The idea of community living has been bouncing around in my head for about 10 years; ever since I started studying community economic development.  The idea for me is less about building  a ’seperate’ community, but rather a community where a group of people can live in an intentional way to build deeper relationships and ‘help’ each other out with whatever life throws at them.  The benefits certainly are compelling with respect to the environment, economic aid, diversity, and learning.

My interest has recently been renewed with the “Wanna Start a Commune?” project:  [link]  Stephanie Smith has put together a very down to earth and reasonable application of a commune idea through this site and 3 pilot projects are up and running.

I’m inspired to think about ways that I can rekindle my passion for community and how it can benefit us in our live and how it can benefit those around us.

Here are a few ideas as posted on http://culdesaccommune.org/

∙ share a compost pile ∙ plant a garden ∙ carpool ∙ share a wireless connection ∙ plant trees ∙ start a recycling program ∙ gather for weekly potlucks ∙ homeschool together ∙ share housesitting duties  ∙ merge eldercare with childcare  ∙ start a collective business ∙ barter services ∙ share extra storage space  ∙ gather weekly for yoga or meditation  ∙  create a hand-me-down program to share unwanted clothing and appliances  ∙  start a knitting circle  ∙  host a music event or theater performance for the neighborhood around yours  ∙ share a security service  ∙  construct a solar array or graywater system  ∙ share pet care and dog-walking duties

What do you think? Do you want to start a commune?