The Technically Correct Way to Start a Commune

Find Land for the Commune

When considering the location for a commune, several factors come into play, including climate, geography, access to resources, and legal considerations. Here are some types of locations that can make for good communes, along with their associated benefits:

Rural Areas:

Rural locations often offer ample land and natural resources, making them suitable for self-sufficiency. They provide opportunities for large-scale agriculture, livestock farming, and renewable energy generation. Additionally, rural areas tend to have lower land and property costs, allowing a commune to acquire sufficient space for their needs.

Forested Areas:

Forested regions can provide a commune with access to timber, wild foods, medicinal plants, and an abundance of natural beauty. Forests also contribute to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and can serve as a buffer from urbanization, fostering a peaceful environment for communal living.

Coastal Areas:

Coastal locations offer valuable access to marine resources, including fish, shellfish, and seaweed, effectively supplementing the commune’s food sources. Moreover, these areas present enticing prospects for engaging in aquaculture and various water-based activities. Additionally, the distinct advantage of coastal areas lies in their frequently milder climates, thereby drawing individuals who favor a more moderate weather pattern.

Mountainous Areas:

Mountainous regions provide stunning landscapes, fresh air, and the potential for hydroelectric power generation. They can be ideal for those seeking a commune with a strong connection to nature and outdoor recreational activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Urban Centers:

While less common, communes in urban areas can benefit from proximity to diverse job opportunities, cultural amenities, educational institutions, and social networks. Urban communes can focus on sustainable living practices, community engagement, and promoting alternative modes of transportation to reduce their ecological footprint.

Desert Regions:

Desert regions might seem daunting due to their dry climate, but they offer a great opportunity for setting up off-grid communes that depend on solar power and inventive water-saving methods like rainwater harvesting and water recycling. In these desert communes, the emphasis often lies on sustainable desert agriculture practices, such as permaculture and hydroponics.

Island Communities:

Islands provide a unique setting for a commune, offering seclusion, natural beauty, and the potential for self-sufficiency. They can foster a close-knit community, shared values, and a strong sense of belonging. Islands also often have distinct ecosystems and cultural heritage, which can contribute to a rich communal experience.

Intentional Communities within Existing Towns/Cities: 

Some communes choose to establish intentional communities within pre-existing towns or cities. This allows for a balance between communal living and engagement with the wider community. It offers opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange, and access to existing infrastructure and services.

Each location has its own advantages and challenges, and the choice depends on the specific vision and goals of the commune. When selecting a location to ensure the long-term viability and success of the commune, one should carefully consider factors like climate, natural resources, access to services, and legal regulations.

The location of your commune is crucial. It should be a place where you can live out your communal vision. Are you going to need farmland? Access to technology? Proximity to a city? Consider zoning laws, building codes, and local regulations. Ensure you have the right to establish a commune in your chosen location.

Develop a Governance System

A commune needs rules to function effectively. Develop a system for decision-making, conflict resolution, and management of communal resources. This could be a democratic voting system, consensus-based decision making, or some other method that fits your community’s values. Here are some methods commonly used!

Direct Democracy:

In this system, each member of the commune has a vote on all communal matters. Direct democracy promotes equality, transparency, and encourages active participation from all members. It allows everyone to have a say in the day-to-day operations and decisions of the commune, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. However, the challenge lies in making decisions efficiently, as reaching consensus on every issue can be time-consuming.

Sociocracy:

Also known as dynamic governance, sociocracy is a system where decisions are made with the consent of the group, but day-to-day operations are managed by teams or circles. Each of these circles is semi-autonomous and can make decisions about their area of responsibility. This system encourages both individual initiative and collective decision-making. It’s effective because it balances efficiency with inclusiveness, and can scale well as the commune grows.

Holacracy:

Holacracy is a method of decentralized management and organizational governance that distributes authority and decision-making throughout a holarchy of self-organizing teams, rather than vesting them at the top of a hierarchy. In a commune setting, this could allow for more efficient operations, as each team can act independently to some extent. However, it requires a strong understanding and commitment to the system from all members.

Cooperative Governance:

This is a system where the commune operates like a cooperative, with each member having equal ownership and a single vote. This can be an effective system for a commune as it promotes equality and shared responsibility. It can also provide a more structured way to manage finances and other resources. However, like direct democracy, decisions may take longer as they require consensus.

Participatory Governance:

This system involves all members in the decision-making process. It encourages active participation and ensures that all voices are heard. It’s effective in a commune setting because it fosters a sense of community and equality. However, like other consensus-based systems, it can be slow and requires a commitment to the process from all members.

Stewardship Model:

In this system, one or a few individuals (the stewards) are chosen to make decisions on behalf of the community. This system can be effective if the community trusts and respects the stewards, and if they are committed to acting in the best interests of the commune. It allows for quicker decision-making, but it does place a lot of responsibility on the stewards.

Remember, the effectiveness of any governance system depends on the specific needs and values of the members of the commune. It’s important to choose a system that aligns with the commune’s goals and the members’ expectations.

Plan For a Sustainable Commune

A commune can’t survive on goodwill alone. You’ll need to plan for financial sustainability. This could be through member contributions, communal businesses, grants, or a combination of these. Also, consider sustainability in terms of food, water, and energy. Could you grow your own food, collect rainwater, or generate solar power?

Sustainability Plan #1: Organic Farming and Permaculture

A central part of the commune’s sustainability plan would be the implementation of organic farming and permaculture. This approach is beneficial because it promotes a healthy, diverse ecosystem that can sustainably produce food for the commune without the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Permaculture designs mimic natural ecosystems to create productive landscapes that require minimal maintenance and resource inputs over time.

Vegetable Gardens:

Commune members would cultivate a range of vegetables using organic methods, which would provide fresh, healthy food for the community, improve soil health, and reduce dependence on external food sources.

Fruit and Nut Trees:

These would provide a long-term, low-maintenance source of food and also contribute to soil health and biodiversity. 

Composting:

Composting organic waste would help to reduce waste and create a nutrient-rich soil additive for the gardens, closing the nutrient loop and reducing the need for external inputs.

Livestock Integration:

Small-scale livestock can be integrated into the farming system to provide manure for compost, control pests, and provide eggs or milk for the community.

Sustainability Plan #2: Renewable Energy and Efficient Building

The commune would also aim to be energy self-sufficient, using renewable energy sources and efficient building designs to minimize energy use.

Solar Power:

Installing solar panels would provide a renewable source of electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and providing a degree of energy security for the community.

Passive Solar Design: 

Buildings would be designed to take advantage of natural light and heat, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating.

Energy Efficiency:

Energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting would further reduce energy use.

Water Harvesting and Efficiency:

Rainwater harvesting systems would provide a sustainable water source, and water-efficient appliances and fixtures would reduce water use. Greywater systems can be installed to reuse water for irrigation.

Build Your Commune

Now comes the exciting part: building your commune. This might involve constructing buildings, setting up a farm, or installing solar panels. It’s a good idea to draw up a detailed plan and schedule and to divide the work among your members.

Constructing Buildings:

Constructing buildings is a critical and foundational step for your commune. These structures will serve as homes, communal spaces, and possibly workshops or studios. Utilizing sustainable building materials and methods, such as straw bale or cob construction, can reduce the environmental impact and create healthier living spaces. It’s crucial to consider the positioning of the buildings for maximum solar exposure and natural ventilation. Assigning a team to this task will ensure that the job gets done efficiently.

Setting up a Farm:

Creating a farm allows the commune to provide its own food, reducing reliance on external suppliers. It’s important to consider a variety of crops for diverse diet and to practice crop rotation for soil health. Consider raised bed gardens, permaculture designs, and polytunnels or greenhouses. A dedicated group handling farming and gardening tasks will ensure a consistent supply of fresh, organic food.

Installing Solar Panels:

Solar panels are a great way to generate renewable energy for the commune. This will reduce reliance on the grid, lower electricity bills, and cut carbon emissions. Location and orientation are key aspects to consider for maximum solar gain. Assigning a team to this ensures that energy needs are met and the system is properly maintained.

Establishing a Water System:

Having a sustainable water system is crucial for a commune. This could include rainwater collection, greywater recycling, and composting toilets. It’s also important to consider irrigation for the farm. A team responsible for water management will ensure water is used efficiently and sustainably.

Creating Community Spaces:

Community spaces are key for fostering a sense of togetherness and shared purpose. This could include a communal kitchen, meeting hall, or outdoor recreational spaces. A group overseeing these spaces will ensure they are well-maintained and suited to the community’s needs.

Implementing Waste Management:

A sustainable waste management system is key to reduce the commune’s environmental impact. This could include composting organic waste, recycling, and reducing overall waste production. A team overseeing waste management will ensure the system runs smoothly.

Building Transportation Infrastructure:

Depending on the size of the commune, creating paths for walking, biking, or even shared electric vehicles could be beneficial. This would reduce the need for individual car ownership and encourage physical activity. A team responsible for this will ensure safe and efficient movement within the commune.

By dividing these tasks among different teams, the workload can be shared, and each aspect of the commune’s development can be given the attention it needs. This also allows individuals to contribute their unique skills and interests to the community, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement.

Life in the Commune

Finally, it’s time to live the communal life. Remember, a commune is about more than just shared living—it’s about shared experiences and values. Celebrate your community’s achievements, support each other during hardships, and strive to embody the principles of your vision statement.

Regular Community Meetings:

Holding regular community meetings ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and that collective decisions are made. These meetings can serve various purposes such as planning upcoming projects, discussing issues, or celebrating achievements. For example, if the community garden has had a particularly bountiful harvest, the meeting could be a platform for celebrating this accomplishment.

Shared Meals:

Gathering for shared meals can be a wonderful way to foster community and shared experiences. This could be a daily dinner or a weekly potluck where everyone contributes a dish. This not only allows for the sharing of food but also the sharing of recipes and cooking skills.

Community Work Days:

Regularly scheduled community work days can be a way to manage large tasks and projects. For instance, if the community needs to construct a new building or perform significant work on the farm, the members can organize a community work day. This not only accomplishes the tasks at hand but also creates a fun and bonding experience for everyone involved.

Skill Sharing Workshops:

Utilize the diverse skills within the community by organizing workshops. If someone is skilled at woodworking, they could give a workshop. If another person is knowledgeable about permaculture, they could share their knowledge. This promotes learning, skill development, and self-sufficiency within the community.

Conflict Resolution Processes:

It’s important to have processes in place to deal with conflicts when they arise. This could involve mediation, consensus decision making, or other conflict resolution strategies. This ensures that issues are dealt with in a constructive, respectful manner that upholds the values of the community.

Support Systems:

Establish a support system for members who are going through hard times. This could be a buddy system, a support group, or just a culture of openness and support. For example, if a member is ill, others could offer to help with their tasks, bring them meals, or provide emotional support.

Celebrations and Rituals:

Celebrate important milestones, achievements, and special occasions as a community. This could be birthdays, anniversaries, or communal achievements like the completion of a project. This helps to foster a sense of togetherness and shared joy.

Sustainability Practices:

Embody the principles of your vision statement by living sustainably. This could involve growing your own food, using renewable energy, and minimizing waste. By doing this, you are not only reducing your environmental impact but also living in alignment with your shared values.

By implementing these methods, you can create a strong, supportive community that lives in alignment with its shared values. This can enhance the quality of life for all members and ensure the long-term success of the commune.

Continually Evolve

A commune is a living entity that should be allowed to evolve with time. As members come and go, as the world changes, and as you learn more about what works and what doesn’t, your commune should adapt. This could mean changing your governance system, adjusting your sustainability practices, or even shifting the focus of your commune. 

Regularly revisit your vision statement and your rules, and be open to change. The goal is to create a community that continues to be relevant and beneficial to its members. 

Regular Reviews and Reflections:

Arrange for periodic reviews of your communal systems and practices. This could be annually, biannually, or at a frequency that works for your community. Reflect on what’s working well and what needs to be improved. For example, if your composting system isn’t adequately handling the amount of waste, you may need to adjust or expand it.

Open Feedback Channels:

Establish a system for members to give feedback or voice concerns at any time. This could be in the form of a suggestion box, an online forum, or regular feedback sessions. This ensures that issues are addressed promptly and that everyone feels heard.

Governance Revisions:

Be open to changing your governance system as needed. If your current decision-making process is too slow or causing conflict, you might consider adopting a different model, such as consensus decision-making or sociocracy.

Vision Statement Updates:

Revisit your vision statement regularly to ensure it still aligns with the goals and values of the community. If the community’s focus or values have shifted over time, the vision statement should be updated to reflect this.

Sustainability Practice Adjustments:

Regularly review and update your sustainability practices. As new technologies and methods become available, you may want to incorporate them. For example, if a new type of solar panel becomes available that is more efficient and affordable, it might be time to upgrade your solar system.

Membership Process Revisions:

Review your process for accepting new members and letting members go. This process needs to be fair and in line with your community’s values, but it should also be adaptable based on the community’s needs and capacity.

Continuing Education:

Encourage continual learning within your community. This could involve attending workshops, conferences, or webinars on relevant topics, or inviting experts to give talks or workshops at your commune. This can help keep your community up-to-date with new ideas and practices.

Community Engagement:

Engage with the wider community beyond your commune. This can provide new perspectives and ideas, and also help to build connections and mutual support networks.

By being open to change and continually striving to improve, your commune can stay relevant, resilient, and beneficial to its members. It’s important to remember that a commune is a living, evolving entity, and that adaptability is key to its long-term success.