to share, they must keep it in their room or store it off the premises. "We don't mind if someone stores something that they don't want to share some place else while they're here," says Ira Wallace. "But if they bring it here, they have to share it with everyone."

Decisions are made by consensus; everyone has an equal say. According to Ira, "When you only have 12 members, it's easier to be more direct with everyone. Although, sometimes having someone designated to make decisions works well."

The Acorn Community isn't religion specific, as are some intentional rural communities, but they do have a dietary requirement. All members of Acorn Community are vegetarians.

The group is accepting new interns and members; as with most income-sharing communities, there is no cost to join and no application fee. To learn more visit their website at www.acorncommunity.org or call them at 540-894-0595.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation community

Earthaven Ecovillage is an intentional rural community dedicated to the principles of sustainability. Like all ecovillages, Earthaven requires members to use natural resources wisely and in a way that shows respect for the Earth and other people. Located 40 minutes southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, on 320 acres of winding valleys and rising forest, Earthaven is home to some 60 families, living in a variety of homes built from a variety of affordable alternative materials.

When Earthaven member Rod Rylander built his Hobbit House, he did so with both sustainability and affordability in mind. Constructed of hand-pressed bricks, cordwood and heavy wooden beams that support a living roof, the home is sturdy and quite functional. "I have a garden on my roof," says Rod, "now that's something."

Rod's home is completely off-grid, powered by photovoltaic panels that provide all of his electrical needs. According to Rod, one hour of sunlight a day is all he needs to power his home.

Earthaven is not an income-sharing community, but members do have financial obligations to the organization. Supporting members, those who are considering full membership at Earthaven, pay an annual fee of $120-$200, depending on their income level. Upon becoming full members, newcomers pay a one-time, nonrefundable fee of $4,000 which can often be paid in installments while in the provisional membership phase.

Full members and provisional members can rent a hut in the community's Hut Hamlet or rent rooms from other members. Full members can also lease a site from the organization. The cost for a 99-year, renewable, transferable lease from Earthaven is $12,000-$20,000. Members have the option of paying the full cost when they join, paying half when they join and making payments on the balance, or foregoing a lease for five years and making monthly payments of at least $100 to an Earthaven savings plan. After five years, the lease is granted. There are also annual fees and assessments of approximately $450, along with state and local taxes.

Earthaven encourages the use of alternative, earth-friendly materials when building homes. They have a good working relationship with the county inspectors, who wholeheartedly support the use of straw bales, cordwood and other inexpensive natural building materials as long as the community can demonstrate that the material is safe. Because of this, building a home at Earthaven can cost as little as a couple of thousands of dollars all the way up to hundreds of thousands. Each member's needs and resources are different.

All members must provide their own off-grid power or go without electricity. This adds to the price of new construction.

Earthaven has several internships available and is seeking new members. For more information visit their website www.earthaven.org or call them at 828-669-3937.

Living cooperatively

Diana Leafe Christian, Earthaven member and author of Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow an Intentional Community and Finding Community, stresses that living in a community can be a life-enriching experience; it can also be difficult and defeating. For the experience to be rewarding, the prospective new member must do some soul searching. "You have to be willing to see yourself as you really are," she says. "You need to be open to new experiences and be willing to live cooperatively. You have to find a balance between the group's goals and your own. You have to view both as important."

The first and foremost indicator of success or failure in a community is a sense of higher purpose. "You have to be willing to serve and contribute to something larger than yourself. You have to be willing to pitch in and work."

Ira Wallace agrees. "If you're the kind of person who is active in your community and volunteers, then you'll do fine at Acorn."

Patience and flexibility are central to a positive experience in community. "Planning and decision making take longer when everyone is working cooperatively," says Ms. Christian. "You have to be willing to listen to everyone's ideas. It can take a lot of time. You have to be willing to abide by the agreements of the community."

If you think you might be the sort of person who would benefit from the social and financial structure of an intentional community, you can form a new community with friends or you can join an existing community. "It's a fundamental choice," says Laird Schaub, the director of the Fellowship for Intentional Community (FIC) and publisher of Communities magazine. "Do you want to start one or join one? Often, communities are started because the founders want to control the direction, but I would encourage people to consider joining as a first choice. That way, they can get a feel for the structure and dynamics, and it's not just a mental exercise."

The FIC has a directory of over 1,000 intentional communities in the U.S. and other countries available for free on the Internet at www.ic.org. A print version is available for $24 by calling 800-995-8342. Communities are listed by location and type. Laird estimates that two-thirds of them are rural communities.

When researching intentional communities that you might be interested in joining, it's important to make sure that their mission or purpose is compatible with yours. Many communities are religion specific with traditional gender roles; others have a more counter-culture feel with different social boundaries. Some communities don't allow pets or children. Some are gender or orientation specific. "There's no sense visiting a community if you have huge differences with their culture," stresses Diana Christian. "You need to understand the difference between income-sharing and non income-sharing structures. Look for communities in the region with a climate best suited for your needs. Understand your own financial situation. Ask yourself, ‘Can I afford to join; can I afford to live in the area; how will I earn a living; and what will I contribute to the group?' Answer these questions and you'll be off to a good start.

"Contact a community you are interested in and plan a tour or a weekend visit. Don't just show up. Bring gloves and work clothes and plan to pitch in. Know the rules of the community and follow them to the letter. Remember, you are a guest in these people's home. Always ask if it is a good time to ask a question. It's better to ask, ‘Is now a good time to ask about your financial structure?' than to start an awkward conversation at an inopportune moment."

Getting to know people in a community takes time, especially for couples and families. "You have to get to know each member as an individual, including the children," explains Ira Wallace, "it takes longer with families because the dynamic is different." Most communities require people to visit several times before considering them for membership.

Thinking it over

Intentional communities offer some interesting options for people eager to embark on their first homestead adventure, but before you go running off willy-nilly into the countryside you need to do some research. If you don't fully understand what you're getting into, the consequences can be disastrous. Just look what happened to the first two members of the first intentional community; they couldn't live up to the community's expectations and got themselves thrown out of the Garden. Things haven't been the same since.

Until next time...