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Intentional Communities Newsletter: July 2008
Promoting Community Living & Cooperative Lifestyles
Communities magazine, Directory, Video and more
1 Kat Kinkade: 1930-2008
2 Communities Magazine Current Issues, and More
3 Community Bookshelf Titles At Sale Prices
4 Print Directory Manager
5 Online Communities Directory - New Manager
6 Events Coming Up, FIC and Related
7 How To Multiply Your Good Works For The Planet: Share!
1 Kat Kinkade: 1930-2008
By Laird Schaub
The Communities Movement lost a giant July 3 when Twin Oaks member and author Kat Kinkade died quietly at her home community, surrounded by family and friends. She was  77 and succumbed to complications from bone cancer, which she had been battling for several years.
She was buried at Twin Oaks, one of the best-known intentional communities in the US, and a place she helped found in 1967. Kat also helped found East Wind (Tecumseh MO) in 1974 and Acorn (Mineral VA) in 1993. All three communities survive her, as does her daughter Josie and her granddaughter Lee Ann.
Outside of Twin Oaks, Kat is perhaps best-known as the author of A Walden Two Experiment (1973), chronicling Twin Oaks' first five years and Is It Utopia Yet?
(1994), reporting on Twin Oaks after 26 years. They remain classics today, affording lay readers a rare glimpse into the everyday life of an intentional community. It covers everything from politics to sex; power dynamics to work systems--all in a readable narrative that is both frank and thoughtful.
For a more personal anecdotes about Kat, visit Laird's blog at
http://communityandconsensus.blogspot.com
[Photo from Twin Oaks Community archives, circa 1970.]
2 Communities Magazine Current & Upcoming Issues
#139 (Summer): Green Building in Community
#140 (Fall): Politics in Community
#141 (Winter): Scarcity and Abundance
New for Summer: Communities' Green Building issue!
The latest edition of Communities magazine, covering 
covers green building and natural building around the world. With contributions from Canada, the US, Israel, Denmark, Italy, and Australia, this issue is packed with ideas and news on strawbale building, re-purposing old buildings, marrying natural building with conventional building, and many other related topics--plus articles on seeking community, sustainable community living, cooking collaboratively, and more.
Ask for Communities at your favorite local cafe or natural foods store, or subscribe today. The Green Building issue is #139--make sure your subscription starts with this one!
Fall issue: In tribute to election season, our fall issue (#140) will focus on Politics in Community. We'll hear from communitarians who have become involved in local, national, and international politics, as well as from those who have focused on improving internal community politics. We'll learn how cooperative groups are contributing to political change with new models of decision-making and an emphasis on sustainability, and we'll also hear some honest assessments of political
activity and inactivity within existing communities. "We Refuse to Be Enemies" (by a peacewalking communitarian), "Every Politician Should Live in a Commune" (from one who did), and "Email, Politics, and Permaculture" (by people passionate about all three) are just a few of the dozen-plus articles featured.
Winter issue: The theme for the winter issue (#141) is Scarcity and Abundance. If you're interested in submitting articles, photos, or illustrations to future issues of Communities, please see http://communities.ic.org/submit.php for detailsor contact the Communities editor.
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Get a Communities sample issue, renew or subscribe here
http://store.ic.org//communities/sample.php
http://store.ic.org/cmag
Sample issues $5 plus $4 S/H by US standard mail.
Shop online for lower shipping rates and more shipping options.
Subscriptions one year 4 issues
$24 US :: $29 Canada :: $31 Other
Order by phone fax or mail
FIC * 138 Twin Oaks Rd * Louisa VA 23093
800-462-8240 fax 540-894-4112
3 Community Bookshelf Titles At Sale Prices
Featured by Catherine Nicosia, Community Bookshelf Manager
The World Cafe: Shaping Our Future Through Conversations That Matter
by Juanita Brown with David Isaacs and The World Cafe Community
2005; 242 pages; 9.5" x 7"; paperback; ISBN: 1-57675-258-5
The World Cafe
process provides a means for groups of people to engage in exploring important issues at a variety of levels. This book does an excellent job of explaining the the basic format as well as the nuances of the method in a clear manner. The guidance 
offered will enable those making use of it foster constructive dialogue, access collective intelligence, and create innovate possibilities for action.
The process has seven core design principles: set the context; create hospitable space; explore questions that matter; encourage everyone's contribution; cross-pollinate and connect diverse perspectives; listen together for patterns, insights, and deeper questions; and harvest and share collective discoveries. Each chapter begins with a quotation, an illustration, and a question; these give you an overview of the book's themes.
There is also specific information about successfully hosting a Cafe; it is specific, to-the-point, and very helpful. Closing chapters provide stories of how real people are using the World Cafe process, and its larger implications. I recommend this book as an invaluable resource for all groups, no matter what their size.
Regular price $20.00 Special price $16.00
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Communities Directory & Magazine Subscription Combo
Save $10 off the cover price when you buy a new or renewal 1 year subscription to Communities Magazine with a copy of the Communities Directory.
We are offering a special combination deal: a 1 year subscription to Communities Magazine plus a copy of the Communities Directory for only $44. This offer good for delivery within the United States only.
Regular price $54.00 Special price $44.00
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http://store.ic.org/catalog/specials.php
Shipping/handling on mail or phone orders
4.00 S/H for first item
1.00 S/H for each additional item
S/H prices shown are for Standard Mail postal delivery within US.
Community Bookshelf
RR 1 Box 156
Rutledge MO 63563
800-995-8342
Shop online for lower shipping rates, more shipping options, and more sale items.
Information, catalog, ordering
http://store.ic.org/bookshelf
4 Print Directory Manager
By Tony Sirna
Immediate Job Opening: Manager for Print Edition of the Communities Directory, 6th edition
The Print Directory Manager (PDM) is responsible for the production and promotion of the print version of our Communities Directory. Our current plan is to print a new edition of the book approximately every 24 months, and we are hoping to hire someone in the summer of 2008, with the aim of having the next edition published by late 2009.
The PDM is not responsible for maintaining the Online Directory database as we have a separate Online Directory Manager (ODM) for that. The PDM will have to work closely with the ODM as well as with the Web Weavers Committee (which oversees the FIC's family of websites) and the FIC Office staff.
Skills: This job entails building and managing a project team with skills in writing, editing and copyediting, desktop publishing, graphic design, ad sales, and proofreading. Prior experience with printing and editing are helpful, but not essential. The PDM will need to be good at team management and communication (it is highly probable that team members will not all live close to each other). This person will need to develop and stick to a budget, write periodic progress reports, and consult
with FIC's Editorial Review Board. The PDM will need to be good at managing deadlines. This job requires familiarity with FIC and its mission and we are expecting a minimum commitment of at least one complete production cycle.
Technical capabilities:
o Reliable high-speed Internet connection
o Computer with modern web browser and email
o Phone with an answering machine
Estimated time commitment: The total production cycle for a print edition takes about 18 months, with most of the work concentrated in the 4-6 months immediately preceding the printing and release of a new edition. During this intense stretch, the work can take anywhere from 10-40 hours per week, depending on the degree of delegation (the PDM may also be responsible for different production aspects if they choose to). During the less intense portions of the cycle, the workload is considerably
smaller.
Compensation: This varies considerably, based on efficiency and what tasks the Manager performs and which are delegated. Once the overall project budget has been approved, the Manager is free to move money within that budget so long as the project is completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.
For a complete description of the job and production cycle, or a complete description of the selection process, or to apply for the position, contact us via our webform.
5 Online Communities Directory - New Manager
Introducing Kate Adamson, new manager of the online Communities Directory.
It's an honor to be working with the FIC. I became interested in community living during college, when my student co-op experience provided a compelling counterpoint to the social problems I was studying in my sociology classes. After graduating, I discovered the communities movement and soon moved to Twin Oaks Community. During my 4 years there, I put a lot of energy into outreach and promotion of community life, including work in the visitor program and an academic speaking tour. I left Twin
Oaks 2 years ago, and I'm excited to once again be involved in encouraging and supporting collaborative living as the manager of the online Communities Directory.
The online Communities Directory serves a major role in the communities movement it's apparent in the numbers of communities each day that create new listings, and the hundreds of individuals each month who use the directory to contact communities of interest. I hope to increase the usefulness of the online directory by improving the quality and accuracy of information in listings, and promote use of the directory to a wider range of people. Additionally, I plan to focus on what the directory
can offer to groups and individuals seeking to create new communities, as there are several hundred "forming" communities already listed in the directory!
I welcome any comments or suggestions based on people's experience using the online Communities Directory.
Feel free to contact me via our webform.
6 Events Coming Up, FIC and Related
NICA Gathering And Seekers Fair
NASCO Action Camp
Communities Conference at Twin Oaks
Northwest Intentional Communities Association (NICA) Events
"Finding Community" - Community Seeker's Fair
There's an exciting NICA gathering happening in Portland this summer, Friday-Sunday, July 25-27. It is cosponsored by the Fellowship for Intentional Community and Cohousing Association U.S.
Diana Leafe Christian will be with us for both the Friday evening Community Seekers Fair as well as the weekend workshop. She is a great speaker. We are excited to have her again. It promises to be a joyful weekend where we gather together for sharing, learning, singing, and dancing. Come join us!
Please go to the website www.ic.org/nica and scroll down for more details on both the Fair and our Annual Summer Gathering.
Any forming community OR communities that are looking for members/roomers, please contact Nancy (425-482-8044) or reply to this email. YOU COULD HAVE A TABLE AT THE SEEKERS FAIR FRIDAY, JULY 25TH IN PORTLAND. Please consider a donation for tabling to help cover the costs of the event.
Registration is required for camping and meals at the established permaculture farm at Columbia Ecovillage, so start making your plans now.
Please contact Alline for registration for the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) event:
206-322-7578
alline.thurlow - [at] - gmail.com
We hope to see you there!
-Fred Lanphear, FIC Board member and President of the Northwest Intentional Communities Association (NICA)
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NASCO Action Camp
August 10-15
Circle Pines Center, Delton, MI
Each August, the North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO) puts on a week-long training program called Action Camp for leaders in co-ops and other democratic communities. The program rotates locations, and this year's program will be held at the Circle Pines Center in Delton, MI---just 3 hours drive from Chicago and 4.5 hours from Urbana!
Experienced trainers utilize popular education and Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to facilitate interactive dialogue. Action Camp is limited to 30 participants, which creates a trusting environment for people to strategize around topics such as:
- Effective member education on issues related to safe spaces, sexual assault, accessibility, mental health, class issues, and diversity
- Meeting facilitation
- Conflict resolution
- Member and leader recruitment and retention
- Building a more inclusive culture within our organizations
By networking and sharing with leaders who represent democratically-run communities from campuses across the country, participants leave Action Camp with tools to challenge racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ableism, & other dimensions of oppression in their communities and themselves.
Please consider sending a representative of your co-op!
$350 (NASCO member fee) includes lodging, meals, professional training for five days. There is a $50 discount for participants who opt for tent camping instead of the lodge. Tips on Grassroots Fundraising are available online.
A bunch of co-ops here in Ann Arbor are putting together fundraisers to send members. Tips on Grassroots Fundraising are available online!
For more information, visit www.nasco.coop/camp, and don't hesitate to contact me.
If you'd like to subscribe to Co-op Voices, NASCO's bimonthly e-newsletter, send an email with the word "subscribe" in the subject line to info -[at]- nasco.coop.
-- Neily Jennings Director of Educational Programs North American Students of Cooperation
Registration for Action Camp is Open!
http://www.nasco.coop/camp
734.663.0889 office
734.678.1821 mobile
734.663.5072 fax
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Communities Conference At Twin Oaks Community
An FIC Co-Sponsored Event | August 15-17, 2008
Twin Oaks Community near Louisa, Virginia
With over 25 different communities represented, this conference is a prime opportunity to network amongst other community-minded folks. It is an ideal event for people who are looking for community, as well for those already living in community, to share and learn from each others' experiences. We'll be delving into the nuts and bolts of community with a variety of workshops on topics such as:
- Cooperative Decision-Making
- Intentional Relationships
- Forming Community
- Community Economics
- and many more.
Children are welcome. The weekend includes a multitude of networking and socializing opportunities, including "Meet the Communities", swimming, and the mudpit. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Conference is co-sponsored by:
The Fellowship for Intentional Community http://www.ic.org
The Federation of Egalitarian Communities http://www.thefec.org
Twin Oaks Community
http://www.twinoaks.org
7 How To Multiply Your Good Works For The Planet: Share!
Q: How can I save energy and money around the house and also help the climate?
A: Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
Q: But how can I do more than that, and have more fun too?
A: Start an eating co-op! Host a sewing circle! Join a car-sharing group! Share stuff!
Many of us are examining our lives to find ways we can reduce our impact on the overheating, overfished, eroded, paved and poisoned planet. Of course there are lots of little things we each can do that will make a small change in our individual footprint, and those are good places to start. But we're realizing that we've reached a time when big changes are called for--and lots of them.
Are we up to it? Well, the good news is that many of the changes we need to make will also improve our quality of life. They don't mean more drudgery and boredom--they mean more companionship, support, freedom, and downright fun. I'm talking, of course, about joining our lives with other people: about community.
More and more people now understand that community and cooperation are a central part of the way forward to a healthier planet and a thriving society. Our communities are even getting positive coverage in places like USA Today and US News & World Report. Over 5,500 people are reading this enewsletter with you, and new communities are constantly appearing online at directory.ic.org--and in the beautiful new print edition of the Communities Directory.
Who talks to the media about community, distributes this enewsletter, and keeps improving that directory? The FIC does. Who refers callers to communities they might like, publishes Communities magazine, and hosts regular events offering the tools and skills needed for cooperative living? The FIC does.
Who needs your membership support in order to keep offering these things? The FIC does! Please join today, and keep multiplying your good works through sustaining the cooperative spirit. For more info on member benefits and to join online using our secure server go to
http://store.ic.org/membership
To request a membership form by mail, or to email, or to talk with a human,
contact us at:
RR 1 Box 156
Rutledge MO 63563
800-995-8342
To learn more about the mission of the organization visit
http://fic.ic.org
Many thanks from all of us in the Fellowship.
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