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title: "Community Alchemy" subtitle: "A Regenerative Neighborhood Co.Creation Playbook" description: "A comprehensive guide for creating regenerative neighborhoods, referencing best practices from community co-creation pioneers around the world." version: 1.0

Community Alchemy

A Regenerative Neighborhood Co.Creation Playbook

Referencing best practices for creating regenerative neighborhoods from community co-creation pioneers around the world

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Table of Contents

1. Hone Your Vision
2. Recruit Your Ideal Members
3. Align with Group Agreements & Governance
4. Plan Your Business Models & Infrastructure
5. Acquire the Best Land
6. Identify Your Funding Needs
7. Strategize Marketing
8. Master Plan Sustainable Systems
9. Construct Physical Infrastructure
10. Activate Community Culture
11. Manage & Review Holistic Ecosystems

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1. Hone Your Vision

To share resources and reflections about this step visit HONE YOUR VISION group on the Tribes Platform 👈

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This section is designed to help you capture the essence of your dream community. This is our foundation. Before we move, we need clarity on the dream, the ethos, and the long-term aspirations. Why are you building community? What are your motivations? What kind of community do you envision in 1, 3, 5, 10, or even 50 years? Identifying key aspects, such as your dream origin, your north star, and your desire for community are part of this process.

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1. Pre foundation work

1. Where We Are Now

Examine where you are now to understand your community vision.

Where are you on your community journey?

How did you get here?

2. Dream Origin

What brought you to the idea of making this community?

How did you find this path?

What was your ‘aha’ moment?

Your Story:

3. The Ethos : Values

List the values that you want to uphold. As Diana Leafe Christian puts it in Creating a Life Together, "a community's ideals usually arise from something that its members see as lacking or missing from the wider culture".

2. Purpose, Mission, Vision

1. Your BIG Why = Purpose

It’s important to identify your main why. Look at your dream origin. From that story, examine why you want to create a regenerative neighborhood. (Can be considered to be the problem statement you seek to solve.) Your Why:

2. 🧩 Mission Statement = how you will accomplish this

The questions above are thoughtwork that help you answer the following question best.

5. Intro

The mission statement is a 1-4 sentence statement that summarizes the core of your project’s mission - “What will happen when our community is working together and accomplishing its goals. Like a compass, this will help guide your core team when making decisions – preserving the essence of the community over time. It also communicates outwardly who you are to potential members, investors, collaborators, and visitors.

6. Questions

You want to ask yourself some fundamental questions: What does your project/community do? How does it do it? And why?

• Your Project Mission Statement: (What you community will accomplish when operating at its best)

7. Examples/Exercises

Here are example mission statements from communities: Cosmic Sol “Cosmic Sol’s ongoing mission is to grow food using regenerative and self-sufficient methods for the good of the planet and for the good of the people. Cosmic Sol is a sanctuary for healing and self-expression using arts, naturopathy, and play.” Meadowdance Community “We are an egalitarian, child-centered community that welcomes human diversity, ecological sensibility, mutual learning, and joy.” Traditional Dream Factory “Traditional Dream Factory is a web3-powered regenerative co-living space in Abela, Portugal. We are pioneering a model for regenerative co-living while creating positive loops in all interactions between stakeholders including nature, all life, and future generations.”

8. Extra Resources

…. Other guides (coming soon) … Other worksheets (coming soon)

3. Vision = what you will create when everything works out

Picture your project or organization at its peak success. Envision:

• What does your regenerative neighborhood look like when you succeed?
• Who benefits, and how are they transformed?
• What role does your project play in this better future? Tip: Be specific. Use vivid imagery and clear language to make the vision tangible. Do a mental walk through of your community and describe the things you see. Ex.- I walk through a food forest and see people picking fresh food and veggies.
• I enter the shared space and its a think tank of entrepreneurs with white erase boards mapping out steps to grow a social enterprise and help animals in need.
• There are kids, seniors, teens, and adults all working on things around the community; building, decorating, organizing, and having fun. Use your imagination - the rest of this guide will help us design how to get there.

4. Write a Vision document

1. The vision document is made up of most of the questions from above and adding it to a single document you can share with potential community members.

2. Questions

• Why I am/we are building this project (Purpose)
• The problem
• The solution
• How I am/we are doing it (Mission)
• ..
• What we will build with full success (Vision)
• …
• Who I am/we are
• Origin story
• Community
• Where are we going ?
• Next 1 Years
• Next 3 Years
• Next 5 Years
• Next 10 Years

3. Examples

Suggested Resources:

• Traditional Dream Factory’s Pink Paper
• One Planet Living Mini Toolkit
• Common Ground Statement of Intentions

5. Initial Goals & Desired Impact (1 - 3 years)

Use this section to identify your tangible (and intangible) goals for the first 3 years of your project. Replace this text with a summary of the motivations behind your goals, and/or the philosophy behind your goal-forming process, then write your goals down in the list below, focusing on the achievements that are most important to your community values. Create as many goals as you like, focusing on goals to be achieved in those first 3 years.

4. Goal Here

5. Reasons why this goal is important

6. Goal Here

7. Reasons why this goal is important

8. Goal Here

9. Reasons why this goal is important

6. Mid-Term Goals & Desired Impact (5 years)

Now shift your attention to the goals you would like your community to achieve over the span of 5 years. Think of the overall goals of the community, and the main impact you wish to have. 10. Goal Here

1. Reasons why this goal is important

11. Goal Here

1. Reasons why this goal is important

1. Reasons why this goal is important

7. Long-Term Goals & Desired Impact (10 years)

Now shift your attention to the goals you would like your community to achieve over the span of 10 years. Think of the overall goals of the community, and the main impact you wish to have.

1. Reasons why this goal is important

1. Reasons why this goal is important

1. Reasons why this goal is important

3. Foundational Community Design

1. Community Type

Your community may be one or more of the following types. These types are essentially the basis of what your community is, and maybe more importantly, who it is for. Further along you will explore living arrangements, income models, and so on. Feel free to add relevant types that may not be listed.

• Residential or Family-Focused Community
• Digital Nomad Community
• Farm / Permaculture Center
• Wellness / Retreat Center
• Spiritual Community
• Artist / Maker’s Collective
• Innovation and Alternative Education Center
• Homesteading / Traditional Living Community
• Plant Medicine Community
• Indigenous / Ethnicity-Based Community
• Lifestyle Community (i.e. diet, waste reduction, etc.)
• Conservation Project
• Caravan / Temporary Community What type of community are you building?

2. Community Location / Setting

• Climate:
• Location or Potential Locations:
• Urban, suburban, or rural:

3. Community Size Range (People)

Start with a basic range of size that you want your community to be. The size of your community (living spaces), and the actual size of your land may be different depending on development ratios you decide in step 4. In this section, you are answering “how many people do I want living in the community at any given time?” Village Scale (20-200 people) Micro-City Scale (200-1,500) City Scale (1,500+) Network State / Cloud Country

4. Existing Counterpart Analysis

1. What are existing projects that are similar to what you want to create that you can draw inspiration and potentially models of success from?

2. Community/Project 1

1. What we like about it

2. What we want to do differently

3. Community/Project 2

1. What we like about it

2. What we want to do differently

.

4. Vision

3. Name

9. Intro

Now it’s time to creatively name your community! Choose a name that reflects your community values, ideals, and overall vibe. While you may revisit this name in marketing and branding, having an initial name for the project is crucial. 10. Questions 11. Examples/Exercises Naming Exercises:

5. Visioning Exercises

• Mood board (see examples)
• Regen Tribe's Kuyabeh Community - Organic Architecture Aesthetic
• Peter Knupffer's Ecovillage Board – Superadobe & Bamboo Concepts
• La Tierra 1 & La Tierra 2 – Modern Organic Architecture & Treehouses
• Nico Alcala’s Solarpunk Board – Solarpunk Architecture & Design
• Vision Document
• Cabin.city’s Vision Document
• Pitch Deck
• Pitch Deck Examples on the Tribes platform
• Re:build Deck Template
• Draw your village
• 4-Step Sketch Method
• AI-Generated Concept Art
• Guide to generating architecture design with AI
• Innovation Exercises
• How-Now-Wow Matrix Explore these co.creation frameworks/resources:
• Dragon Dreaming
• The Village Model
• Village Lab
• Regen-Era / re:build Miro boards
• Purpose
• Planet
• People
• Prosperity

6. Community Culture

1. Culture design is of the utmost importance in community development. It is easy to build the box, but much harder to populate the box with the type of people, behaviors, etc. that we want to see. One of the suggested tools is a Community Culture Canvas, which acts as a visual manifesto for the community.

2. Here are links to instructions on how to use the canvas as a group and a blank miro board you can make a copy of and create your own community culture canvas. Paste your culture canvas here.

3. 4. There is also the Community Canvas Guidebook, which is a great exercises as well

5. Additional Tools

1. Courses you can take

Other suggested workshops/tools for ideation:

• Starting an Intentional Community course by IC.org
• Intentional Community Basics course by IC.org
• Ecovillage Design Education Certification by Global Ecovillage Network

2. Inspirational Literature and Tools

List or link to anything that inspires you and represents your community philosophies. This could be anything from manifestos on economics, spiritual creeds, books that inspired your village concept, and so on. Some of the foundational texts that represent the philosophy of the regenerative movement:

• Regenaissance: A Metamodern Playbook
• Regenerative Development and Design : A Framework for Evolving Sustainability
• OASA’s Regenerative Development Standards
• Problems that Regenerative Villages Solve

Ask what role a place can have in bringing its ecosystem more vitality (greater aliveness and energy), more viability (greater capacity to transact effectively with an environment), and more capacity for evolution (ability to make transitions, moving things from lower to higher orders of expression).

To share resources and reflections about this step visit HONE YOUR VISION group on the Tribes Platform 👈 2️⃣ Recruit Your Ideal Members

2. Recruit Your Ideal Members

To share resources and reflections about this step visit RECRUIT YOUR MEMBERS group on the Tribes Platform 👈

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A favorite saying of ours at Regen Tribe is "You can't build community alone". And it's true. This may be your most delicate and essential task as a community builder. In the beginning stages, you must create a strong core group of people to hold the torch. There are many strategies to attract the best potential members with alignment, connection, and clear value exchanges to offer. Here's a clear truth we've seen having interviewed scores of community vision holders. You might have all the money, land, infrastructure, and buildings, but without people, there is no community. In this section of Community Alchemy, you learn where to look for people, how to identify (mis)alignment, and onboard people to the co.creative process.

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1. 🧩 How big do you want your community to be?

4. Lower limit

1. A single family, or even two families, is just the start of a community.

You want at least 3 households, or 7-12 people as your lower limit.

5. Upper limit

1. Consider 80-250 people as the upper limit for individual communities, with 150 people being popularly cited as Dunbar's number.

2. 3. A community that starts out with 30 adults or fewer is likely to have the best chances of success, though it can be helpful to think about how a community can grow and expand over time.

6. Size Considerations

How do you know how many people you want in your community? What should you consider?

7. Decision making rights

1. ❓Does everyone have the same decision making rights? Better to have a smaller, more agile community.

8. Intimacy and “Feel”

1. ❓How intimate do you want to be with other community members?

2. ❓Do you want close relationships with every member?

9. Types of members (see section 2.2.1.1)

1. ❓How much of each type of member do you want?

2. ❓Are you willing to have short-term residents?

10. Infrastructure capacity and density

1. ❓Approximately how much land and how dense do you envision your community living spaces?

11. Community intention:

1. ❓What is your community intention? What size best supports that intention?

1. 13. Imagine what 10, 100, 1000, 10,000 people feels like

1. Dunbar's Number explained

2. Treehugger “How to Establish an Intentional Community”

3. New York Times “How to Build an Intentional Community”

Dunbars # explained : Dunbar's Number, proposed by British anthropologist and psychologist Robin Dunbar, is a theoretical cognitive limit to the number of meaningful social relationships that humans can maintain. This limit is often estimated to be around 150, although the exact number can vary for individuals. Dunbar's research suggests that there are several layers or categories of relationships that humans engage in, and each layer has a different maximum capacity: Closest Relationships (5-15): At the innermost layer are our closest relationships, typically including family members and our closest friends. We can maintain strong emotional connections with a small number of individuals within this group. Sympathy Group (around 50): The next layer includes people with whom we have strong emotional bonds but may not be as close as family or very close friends. These are individuals with whom we still have a significant level of trust and emotional connection. Active Network (around 150): The outermost layer is often referred to as Dunbar's Number itself, which is estimated to be around 150. This layer includes acquaintances, colleagues, and people we interact with in our social circles. While we may not have deep emotional connections with everyone in this group, we can recognize and remember their faces and names. Dunbar's Number is an important concept in understanding the limits of human social cognition and has implications for various aspects of human social behavior, such as community building, team dynamics, and the size of organizations. It suggests that beyond a certain point, it becomes challenging for individuals to maintain meaningful relationships, which can impact their ability to cooperate, coordinate, and communicate effectively in larger groups. However, it's essential to note that Dunbar's Number is a theoretical concept and that individuals' actual social capacities may vary. Some people may have larger or smaller social circles depending on their personality, cultural background, and social experiences. Nevertheless, it provides valuable insights into the nature of human social connections and the challenges of managing relationships in increasingly complex social environments.

2. Current Stakeholders

List everyone and everything that will be impacted positively by your project. Try to widen your stakeholder lens.

1. Community Founders/Members

Write down every name of core members of your project, as well as a short bio. Include a picture if possible. These are people who plan to be involved in the project long-term. The amount of members you will need at any given moment will range from one other co-founder to larger groups of community members. In Together Resilient, the recommended number for a founding group of initial core members and decision makers is 7-12 people (Creating a Life Together), to take advantage of the agility of a smaller group to make decisions, and to have enough people for diverse perspectives and skills.

• Core Member #1
• Bio
• Core Member #2
• Bio
• Core Member #3
• Bio

2. Non-Member / External Stakeholders

This section should address all beings potentially impacted (positively or negatively) by your project. Your internal stakeholders are founders, members, and investors. Non-member stakeholders range from local wildlife and flora to local government bodies, outside visitors, and any consumer or beneficiary of what your community creates. Ecosystem / Geological Features Stakeholders Local Stakeholders Government Stakeholders

3. Inclusivity

Kinds of people to look for, inclusion of elders and youth, diversity, etc. Link to Ornela’s list about the type of infrastructure needed to accommodate elders in a community Resources:

• Creating Equitable, Healthy, and Sustainable Communities Report
• Building Inclusive Communities by the Community Toolbox
• Understanding Diversity in Community course by IC.org

4. (Potential) Investors

Use this space to track potential investors or avenues of obtaining investment funds that you currently have. You will use these later in the playbook to pursue your funding strategy.

3. Ideal Community Members

Regen Tribe has researched and interviewed several project vision holders, and the #1 desire that most community builders have is more community members or better quality community members.

1. Types of Community Members

You can loosely divide community members into these categories:

• Co-founder : someone who is willing to invest a lot of time and energy into making the project happen, and shares the same high level goals for the project as you. This is also someone who has the skills to manage the community building process and capacity to take on flexible roles, just as you will have to do.
• Community Member (Residents) : someone with skills you need that is looking for a community to live in and contribute to, but is not in the right circumstance to be able to invest at the same level as a co-founder. They are aligned with your community vision, possibly bringing their own flavors of that vision, and they bring immense value because they are the essence of the community. They will most likely live in the community for a long period of time.
• Short-term Community Member/Participant (Renters) : someone who lives in your community for a short time, or comes to participate in events and other offerings that your community has.
• Investor : someone who offers your project capital.
• Team mate : some one working with the community.
• Volunteers : Now it is time to identify your ideal community members, the archetypes of people you wish to share your community life with. Resources:

5. Inventory

2. Inventory of People You Already Know That Are Potential Members/Contributors

These exercises are about sourcing people from your current network and circles of trust. Write down every name of possible contributors and key individuals who are connected to but maybe not directly involved with this project. This will help you build awareness of your social capital. Below are examples of where to look for connections: Examples Include:

1. Local community groups

2. Possible volunteer / donor

3. Someone we know with skills we need

4. Family member / colleague / friend

5. Mentor / advisor

6. Professional service provider

7. Organizations you could tap for members

4. Understanding Essential Roles and Skills

Reflecting on the type of regenerative community you are building will give you insight into the various roles you have to fill. Here you will identify the essential roles needed for your project to succeed that are not currently filled. Refer to these guidelines to discover the people with the skills you need. At the beginning, you may be fulfilling many of these roles yourself, with the goal to move beyond that as you grow your community. Example Key Roles:

• Planning & Design Visionary
• Accountant & Legal Expertise
• Marketing Storyteller
• Business Planning Expert
• Masterplanner / Architect
• Recruitment / Sales Team
• Permaculturalist & Food System Designer
• Water Filtration Service
• Electrician and Network Provider While roles might be flexible, consider which key roles you need to get started with your project. What can you reasonably accomplish by yourself, which key roles are necessary for you to have in your founding team, and which skills can you afford to hire out?

6. Your dream team

1. ❓- Who are the core community members that make your regenerative neighborhood operate at its best?

2. Let's define these archetypes and their responsibilities. Below is an example of a permanent community orgchart.

Resources:

• Stakeholder Engagement Guide For Nature-Based Solutions
• Coalition Culture’s Regeneration Roadmap

5. Value Exchange/The Harmony Principle

Harmonious growth is when every member adds value and feels valued. It’s not about conforming but about resonating. We need individuals who can both contribute to and benefit from what our community offers. The value exchange that you offer community members will depend on the stage of the project you are in. Understanding the value exchange for each group will be essential in the marketing phase as well, as you expand your community. In the early stages of member recruitment, you have to know how to motivate and excite people to join, and have a clear process laid out for how to join, what is the reward, and when they can expect those rewards. Note: not many people will buy land in hopes that in 7 years they will (maybe) have a few neighbors. Community members are investors, too, and a return far in the future feels risky. You must have a clearly outlined value exchange for each group to be able to express that to potential members and get them truly excited about the project because they can clearly see where they fit in. These are examples of what you can offer and what each archetype might expect.

• Cofounder
• Ownership
• Equity
• Profit
• Special benefits
• Community Member
• Ownership
• Access to community amenities
• Special benefits
• Short-term Community Member
• Experiences
• Education
• Good standard of living/lodging
• Investor
• ROI
• Timely payback
• Equity Resources:
• “What I Need From You” Exercise
• Kalu Yala Founders Offer

6. The Recruitment Journey

7. There are 3 stages to building your recruitment journey: requirements, screening, and onboarding.

These are things the potential new member must have on their own. What is expected from the (potential) community members to join or maintain membership in the community? Think back to your community vision. What do you need from your community members to create the community you want to see? Ex. A college degree, Be vegetarian, Have $1,000 in savings, be a specific religion,

4. Requirements to Join

1. Behaviors / Lifestyle

1. Dietary requirements

2. Alcohol or drug use

2. Ownership (buy a house or lot)

3. Age requirements (if any)

4. Income requirements

5. Requirements to maintain membership

1. Sustainable/Lifestyle behaviors

2. # of hours contributed

3. Fees and ongoing memberships (see example here)

4. Commitment

5. Participation

6. Resources

• 7 Membership Questions to Ask

7. Early Stage Vision

Share your early vision to recruit the first members. It is important to look for co-founders and investors first – people who are willing to invest extra time and resources to make the project succeed because they are passionate about it. Tools that are helpful to share with others from Step 1 of the Community Alchemy Guide:

• Vision Document
• Deck
• Concept Art
• Master Plan

8. Screening Process

It is wise to have a screening process in place to decide how you identify potential co-founders, early community members, and investors as truly aligned with your project vision. These are actions the potential member must participate in with the community to join. Step 0 - Share the early stage vision Step 1 - Make a list of requirements Step 2 - Gauge their interest Step 3 - Meet casually (virtual and in-real life) Step 4 - Meet with intention Step 5 - Explore the commitment process in an open and slow way A proper screening process for new community members in a Regenerative Neighborhood aims to ensure that individuals align with the values, goals, and principles of the community while fostering inclusivity and diversity. Here are steps to consider: Informational Sessions: Host informational sessions or orientations for prospective members to introduce them to the community's vision, values, and goals. This provides an opportunity for potential members to learn about the community and assess their interest. Application Process: Create an application form that asks about the applicant's background, interests, and reasons for wanting to join the community. Include questions related to their commitment to regenerative practices and their willingness to contribute. This can include a questionnaire that allows people to easily submit answers to key questions to see if they fit your requirements. Interviews: Conduct interviews with applicants to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and values. This step allows the community to assess the applicant's alignment with the community's principles. Reference Checks: Request references from applicants to learn about their previous community involvement, if any, and gather insights into their character and reliability. Community Feedback: Involve existing community members in the decision-making process. Allow them to provide input and feedback on prospective members to ensure a sense of collective responsibility and inclusivity. Trial Period: Consider implementing a trial period during which new members can participate in community activities and projects. This period allows both the community and the applicant to assess their compatibility. Community Agreements: Develop clear community agreements or a code of conduct that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of all members. Ensure that new members understand and agree to these terms. Background Checks: Depending on the nature of the community and its activities, conduct background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of all members. Inclusivity Measures: Promote inclusivity and diversity by avoiding discriminatory criteria during the screening process. Ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have an equal opportunity to join. Community Contribution: Assess the applicant's willingness and ability to contribute to the community, whether through financial support, time, skills, or resources. Community Consensus: In some cases, decisions on new members can be made through a consensus-building process involving existing community members. This ensures that all voices are heard and respected. Clear Communication: Maintain transparent and open communication throughout the screening process to keep applicants informed and address any questions or concerns they may have. Orientation and Integration: Once accepted, provide new members with an orientation to the community and support their integration into the existing social fabric. Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluate the screening process and make improvements based on feedback and evolving community needs. It's essential to strike a balance between ensuring the alignment of new members with the community's values and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment. Additionally, be mindful of whether a community member can realistically join your community. Whether the reasons are financial, related to immigration, or other obligations, do not foster hope in people who will not be able to join your community. Some fun examples of how people screen for co-founders:

• Go on a trip together
• Live together in a coliving situation
• Isolate on a boat for 15 days and see who can stay together

9. 🧩 Onboarding Process

Communities often have formal approaches, and at the same time they just feel it out. Individuals experience a gradual welcoming into deeper roles and responsibilities based on how much they show up and invest in the community’s maintenance and growth. Questions:

- What ways can you bring diversity into your community while maintaining alignment with its core essence?

- How does one start their journey into becoming a member of your community?

Example Onboarding Processes:

• Passes the screening process
• Visits - length of minimum stay determined by community
• Work Trades
• Internships
• Guest stays for a minimum time until they can become community members
• Community Interviews the Individual*
• Create written agreements/present community agreements
• Include provisions return of investment
• Community Vote
• Membership fees/initial investment Some communities also review new members at intervals of time once they’ve joined. For example, after a trial period of 1-3 months, then after a longer period of time like 6 months, then again at the 1 year mark or whenever you have decided to allow people to become permanent members.

- Do you want to include a formal review process of new members? How often?

Your onboarding process: Your review process: Resources:

• Tribes Onboarding Processes Forum in the Hive
• Example Onboarding Process from Solidarity Collective
• Designing a Community Membership Process course by IC.org
• The Community Membrane

10. Offboarding Process Just as important, if not more, is to design a process for how to manage situations where it is time to say goodbye to community members or investors. This is best done before you start accepting people, as you can clearly outline what situations should trigger offboarding, and design for being able to phase out investors and dissolve dependencies.

- What rights does the community have over members who do not keep their side of agreements?

Example offboarding situations:

• Phasing out investors
• Identifying if someone is not ready at this stage in their life to get involved in the community at the level that is needed
• Removing a negative community member Elements of an offboarding process:
• Have clear rules about what behavior will cause you to be dismissed from the community.
• Implement a warning system.
• Review after a set amount of time if community members are fulfilling their agreements, complete a formal review
• Call a meeting to discuss the possibility. Give the person a chance to express their side.
• Community Vote - make sure it is a community consensus and involve community residents in the decision process.
• Have an “exit interview” to gather information about what the community might do better in the future, and suggestions for the individual’s growth. Define activities that merit a goodbye:

What to do in situations of: Old age, mental health, or inability to participate

Death and bankruptcy

Legacy – Children and relatives that don’t align with the community values

Resources:

• Offboarding process developed by Regen Tribe for Community Lab
• Tribal Justice Mechanisms
• Gacaca courts
• Restorative justice

11. Where to look for community members

1. Where to look for community members

Founding community members have discovered each other in a variety ways – online forums, local events, spiritual temples, and so on. The key is to be vocal about your emerging community wherever you can, so that you can connect with people passionate about the project.

• First, we recommend that you create a profile on Tribes, a platform run by Regen Tribe. There are forums, events, and classifieds sections all listed and available through the platform. You can post about opportunities to get involved in your community, as well as see other projects and people seeking community. In an online community of other community builders, you are most likely to meet the people with the same vision as you. Join your local biozone on Tribes
• Create a well-organized media presentation about your unique community and present your community to an audience. These presentations could be in person or virtual. You can upload these presentations about your community onto the Tribes platform. This invites community members and potential investors to get involved.
• Virtual Networking Join community calls Join chat groups
• Link to Regen Tribe chat
• Link to re:build community chat Join relevant discords
• Regen Tribe discord Get featured on podcasts
• In-Person Networking

1. Conferences

2. Lifestyle Events

• Organize Tours/Events Resources:
• The Tribes Platform
• Finding Your Community course by IC.org
• https://www.catalist.network/trove/gaianet
• www.gaianet.earth

8. Community Recruitment Strategies

There are certain strategies that have proven successful for other communities. Here is a list of strategies

9. Deep dive

1. Alignment vs. Agreement

Although they can be confused, alignment and agreement are not the same. A group might verbally agree on something, but participants move in conflicting directions. Alignment implies both a chosen direction and intentional movement towards that direction. This distinction is important, because it’s not necessarily hard to get a group to agree on something. One way is to make a statement that is so abstract, it’s both indisputable and meaningless. An example of this would be, “We value collaboration.” or “Our goal is to be sustainable.” Very few people would disagree with either of those statements, but by themselves, they’re too broad to mean anything. Agreement without alignment also often happens in groups with conflict-averse cultures, where people would rather assent than argue. This is important to consider when selecting people to create an intentional community with, because it is easy to say “I want to live a sustainable life”, but that expresses in a variety of ways for different people, and each expression is prioritized differently. Here are resources that help you create alignment and/or discover misalignment. Resources:

2. Problems and Concerns

List all major and minor differences in member philosophies, goals, personalities, etc. that might pose a difficulty to moving in alignment. How to navigate away from community members or co-founders that proved to be misaligned? 10. Mobilizing

1. Setting Meetings

Deciding on a time and place to meet on a regular basis. Virtually, in person, could rotate location. Some groups meet half in person and the others who aren’t there call in.

• Location(s):
• Frequency:
• Virtual/In-Person:
• Meeting format:

2. Co.Envisioning

The format of your meetings should include a mixture of dreaming and doing. This will iterate on the initial vision of Step 1, and deepen the vision to include everyone’s contributions. How to accept feedback from others without diluting the original vision. Exercises for sharing the dreaming process: Resources:

3. Co.Creating

A system to track your progress and to-dos as a community. Recommended platforms, softwares, etc. How you will hold each other accountable and motivated. How you will celebrate your wins as a group. Resources:

• Project Management Tools like Asana, Trello, and Airtable
• Budget Tools
• Design Tools like Miro

11. How someone can join your community To share resources and reflections about this step visit RECRUIT YOUR MEMBERS group on the Tribes Platform 👈 3️⃣ Group Agreements & Governance

3. Align with Group Agreements & Governance

To share resources and reflections about this step visit AGREEMENTS & GOVERNANCE group on the Tribes Platform 👈

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This section is designed to help your community pinpoint key agreements and internal structures that are guided by your community’s purpose and philosophy. You will establish communication agreements, conflict resolution style(s), decision-making processes, and legal protocols.

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1. Foundations of Trust

At the core of our governance lies trust. Agreements will be a manifestation of the mutual trust we place in one another, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern addressed. We can put endless agreements in place and employ all of the transparency technology available, and we will still struggle if there is not an adequate amount of cultivated trust and shared vision.

2. The Social Masterplan

3. The community La Ecovilla in Costa Rica proposes that there are two massive structures in a community – the physical and the invisible. The physical structures are the buildings, roads, etc. while the invisible structures are the social underpinnings and context of the community project. The invisible structures can be designed, but they are given a lot less attention. The idea of creating agreements and exploring the social, economic, ecological, and worldview dimensions of community building, we aim to create a detailed “masterplan” of the social landscape.

4. Community Agreements

1. 🧩 Types of Agreements

Agreements we develop and governance models we use must reflect our values. These agreements act as a strong foundation for a regenerative neighborhood – fostering cooperation, mutual support, and sustainable practices. Agreements should include :

• Rules
• Processes & Protocols
• Social Relationships & Dynamics
• Ecological, Economic, and Worldview Principles Exploring each of the topics in this section will allow you to create your Written Community Agreements (section 3.6.4). These agreements will allow you to achieve group coherence.

5. Community Rules

1. Neighborhood Rules: Establish rules and guidelines that reflect the values and principles of the regenerative neighborhood, including rules related to noise, pets, property maintenance, and other aspects of community living.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all community activities and protocols align with local laws and regulations. Seek legal counsel if needed to address any legal considerations.

3. Aesthetics and architecture of a place is important in some projects.

6. Process and protocol

1. What are regular occurring things that have a set way of being done?

1. Safety and Security: Develop safety protocols and emergency plans to address issues like fire safety, medical emergencies, and natural disasters. Establish neighborhood watch programs or security measures as needed.

2. Screening, Onboarding and offboarding

1. (i.e. orientation checklists for guests or new members)

2. Background checks

7. Social Dimension

This is one of the four dimensions of community coherence, and it is important to examine your project’s choices in social sustainability. Take a look at the considerations you should be making below.

2. Social Dimension: Visionholder Role

What is your role in the community currently and over time? What kind of power do you have?

3. Social Dimension: Shared Vision

Shared vision and values: All members should agree on the purpose and goals of the community, as well as the values that will guide decision making and behavior.

4. Social Dimension: Personal Regeneration

The inner work required to bravely reimagine life in a regenerative community is an intense undertaking. There is a risk of unconsciously repeating some of the same societal patterns you seek to restructure. A healthy community requires healthy individuals. Likewise, community commitment to personal growth is essential for community longevity. For healthy individuals that can communicate maturely within community, it is important to have practices from each category:

• Healthy habits & nutrition
• Self-reflection
• Healing
• Emotional processing
• Downtime and rest
• Communication Chosen frameworks for self assessment and growth: Resources:
• Prosocial Framework
• Participatory Commons White Paper

5. Social Dimension: Safety and Wellbeing

6. Prioritize Safety and Well-Being: Rules should prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of all community members. Address issues related to physical safety, psychological safety, emotional well-being, and environmental sustainability.

7. Social Dimension : Relationships & Bonding

Identify what cultivates love, trust, and initiative. In governance, your first duty is to cultivate human relationships. Before you can create agreements, solid rapport or bonding needs to occur. Relationship building activities:

• Self to self
• Self-connection
• Journaling
• Meditation
• Alone time and introspection
• Self to peer
• Peer relationship building / conflict resolution
• Authentic Relating
• Rapport-building activities
• Vulnerability practices
• Peer-to group
• Public self-expression
• Group intervention
• Group to group
• Gratitude circles
• Way of council
• Ceremony and group ritual

8. Social Dimension: Community Engagement & Privacy

9. Community Engagement

1. Involve the entire community in the rule-making process. Gather input and feedback to ensure rules reflect collective values and needs.

10. Level of participation

1. How engaged should members be? What is the required level of presence and participation?

11. Level of privacy?

1. How private will community members’ lives be?

Make the rule-making process transparent. Communicate changes and updates to all community members in a timely manner. Provide a platform for community members to access and review the rules at any time. Resources: Accountability: Establish mechanisms for holding community members accountable for their actions. This may include warnings, fines, or other consequences for rule violations. Ensure that accountability measures are proportionate to the violation. Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop for community members to propose, discuss, and vote on rule changes. Encourage ongoing participation. Enforcement Mechanisms: Define clear procedures for enforcing rules and resolving conflicts. Specify who is responsible for enforcement and how violations will be addressed. Consider restorative justice approaches to conflict resolution when appropriate.

• Celebration of Adherence: Recognize, reward, and celebrate positive behaviors to avoid a punishment-driven system. All members should agree on clear and open communication practices, including regular meetings, updates, and opportunities for feedback and participation. Clear communication is the prerequisite for healthy governance. Make community agreements around how the community exchanges information. Which frameworks of communication does the community follow in the context of governance? Are there trainings or particular methodologies that you want to make required for all community members, new/existing? What is the general philosophy for how your community communicates?

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Here are some conflict resolution strategies to be aware of that are widely practiced in successful ecovillages and community projects. Fill out your group’s thoughts about each of these strategies. Is there one that you need to research more on? Select at least 2 methods of conflict resolution you plan to use in your community process.

• Way of Council
• Nonviolent Communication
• Understand the Thomas Kilmann Model
• Circling – A Traditional Practice with personal variations
• Peer Mediation
• Consensus Building
• Forum - Tamera’s Model Github Library of patterns of interactions in organizations (with solutions) and Meta Agreements for an Organization Include guidelines for resolving disputes and conflicts within the community peacefully and constructively. Group facilitation towards a common goal requires deep levels of trust and rapport. Here are activities and sections that create trust and resolve conflict within a group that make self-governance an agreeable process. Questions to answer in this section:
• What are the steps that we take to deal with the most common conflict types and conflict topics?
• Have we already heard of any conflict resolution methods that we want to try?
• What do we do to prevent conflict before it happens? As a community, you need to have established methods of resolving conflict, and protocols of action when particular types of conflict arise. There are existing methods that are more likely to give every party a positive experience, or you might invent your own ways of resolving conflict in a way that works for your community. This is an ongoing process and will be refined as you actually encounter conflict and find out what does and doesn’t work for your group of people. source

2. Conflict Types

1. Task Conflict: Deals with disagreement about the substance of the discussion. These conflicts can result in improved decision quality. Also, a conflict based on the task can result in a better more thought-out “flow” through the decision process. This can be a positive conflict and resolution.

2. Interpersonal Conflict: Often described as a personality clash. This occurs when individuals disagree with another individual for reasons unrelated to the issue being discussed. This conflict will usually take the form of antagonistic remarks against personal characteristics of another person.

3. Procedural Conflict: This conflict results when there is a disagreement over the procedures followed to accomplish a goal of the community. This conflict can be a positive form of conflict as it can lead to new procedures being formed and even possibly new goals being defined.

3. Foreseeable and Common Conflict Topics

1. Personal Space / Property

2. Noise Levels

3. Cleanliness & Respect of Common Spaces

4. Management / Leadership Effectiveness

5. Communication Tactics

Questions to ask:

• Which conflict resolution methods do you practice or want to practice? Resources: Conflict Resolution – Community Toolbox (article) Conflict Types – “Conflict Resolution in a Community” (article) Center for Non-Violent Communication (method) Liberating Structures (method) Way of Council (method) The Cooperative Society (book) Cooperative Culture Handbook (book) The community should strive for fairness and equal treatment for all members, regardless of their background, beliefs, or economic status. Create rules that promote fairness and equity within the community. Consider the needs and perspectives of all community members, including marginalized groups. Resources:
• Equity vs. Equality Use this space to create a manifesto of sorts about your community’s accessibility and inclusivity. How will you consider these aspects when planning your community? Replace this block of text with your summary statement of your group’s general beliefs about inclusivity, then collectively answer the following questions.
• How does your community respect the local indigenous communities (past and present), honor their existence, and include them in community participation?
• How do you make your space inclusive to all people?
• How to avoid discrimination or favoritism? Consider the attitudes – and the specific practices that uphold them – to include people of differing age, physical/mental ability, race, income level, gender nonconformity, and neurodiversity.
• Age
• Example practice
• • Physical Ability
• Example practice
• • Mental Ability
• Example practice
• • Race
• Example practice
• • Income Level
• Example practice
• • Gender Nonconformity
• Example practice
• • Neurodiversity
• Example practice

How do you identify blind spots when it comes to creating true inclusivity? What processes will you put in place to uphold inclusivity?

• Resources: Write about other agreements that ensure social equity within the community, i.e. anti-hierarchical structures.

Resources:

Resources: How does your community care for its elders? How does your community train and apprentice young people to be empowered to carry on the community vision? Views on education Education for kids Education for adults What kind of education is available within your community? Will higher education be available inside your community? How does your community relate to and integrate technology into its daily life? Online anonymity etc. What happens if the community closes? What happens when a community member wants to sell their share or lot? What happens if community founders no longer agree about the vision of the community? Write documentation on these

8. Ecological Outlook

Explore shared beliefs and practices about environmental stewardship. The community should establish agreements around the use of natural resources, the reduction of waste and emissions, and the preservation of wildlife and ecosystems. Write the overarching philosophies your community members share about how to coexist with nature. How does your community view the local environment and the global ecosystem? Why does your community choose to live in ecologically mindful ways? What general ecological practices will your community use? How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources:

4. Regenerative Agriculture & Food Security

How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources: How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources: How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources: How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources: How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources: What are your community’s commitments to conservation over development?

• 1. Resiliency & Solutions to Climate Emergencies

What climate emergencies is your community susceptible to?

How will you design your community to mitigate these climate threats?

9. Economic Outlook

Economic sustainability: The community should agree on how to generate income and manage finances, as well as how to allocate resources and support members who may be in need.

3. Economic Dimension: Economic Belief Systems

What does your community believe in when it comes to economic systems?

Does your community have an alternative mission for the economic interactions of its inhabitants, both within the community and outside of the community?

How does your community plan to relate to the established economic system?

How does your community plan to help the current economic system evolve?

4. Economic Dimension: The Commons

5. Public Goods and Commons: Address the management of common resources and public goods within the community. Define rules for their sustainable use and maintenance.

6. Economic Dimension: Resource sharing

Agreements should be made around the sharing of resources such as land, water, energy, and materials. This could include the establishment of a community garden, shared tools, and systems for waste management.

7. Economic Dimension: Cultivating Abundance

Define abundance How your community will cultivate abundance “8 Forms of Capital” How much material capital will your community share?

8. Economic Dimension: Economic Practices Within the Community

How expenses are shared How work is shared How participation is rewarded Money Gifts Privileges and Special Access Tokens Status or Influence

9. Economic Dimension: Alternative Economic Systems

Are you familiar with these, or know anyone who is? How would you like to incorporate these economic concepts into your community? Alternative Economic Systems to be aware of:

• Gift Economies – Economies based on reciprocity and “paying it forward or back” in the mindset of shared abundance and frequent sharing and gifting.
• How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community?
• Resources:
• Local Currency Creation – Creating a new currency within the community to stabilize your own economics, symbolically disconnect from other global currencies, and/or create value that can only be circulated within the community.
• How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community?
• Resources:
• Shared Income Models – All roles in the community (income earning or not) are compensated, and streams of community income are shared. Private income streams can also be shared in a communal pot that improves the quality of life of all community members.
• How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community?
• Resources:
• Cryptocurrency – Use of crypto, blockchain-based currencies within a community and accepting certain forms of crypto as payment.
• How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community?
• Resources:
• Barter – Trading goods in place of currency.
• How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community?
• Resources:
• Work Trade or Time Bank models – Accepting time as a currency, irrespective of where the time was invested, as long as it was invested somewhere in the community model. Accepting work/time/labor in exchange for valuable services or goods within the community, or simply in exchange for accommodations and food.
• How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community?
• Resources:
• A Commons -
• Open Value Network?
• Resource-based economy
• The Venus Project
• The Zeitgeist Movement
• The Resource Based Economy Foundation
• The Auravana project
• Sharebay
• The Holistic Earth Operating System
• Moneyless Society

10. Economic Dimension: Community Care

• Income sharing model
• Community-based insurance
• Community-based pensions
• Community Member Stipends / Community-funded UBI (use Circles)

10. Worldview

1. Higher Meaning Worldview

1. This could be considered your spiritual connection or your general sensemaking lenses.

2. Indigenous Worldview

How would you like to incorporate this practice into your community? Resources:

3. Shared Community Outlook on Life

What beliefs unite your community? These beliefs include personal shared interests and hobbies (art, herbalism, technology, surfing etc.), lifestyle choices (diet, off-grid homesteading, etc.), and fundamental shared values such as spirituality and politics. What are the primary qualities that community members are looking to share with each other? What will be the daily life of your community? Include shared beliefs of intolerance of certain things, like a zero tolerance of drugs or a no-waste lifestyle that avoids all plastic. Make a list of key activities, and/or write paragraphs describing the community’s shared life outlook and activities.

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1. Unshared Community Outlook on Life

What diversity of opinion do you respect? While it is certainly very healthy to welcome a variety of people, it is also perfectly acceptable for a community to define, for example, that they are a vegan community and would therefore prefer all-vegan members. If that is so, include those aspects above, in the shared community outlook. Here, you may write about what the community is open and tolerant about, such as different spiritual beliefs, political outlooks, and lifestyle practices.

- Resources Connection to Nature 11. Written Agreements The importance of written agreements can not be understated. When starting a regenerative neighborhood, it is important to establish clear agreements among founding members and members who join along the way. This ensures that the community can function in all its operations. Agreements will minimize future conflict, promote clarity, and prevent lawsuits. The key to all agreements is that they should absolutely be written and legally legitimate. Qualities of good written agreements:

• Clarity and Simplicity: Ensure that rules are clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid overly complex language. Use examples or scenarios to illustrate how rules will be applied in practice.
• Alignment with Values: Ensure that rules align with the regenerative principles and values of the community, as outlined above.
• Legal Compliance: Ensure that rules comply with local laws and regulations. Seek legal advice if necessary to avoid legal issues.
• Community Building: Rules should be used as a tool for community building rather than control. Foster a sense of collective responsibility and accountability.
• Organized Documentation: You may have multiple documents outlining your agreements. Maintain clear and organized documentation of all community rules. Make this documentation easily accessible to all members. Decide what you can and cannot do on the land. Creating rules for a Regenerative Neighborhood involves careful consideration of the community's values, goals, and the well-being of its members. Examples of written agreements (bylaws):
• Community Agreements Example Documents on Tribes
• la tierra bylaws - planned regenerative community in Costa Rica
• ICA bylaws - intentional community in Austin
• Twin Oaks bylaws - intentional community in Virginia
• Hapori Hapori Community Policies & Principles Tools to Write Bylaws:
• Community Toolbox Kit “How to Write Bylaws”
• Bylaws for Cooperatives - Center for Cooperatives
• Guidelines for Cooperative Bylaws - Institute for Cooperative Development
• Sample Bylaw Language for Multi-stakeholder Cooperatives - Cooperative Development Foundation
• Sample Cooperative Bylaws - NASCO

2. Updating Community Agreements

Recognize that rules may need to evolve over time as the community grows and changes. The community should establish a process for regularly reviewing and updating agreements, policies, and practices to ensure that they remain relevant, effective, and aligned with the community's goals and values. Reviewing and updating rules should happen:

• At least yearly
• When a major event happens the outlines a flaw in community operations
• If the community vision changes Once your community has established agreements, governance is the mechanism(s) you choose to uphold those agreements, make new agreements, and process decisions as a group. source

6. Governance Structure(s) & Voting Mechanisms

The community should establish a clear system for decision making, including the roles and responsibilities of different members, and the processes for addressing conflicts and disputes. To truly innovate over traditional power structures, you have to start by understanding what those power structures are, and how they differ from new earth governance models. Examples :

• Democracy - a form of government or decision-making in which citizens have the power to participate directly or elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf. It often emphasizes the principles of equality, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.
• Sociocracy - a governance method that seeks to achieve effective and inclusive decision-making within organizations or communities. It is characterized by a system of consent-based decision-making, where decisions are made collectively and only if there are no reasoned objections from members.
• Holacracy - a management and organizational system that aims to distribute authority and decision-making power throughout an organization. It replaces traditional hierarchical structures with self-organizing teams and roles, allowing for more agility and adaptability in decision-making and operations. Decision Making Systems address these 3 things:
• How we set our agreements
• How we change our agreements
• Who gets to participate in the decision making process Ways someone could earn decision-making power:
• Being a (co)founder
• Community Membership
• Fees or Contributions
• Financial Investment
• Sweat equity – doing work
• “Showing up” – being consistently present/engaged
• Proof of stake in the project (local people, organizations, or governments) How does someone earn decision-making power in your community? Here are some alternative governance methods to explore so that you can choose the most appropriate and inclusive approach. Write your group’s thoughts about each method, and perhaps research each one to pick one to consider for the next section.
• Holacracy
• Gaianet - A holacratic organization that consults on holacracy
• Holaspirit – free holacratic structures
• Sociocracy
• What is Sociocracy
• Sociocracy for All
• Consensus-building
• Essay on Consensus Building
• A Practical Guide for Consensus-Based Decision Making
• DisCO (Distributed Cooperative Organization)
• DisCOs
• DisCO Manifesto
• DisCO Manual
• DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization)
• What is a DAO?
• People who help you set up a DAO
• Hypha
• Liquid Delegation/Democracy
• Osmotic Governance (for web3 structured projects)
• Quadratic Voting
• A Simple Guide to Quadratic Voting
• Corrective Voting/Democracy - useful for startup cities How will the group make decisions?

7. Governance Tools & Softwares

Certain tools can be used to empower the decision making process. These can be meeting structures, software platforms, or transparency frameworks. Resources:

• Use these Governance Softwares listed on the Tribes platform Governance Model Glossary Direct Democracy: Members directly participate in decision-making. It's effective in smaller communities where active participation is feasible. Technology can facilitate voting and discussions. Representative Democracy: Elected representatives make decisions on behalf of the community. This is suitable for larger societies where direct democracy may be impractical. Technocracy: Leadership is based on expertise and technical knowledge. Ideal for communities focused on technological innovation and scientific advancement. Meritocracy: Positions and decision-making power are based on merit, skills, and contributions to the society. This encourages active participation and rewards members for their efforts. Holacracy: A decentralized model where authority and decision-making are distributed across self-organizing teams rather than being vested in a management hierarchy. This can foster innovation and agility. Liquid Democracy: A hybrid of direct and representative democracy. Members can directly vote on issues or delegate their votes to representatives. This model offers flexibility and can be facilitated through digital platforms. Participatory Economics (Parecon): Focuses on participatory decision making in economic planning. Suitable for societies prioritizing economic equality and cooperative management of resources. Plutocracy: Governance by the wealthiest individuals. While often criticized, it might be used in societies where wealth is equated with stakeholding. Anarcho-syndicalism: Focuses on direct worker control of the means of production, with decisions made at the collective level. This is more common in communities prioritizing egalitarian principles. Ecocracy: Decision-making is guided primarily by ecological considerations. Suitable for eco-villages and societies prioritizing environmental sustainability. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on the society's objectives, scale, and the values of its members. Hybrid models are also common, combining elements of different systems to suit specific needs. The governance structure should be flexible enough to evolve as the society grows and changes.

8. Legal Entity

Determine your legal status. Consider organizing your project into multiple legal entities:

• Land Holding
• Land can be owned privately or collectively
• Community Land Trust
• Tenancy in Common (TIC)
• Country/Municipality
• Real Estate Cooperative
• Development Entity: An entity to handle your finances, development, reinvestment. The business side of your community.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• B-Corp
• Community members are shareholders
• Operations Entity: An entity to run your community operations. The community side of your community.
• Foundation
• Association
• Church (508c in USA)
• Cooperative
• FairShares Commons
• Cooperative Corporate City - useful for startup cities What legal structure will you choose for your community? Read the resources below to figure out which structure is best for you. Resources: Legal Structures for Intentional Communities in the US Examples of different legal structures & documents in 4 intentional communities Resources: Auroville legal model 1 https://auroville.org/page/internal-organisation-838 Auroville legal model 2 https://auroville.org/page/internal-structure-visible-and-invisible-643 Auroville legal model 3 https://auroville.org/category/organization-and-governance Tamera legal model https://www.tamera.org/community-ownership/

3. Legal Contracts

2. Bylaws - See Section 3.2.2 Written Agreements

3. Contracts

1. Citizen Contracts - Free Cities Foundation

4. MOUs

4. Legal Approaches

Your lawyer Resources to find lawyers outside the system. Resources: Sustainable Economies Law Center - Find phenomenal legal toolkits for cooperatives, community building, and deep democracy Cooperative Corporate City Model - an easy-to-follow breakdown of the cooperative city model. The Model Business Act is said to be a good model for cooperative corporate startup cities, and can be adopted by existing cities

5. Community submission - Legal online course

Hi, I'm a lawyer currently living in a community called Karuna in Guatemala (its an artists residency/retreat centre on lake atitlan). Im co-founder of an intentional community in Australia and looking to start one in Colombia at the moment with some friends. I have run a bunch of seminars on ideal legal structures for land based communities, as well as other related topics like raising financing. It's all covered in an online course I've put together here: https://www.philip-tripp.com/australia-freedom-network-4343 How does your community prevent stagnation and adapt to change? Safeguards against corruption? To share resources and reflections about this step visit AGREEMENTS & GOVERNANCE group on the Tribes Platform 👈 4️⃣ Business Models & Infrastructure needs

4. Plan Your Business Models & Infrastructure

To share resources and reflections about this step visit BUSINESS MODELS & INFRASTRUCTURE group on the Tribes Platform 👈

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For our community to flourish, it must be well-designed and economically sustainable. As we embark on 'Designing Your Community Layout & Income Models,' our focus will be on the design of your physical community, along with financial models that match the community ethos. You will decide on business models and design the structures and layout of your neighborhood to serve them. In other situations, your space will already have structures and features, we will design business models to make the most of them. Now your community will dream and plan all of the specific physical structures, daily leisure activities, and income-based activities. This section will also help your community make critical distinctions between what will be the private community life and the public-facing and business sides of the community. Everything developed in this section will go into your Neighborhood Blueprint. Thoughts from the team : O- In a beautiful synergy, we seek to design the business around the community

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Templates to create a community blueprint: The Village OS – a Miro board by la tierra Acorn Land Lab Simulator Design Lenses

1. Regenerative Development Principles & Frameworks

There are a host of regenerative design approaches, and ideally we use all of them, because they address a different facet of the complex task of designing for regeneration. Exploring permaculture, circular design, whole systems thinking, and similar frameworks will bring your project into full regenerative integrity. A regenerative design lens is a useful framework for building a space intentionally. These perspectives inform the context within which you are building your community, and strengthen the integrity of your project. Resources for Regenerative Design Lenses:

• Regenerative Futures – Eight Principles for Thinking and Practice
• Regenesis Group’s “Regenerative Development and Design” book
• Regen Tribe’s Regenerative Development Standards
• OASA’s Principles of Regeneration and Land Stewardship Image from the TDF Guide

2. Permaculture / Social Permaculture

Permaculture Zones (credit to OnePlanetThriving) Social Permaculture Landscapes

• Excerpt from the TDF Guide: “We can also add a Zone 6 to the usual 5 permaculture zones: the internet! That’s where you go to find knowledge, strategies, and solution you can use in the other zones” Social permaculture resources:
• Social Permaculture discussion group on Tribes

3. Ergonomics

4. Make your community human-friendly.

5. * Where will people spend free time?

• Where will they work ?
• What paths will they take to walk from one place to the other?
• Is the furniture designed to be fashionable but not comfortable? Resources:
• Ergonomic Design : A Reference Guide
• Human Factors in the Design of Sustainable Built Environments

6. Biomimicry

“Design after nature”. Often confused with biophilic design, biomimetic design mimics the function, not just the form or aesthetic of a natural technology. For example, a biophilic design makes a building look like a manta ray with its wings raised, while a biomimetic design would make a filter based on the structure of a manta ray’s lungs to passively fish out plastic from a body of water the same way a manta ray’s lungs filters underwater. Resources:

• https://biomimicry.org/

7. Placemaking

Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the design, planning, and management of public spaces. It involves creating and enhancing spaces that contribute to a community's quality of life, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting social interaction. Placemaking goes beyond traditional community design by emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the unique character of a place. Focus on creating places that foster a sense of community identity and social interaction. Design public spaces that encourage people to gather, connect, and engage in various activities. Key principles of placemaking include:

• Community Engagement: Involving local residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the planning and decision-making process to ensure that the resulting space meets the needs and desires of the community.
• Functionality and Accessibility: Designing spaces that are accessible, safe, and serve a variety of functions, accommodating different activities and user groups.
• Identity and Character: Recognizing and preserving the unique identity and character of a place, incorporating local culture, history, and aesthetics into the design.
• Public Art and Design: Integrating art, landscaping, and design elements that enhance the visual appeal and cultural significance of the space.
• Flexible Use: Creating spaces that can adapt to changing community needs and activities, allowing for a range of uses and events.
• Safety and Comfort: Prioritizing the safety and comfort of users through well-lit areas, seating, greenery, and other elements that contribute to a positive experience. The goal is to transform your community spaces into vibrant, inclusive, and socially engaging environments that enhance the overall quality of life for the community. Recommended resources:
• Regenesis “Story of Place”
• Developmental Change Processes: an approach to community engagement that encourages stakeholders to work together to evolve the potential of place, rather than struggling over the limits presented by existing conditions.
• Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer

8. Urban Planning / Integrated Zones

The term "integrated zone" in urban planning typically refers to an area where various land uses are strategically combined or integrated to create a mixed-use zone. Integrated zones are designed to promote a balanced and sustainable community environment by co-locating residential, commercial, recreational, and sometimes industrial uses within a specific geographic area. This approach contrasts with traditional zoning, which often segregates different land uses into distinct zones. Key features of integrated zones in urban planning include:

• Mixed Land Uses: Integrated zones encourage a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational developments within the same area. This mix aims to create a more walkable, vibrant, and socially active community.
• Compact Development: Integrated zones often promote higher-density development, which can lead to more efficient land use, reduced sprawl, and increased accessibility to amenities and services.
• Connectivity: Planning integrated zones involves creating well-connected transportation networks, such as friendly walking paths, cycling paths, and alternative transportation options. This connectivity aims to reduce dependence on private automobiles and enhance mobility.
• Design and Aesthetics: Integrated zones often focus on attractive design, incorporating open spaces, public plazas, and aesthetically pleasing architecture. This can contribute to a sense of place and community.

9. Experience Design/Interaction Design

In architecture and community design/layout, experience design is crucial for creating spaces that are not only functional but also engaging, enjoyable, and supportive of community life. Here are key aspects of experience design in architecture and community design/layout:

• Community Engagement: Involve the community in the design process to gather insights, preferences, and feedback. Engage in workshops, surveys, and public forums to ensure that the design reflects the desires and values of the community.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect the cultural context of the community. Incorporate elements that resonate with local culture, traditions, and aesthetics to create a sense of belonging.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Ensure that the design is accessible to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Consider universal design principles to create inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs.
• Safety and Well-being: Prioritize the safety and well-being of the community members. Design spaces that are secure, well-lit, and incorporate features that promote physical and mental health.
• Land Use Planning: Optimize the layout of the community to promote mixed-use development, providing a variety of amenities, services, and housing options within walking distance. This can contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable community.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Design spaces that can adapt to changing needs over time. This flexibility allows for the evolution of the community and the ability to accommodate various activities and events.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Pay attention to the aesthetics of the built environment. Thoughtful design, landscaping, and public art can enhance the visual appeal of the community and contribute to a positive experience.
• Technology Integration: Explore opportunities to integrate technology that enhances the user experience, such as smart infrastructure, interactive installations, or digital wayfinding. By incorporating these aspects into the design process, architects and community planners can create spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the community members.

10. Whole Systems Thinking / Ontological Design Of course, nothing should be taken as its parts, and the design should be holistic and should integrate multidisciplinary knowledge. This can be referred to as whole systems design, whole systems thinking, or ontological design.
11. Whole Systems Design: Whole systems thinking involves considering the interconnections and interdependencies within a system as a whole, rather than focusing on individual components in isolation. In the design of sustainable communities, whole systems thinking is crucial as it allows for a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between social, economic, and environmental factors, enabling more holistic and integrated solutions that address the diverse needs of the community while promoting long-term sustainability.

1. Community Layout basics

The goal is to design a community layout that reflects the ethos of the community and facilitates the life of your residents while also honoring spaces for the businesses that generate revenue.. To determine your community layout, you will answer the key questions about the features, culture, structures, businesses, and designated areas of your community. Identify details about the location or possible location(s). If you are still in the search for a property, list the features you are looking for.

• Feature 1 Temperature , water bodies, mountains
• Feature 2
• Etc.

1. Community Feature - Size of the Community

Decide the number of community members you would like to aim for and the necessary resources to support that number of people Outline the size of the community/property needed to uphold the number of people, facilities, and land use.

2. Size of land vs size of community

3. Desired population density per sq M.

1. How many people do you want living per square meter?

4. Important resources to consider for members of your community. (Thinking about this helps keep in mind the required infrastructure and systems needed)

1. Amount of water needed

1. Drinking

2. Total

2. Amount of food needed

3. # of living spaces needed

4. How much energy will we need

5. How much waste will be created on average by this group.

2. Community Activities & Culture

What will the daily community activities look like?

5. Daily Life

6. 7. Business Activities

What are the daily business activities that the community participates in?

8. Education

How does the community pursue its daily education? What does that look like for people of all ages?

9. Event Types

What types of events are open to the public? What kinds of events does the community want to host? 10. Rituals These are the daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rituals that your community practices to nurture itself. What are the repeated rituals that serve as the cultural glue for your community? (i.e. daily meditation at 7am, weekly community meetings, monthly events, seasonal celebrations, and special occasions such as birth, marriage, death, etc.)

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Seasonal
• Special Occasions

3. Community Areas

1. Guest and Public Areas/Amenities

• Identify which spaces/services are open/free to all, regardless of membership status.
• Identify which spaces/services are available for guests to use, based on their stay at the community

1. Community Areas/Amenities

• Identify which spaces/services are only open to community members
• Which spaces are available to all members, which spaces are available only to some?

1. Permanent Resident Areas/Amenities

• Identify which spaces/services are private and require the permission of the individual to enter or use.

4. Community Structures

Include several statements here on building methods, land development practices, and any conservation goals.

2. Essentials

Shelter Kitchen Bathrooms Infirmary Roads (see transportation section below)

3. Plan Your Residential Buildings

Write a list of the types of residential buildings your community has or would like to build. Specify the building method as well (i.e. earthship, cob, superadobe, geodesic dome, reclaimed materials, etc.)

• Example - Cohousing Apartments
• Example - Visitor Lodgings / Hotel
• Example- Intriguing Alternative Structures: yurts/treehouses/domes
• Example - Privately-owned sustainable homes, cabins, tiny houses
• Example - Community-owned, rented homes

4. Plan Your Shared Facilities

What are the shared facilities your community has or would like to build? What are the places for play and rest? How will these spaces pay for themselves (at least to cover maintenance over time)? Who will be responsible for caring for these spaces and how will accountability be implemented for care of communal spaces?

• Example - Kitchen & Dining Hall or Restaurant
• Example - Meeting Rooms and Coworking Spaces
• Example - Art Studio, Woodshop, Makerspace
• Example - Movement Shala
• Example - Community Garden

5. Plan Your Amenities

Write a list of amenities that will be available. Specify which amenities will be available only to community residents, and which will also be available to visitors and the public. How will these spaces pay for themselves (at least to cover maintenance over time)? Who will be responsible for caring for these spaces and how will accountability be implemented for care of communal spaces?

• Example - Swimming pools
• Example - Martial art/Yoga/Dance studios
• Example - Outdoor showers
• Example - Outside sitting areas
• Example - Ice bath

6. Attractions that Make Your Community a Destination

What are the main attractions of the community? Geographical wonders, special services/products, curated experiences, educational opportunities, etc.? These could be free to use or pay to access or only available for community members.

• Example - Butterfly or Dog Sanctuary
• Example - Unique waterfall

7. Miscellaneous Community Features

Write a shorthand list of miscellaneous features not covered by other topics that you’d like to include in your community

5. Community & the Individual

An often overlooked but key part of community design is deciding where on the spectrum your community sits between public to private, shared to personal, and collective to individual.

8. Ownership

Make decisions about how much is privately versus communally owned or paid for:

• Expenses
• Food
• Utilities (water, gas)
• Maintenance
• Infrastructure investment
• Space
• Communal areas
• Private areas
• Who is entitled to private ownership?
• Assets
• Tools
• Vehicles
• Natural geographic features
• Natural resources

1. Private Space/Time

How does your community design for private space and individual downtime?

6. Private vs. Public

• Public assets
• Public spaces
• Distinction between long term and short term areas and housing

6. Community Transportation Networks

This step involves envisioning a sustainable transportation network within and outside the community that supports the businesses and the residents. Emphasis is placed on designing for universal accessibility, catering to the needs of elderly and physically challenged residents. Additionally, creative solutions like ziplines and gondolas are explored, enhancing mobility options. The goal is to establish an eco-friendly, integrated transportation system, promoting inclusivity and minimizing environmental impact while supporting the income generating activities.

2. Basic Layout

Basic envisioning of transportation network within the community/outside the community

• Where will the roads be?
• What materials will they be made of?
• What kind of vehicles will be driving on them?

3. Accessibility

Design for accessibility for elderly and the physically challenged.

4. Logistics

How goods are moved/transported to/from the community. Packages? Mail?

5. Creative Transportation

Creative transportation (ziplines, gondolas, roller skating, magnetic trams)

7. The Interplay of Income and Community Layout

Why do we include community layout in the same section as business modeling? Aren’t those different? The financials you will cover in step 6, but how you choose to make income should directly influence your community design, along with other factors. Take some examples:

• You want to have a hospitality model for short-term stays but the accommodation for a volunteer or solo traveler will look different from amenities you would need for a retreat group, and you have to design accordingly.
• You want a farm to table restaurant, but you’re putting the food gardens in a secluded area and the restaurant in the main area, which means you will have to transport the produce a distance that becomes a nuisance to you.
• You intend to have a wine-producing vineyard, but don’t leave enough space to produce a sizable amount of grapes. Since businesses will occupy buildings/spaces, you want to choose the businesses your community will participate in early, and design your community with them in mind. Tip: Don’t assume that because you suggest having a business that you don’t want to spearhead personally that it is going to happen. If you are struggling to get someone to pick up the torch for your business idea, try taking “bids” from community members who want to start businesses in your community that are aligned with the ethos and economically viable. You can give them a discount on land if they agree that a certain amount will go back to the community.

8. 🧩 Identify your Businesses and Required Infrastructure [a]

What are the community-owned, or individually-owned businesses that will require a physical building and what type of building will that be? Will there be space for privately owned businesses to operate? Will you include coworking spaces?

• Real Estate
• Selling lots or houses
• Hospitality
• Short term guests
• Long-term/short-term rentals
• Space Rental
• Example - Co.Work space
• Example - Event Space
• Food/Goods production
• Example - Organic Orchard
• Example - Apothecary and Natural Cosmetics
• Retreats / Events
• Events produced by your community
• Events produced by people outside your community
• Services
• Offered by community members
• Provide space for others to offer their services
• Education
• Workshops
• Onsite school for children
• Restaurant(s) Planning your physical neighborhood layout based on preferred business models
• Short term rentals How many people would you like to host at once and in what infrastructure?
• Plan space for rental houses/cabanas/co.living house
• Food production What kind of food can you easily grow and sell?
• Plan your agri/permaculture site - calculate how big it needs to be to provide food for your permanent community and add additional land to produce surplus to sell
• Events What kind of experiences do you want to host?
• Dance - dance/party shala
• Ceremonies
• Masterminds, co.working sessions - co.working space
• Restaurant/cafe
• Plan an indoor (&outdoor) infrastructure with comfortable seating area

9. Community Revenue

How will the community sustain itself? Creatively funding your community and making it financially viable long-term is essential to support your community into the future. For this, you will explore your possible revenue streams, realistic business models, and expense models based on real-life case examples.

6. Revenue Stream Projects

Make a list.

• Real Estate
• Selling lots in your community
• Selling/renting housing in your community to permanent residents
• Hospitality
• Rooms/houses/hotels to rent (short-term residents and guests)
• Rented space
• Event Venues
• Studios with professional equipment (photography, music, etc.)
• Coworking Spaces
• Events
• Retreats
• Festivals
• Workshops
• Ceremonies
• Hackathons
• Restaurant
• Community Store(s) – physical or online
• Consumables (eg. jam, kombucha, fragrant balms)
• Durables (jewelry, mycelium furniture)
• Small Town Services
• Carbon credits
• Art
• Tokens / NFTs
• Attractions – museum, ecological center
• Community Membership Fees
• To live onsite
• To receive special access to community on certain occasions
• To be a donor
• Sanctuaries for wildlife and ecotourism Step Outside Your Box – Undergo the necessary market research to understand if what you want to build has a viable business model and solves a unique problem in your area Partial credit to the TDF guide for this list

7. Revenue Sharing

How is the revenue shared from community activities? Example of shared income model

• Earthaven?
• Functioning communes

8. What is the expected revenue?

A financial forecast done across five years. Proforma

9. Accounting and Fund Management

Traditional Accounting Double entry accounting Multi-value accounting Transparent Accounting Double entry accounting Multi-value accounting Collective management systems (eg. Open Collective) Triple entry accounting -- double entry recorded on the blockchain Open Value Accounting Resources Events Agents accounting Open Value Network Beyond Accounting Full cost accounting -- accounting for the planet Resources: New Earth Development P&L 10. Expenses

1. What is the cost of building maintenance?

Assess the cost of maintenance for each project, structure, facility, etc. This is best done by investigating professional quotes from contractors, as well as the average cost of maintaining a similar structure. 11. Business Plan No matter what business plan structure you use, make sure to answer the following key points about the unique offer of your community:

• Problem -- what is the pain point that you want to address?
• Solution -- what is your idea?
• Why now?
• Why you?
• Demand creation -- how will you promote and sell your idea?
• Market -- how big could this be if it works?
• Competition -- who are they and how are you different?
• Knowable risks -- what are 50 possible risks and how are you going to
• mitigate them?
• Unknown risks -- what are the sorts of risks that you could have trouble
• imagining?
• Financing -- how are you going to break even?
• Exit -- how can the investors and community get off when they choose to?
• What type/amount of investment are you going after?
• Investment terms and value exchange - Clear financial offering for how people will get involved as investors

2. Investment Schema

1. Traditional investment scheme

2. Grants, loans, members investments

3. Crowdfunding

3. Pro-Forma

4. Profit & Loss Statement (P&L)

5. Resources

1. The Fort P&L

6. Cash Flow Statement

7. Terms Sheet

Our aim isn't just sustainability, but prosperity. We'll co-create business models that ensure members can earn, grow, and thrive within our community's ecosystem.

8. Shared Values at the Forefront

While economic viability is crucial, our income models will always be rooted in our shared values, ensuring we don’t compromise on our ethos for financial gains.

9. Diverse Revenue Streams

Diversity is resilience. We'll explore various income models – from community-run businesses to partnerships, ensuring a diversified and stable revenue stream. 10. Community Involvement Economic planning is not a top-down approach in our community. Each member has a stake, and thus, each voice will play a part in shaping our financial future. As our Vision Holder, how do you want to contribute to the community? Which community features and business models resonate most with you? Which ones will you need to rely on others to create and manage? Your insights will be pivotal as we design our community blueprint. To share resources and reflections about this step visit BUSINESS MODELS & INFRASTRUCTURE group on the Tribes Platform 👈 5️⃣ Acquire Land

5. Acquire the Best Land

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With our vision honed and an understanding of who our community members might be, we arrive at another foundational step: securing the very ground upon which our community will flourish. Identify the size of land that you actually need, identify potential land or sites for sale, verify its zoning permits and valuable geographical features. Make any commitments to conservation and land stewardship. Discover where you can acquire legal support, learn which land assessments to perform, navigate the sticky topics like zoning, legal, and permits, and receive strategies on your journey to become a land steward.

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1. The Heart of the Endeavor

Location isn’t just about coordinates on a map. It's the heart of our endeavor, the physical space where your shared dreams will manifest. The right land isn't merely about size or topography; it embodies the potential of your vision. Placemaking questions: What is the type of relationship you want with the land you want to steward and call home? Resources and Literature to Guide You:

• Browse this Goodreads Reading List for Placemaking
• Placemaking: The Art and Practice of Building Communities, by Lynda H. Schneekloth
• The Great Neighborhood Book: A Do-it-Yourself Guide to Placemaking, by Jay Walljasper
• Creative Placemaking: Research, Theory and Practice, by Cara Courage
• If Trees Could Talk: Life Lessons from the Wisdom of the Woods, by Holly Worton
• The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, by Peter Wohlleben
• How to Turn a Place Around: A Placemaking Handbook by Kathy Madden

2. Main Considerations

To make sure the site of the project is an appropriate fit for your needs, we lay out the characteristics of the land that are essential for the community. Having an overview of your core needs and a checklist of what to consider when buying land will help you navigate this process and learn the difference between need-to-have and nice-to-have. When assessing the location of your regenerative neighborhood, consider these main characteristics:

1. Personal & Communal Needs

Size

1. What is the estimated number of members in your neighborhood?

2. What kind of housing infrastructure do you want to include?

If your neighborhood is a co-housing community (neighborhood of standalone houses on one property) then you should consider more land. Size of individual lots x number of households + shared area size If you consider high density housing you can calculate amount of apartments & rooms available in one vertical building. That will reduce the amount of land needed and increase members capacity. For business models as both real estate and hospitality it will be a mixture of both. You can run an estimate calculation and decide on a minimum size of land you need. Number of Community Members Density Low-Density – Suburban 0.5-5 residents per acre :: 1 - 11 residents per hectare Mid-Density – Suburban Cluster or Urban 5-12 residents per acre :: 10 - 25 residents per hectare Compact – Urban More than 12 residents per acre :: 25 residents per hectare High-density More than 20 residents per acre :: 44 residents per hectare Settings - urban, suburban, rural Urban : High Population Density: Urban areas have the highest population density levels. They are characterized by densely packed buildings, streets, and infrastructure. Concentration of People: Urban areas are home to a large number of people in a relatively small geographic area. Residential and commercial buildings are closely spaced. Intensive Land Use: The land in urban areas is used intensively for housing, businesses, transportation, and other purposes. High-rise buildings are common in city centers. Public Transportation: Due to the population density, urban areas often have well-developed public transportation systems to accommodate the large number of commuters. Suburban : Moderate Population Density: Suburban areas have a lower population density compared to urban areas but are denser than rural regions. Residential Focus: Suburban areas are characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, and some commercial areas. Lower Building Heights: Buildings in suburban areas are generally lower in height compared to urban areas, and there may be more single-family homes with yards. Car-Dependent: Suburban areas often rely heavily on private vehicles for transportation, with less emphasis on public transit. Rural : Low Population Density: Rural areas have the lowest population density levels. They are sparsely populated compared to urban and suburban regions. Scattered Settlements: Rural areas consist of small towns, villages, farms, and open spaces with significant distances between residences. Agricultural Focus: Agriculture and natural landscapes are prominent features of rural areas, with large expanses of farmland, forests, and open fields. Limited Infrastructure: Infrastructure and services like roads, schools, and healthcare facilities may be less developed compared to urban and suburban areas. Reliance on Cars: Residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation, and public transportation options may be limited. Land considerations Amount of land needed to feed the community Great tool for calculating land needed based on dietary needs : https://permaculturism.com/how-much-land-does-it-take-to-feed-one-person/ Average for vegetarian : 1.5 hectares per person. Avg for including meat to the diet 2.5 hectares per person. Amount of land needed to create circular water system - constructed wet lands : Generally, a surface area of about 5 to 10 m2 per person equivalent is required. Pre- and primary treatment is essential to prevent clogging and ensure efficient treatment. The influent can be aerated by an inlet cascade to support oxygen-dependent processes, such as BOD reduction and nitrification. https://sswm.info/es/taxonomy/term/3933/horizontal-subsurface-flow-constructed-wetland#:~:text=Generally%2C%20a%20surface%20area%20of,as%20BOD%20reduction%20and%20nitrification. Business use Amount of land needed for each use (business, private, etc.) Conservation Intentions for conservation

2. Land Features

Location - what are the group’s non-negotiables when it comes to location? Landscape Features Existing structures and infrastructure Community connectivity: how isolated/difficult is it to arrive at the land? While we aim to create a self-sustaining haven, our community won't exist in isolation. Proximity to essential services, connection to neighboring communities, and potential for collaboration are vital considerations. Nearby facilities and proximity to essential services (hospitals, dentists etc.) Access roads, major highways Distance from town/major city Distance from international airport(s) Possibility of expansion and nearby acquisition of land Terrain – (i.e. accessible for vehicles, walkable for elders, appropriate for agriculture) Tip: Favor existing properties, especially degraded land, over virgin land. Looking for properties with existing infrastructure will help you preserve existing wildlands, develop your project faster, and regenerate the infrastructural landscape.

3. Ecological Data of the Land

Land Elevation Wind direction Climate How many seasons do you want to experience. Existing flora and fauna Water - sources of clean water, bodies of water Soil Composition / Quality Sun exposure (i.e. suitability for solar power, thermal impacts on construction) Natural Disasters Risk Possible toxins/pollution/environmental hazards

3. Contextual Awareness

These are considerations of the context that the land is embedded in. They range from local to international dynamics, and are key examinations to make. Here is a list of things you need to consider about the context of your land:

4. Cultural

Local community and neighbors What is the cultural context of where you intend to live? What is your role in the cultural context? Cultural heritage Native building materials and building methods How to avoid neocolonialism

5. Geopolitical

Political Climate Infrastructural Capacity How do you start the conversation with local government bodies? Import/Export Access to post (Vulnerability to hijacked packages) Access to quality goods and services Sustainable programs sponsored by the government:

6. Economic

Economic opportunity Secure supply chains Opportunity fobs inside/outside the community Strength of local currency

4. How to Look for Land

Strategies for how and where to look for land and what kind of properties you can focus on. Knowing where and how to look can secure you better deals and help you find the hidden gems. Tip: The best deals happen off-market.

5. How to Buy or Acquire Land

We will cover this more in-depth in the following section, How to Strategize Your Marketing and Funding, but it’s important to be aware of your options for specific methods of acquiring land, since the next section will cover raising funds for all aspects of your project. Interesting and innovative resources to buy land:

• https://blueterra.land/
• 7. Private Ownership Types of Private Ownership Models: Funding :
• Friends and family
• Investors
• Collective purchase Private ownership can also be the easiest way to acquire the land now as you transition to a collective ownership model.
• Common grounds as a use case www.commongrounds.coop
• Purchasing land privately with a buyout plan - Common grounds

8. Collective Ownership

How to own and manage land collectively (From Regen Tribe workshops at Paledora) Types of Ownership Models:

• Fractional Ownership
• https://realt.co/
• Community Land Trusts
• Permanent Real Estate Cooperatives
• Land ownership - co-owning, membership, 99 year use contracts, DAO, Case Studies:
• Legal framework in Mexico
• Ejido, Titled
• Raising money for the land NFT / Dao examples:
• https://redswan.io/
• https://realt.co/
• https://futurethinkers.org/village/ see their deck here Special Cases: – Inheritance – Acquiring land through unique methods such as auction

6. Land Assessment

With your chosen model in place, you will have to conduct a feasibility study. Feasibility Analysis

• Environmental
• Human
• Legal
• Neighboring risk assessment

9. Zoning

Identify zoning before you buy the property Residential Zoning:

• Single-Family Residential (R-1): Primarily for single-family homes, with limited or no commercial or industrial uses allowed.
• Multi-Family Residential (R-2, R-3, R-4): Allows for various types of multi-unit housing, such as duplexes, apartments, and townhouses, with varying levels of density. Commercial Zoning:
• Neighborhood Commercial (C-1): Typically permits small-scale retail, restaurants, and local services in residential neighborhoods.
• General Commercial (C-2): Allows for a broader range of commercial activities, including shopping centers and larger retail establishments.
• Central Business District (CBD): Reserved for the heart of a city or town, typically allowing a mix of retail, office, and residential uses. Agricultural Zoning:
• Agricultural (A): Reserved for farming and agricultural activities, often with restrictions on non-agricultural uses. Mixed-Use Zoning:
• Mixed-Use (MXD or MU): Encourages a blend of residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial uses within the same zone, promoting walkability and urban density. Planned Unit Development (PUD):
• Permits flexibility in land use and zoning regulations for larger, master-planned developments, often with a mix of uses. A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) :
• A designated geographic area within a country that is subject to unique economic regulations and policies, often distinct from the rest of the country.
• The primary purpose of establishing SEZs is to promote economic growth, attract foreign investment, create jobs, and enhance export-oriented industries.

7. Legal Requirements

10. Legal Frameworks What legal framework will you use to acquire your land? Land ownership? What legal frameworks are available in the country? Review this simplified diagram from the Supernuclear substack that can guide you through which legal model might fit best for your project. They strongly urge that they are not lawyers, however, and you should seek the advice of a professional lawyer. Source: Supernuclear Source: Project Kamp “Buying Land” Recommended Resources:

• Project Kamp’s Academy
• www.legalzoom.com create legal contracts for anything you need

11. Permits What are the legal requirements for each of the activities that you will be doing on your property? Farming, residences, rentals/visitors, events and retreats, features What are the legal requirements for building the structures that you identified in step 4? Building permits Taxes If you're a 501(c)(3) you may be eligible for tax-exemptions on your land (Lost Valley is one example)

8. Becoming a Land Steward

We aren’t just building for today but for generations to come. Set intentions on the land Acquire land that people will never live on – case study : The Farm in Tennessee acquiring land simply to steward for their environmental vision What is required as far as maintenance, yearly property taxes, etc.? plug this into your business model 6️⃣ Identify Your Funding Needs

6. Identify Your Funding Needs

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This section will help you find an estimated cost for each phase and Identify potential funding sources and strategies for attracting investors to purchase land and put your business plan into action.

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1. Simplified Process for funding

Here are the different major phases

• Cost Excavation – Find out how much it will cost to build and maintain the community.
• Your Open Channels of Capital – select preferred strategies to raise capital and which strategies make the most sense for your project.
• Stewardship Incentives – Have systems in place to track and award ROI, and get people excited about contributing to the community, whether they will be a part of it or not.
• Community Culture = Community Capital – explore how you will pre-seed your community culture before launching, and how to build your community of humans before actually building your physical community.

2. In Depth Process

1. A summary from various resources listed below

Finding the funding needs for a regenerative neighborhood project requires a systematic and comprehensive approach to identify, estimate, and prioritize the financial requirements for various aspects of the development. This synthesized journey pulls from various sources into a master list of important steps :

1. Project Vision and Objectives

• Clearly define the vision, goals, and objectives of your regenerative neighborhood project. Understand its purpose, sustainability principles, and community-building aspects.

2. Preliminary Assessment

• Conduct a preliminary assessment of the project's scope, including the number of residents, land size, and basic infrastructure requirements.

3. Feasibility Study

• Perform a detailed feasibility study that assesses the land, environmental conditions, infrastructure needs, and potential challenges. This study will provide a more accurate understanding of the project's scale and cost.

4. Consult Experts

• Engage with experts in various fields, including urban planning, architecture, engineering, sustainability, and real estate development. Their insights will help you determine specific funding needs for each aspect of the project.

5. Project Components

• Break down the project into its key components, such as land acquisition, infrastructure development, sustainable features (e.g., renewable energy, water recycling), community facilities, and ongoing operational costs.

6. Cost Estimations

• Obtain detailed cost estimates for each project component. This may involve seeking quotes from contractors, suppliers, and consultants. Consider both initial capital costs and ongoing operational expenses.

7. Contingency Planning

• Include contingency funds in your calculations to account for unexpected costs or changes in project scope.

8. Phased Approach

• Consider dividing the project into phases to make funding more manageable. Prioritize essential components for the initial phase, such as infrastructure and housing, and plan for subsequent phases.

9. Sustainability Features

• Evaluate the costs associated with incorporating sustainability features into the design, such as green building standards, renewable energy systems, and water management solutions.

10. Community Engagement:

• Involve potential residents and stakeholders in the funding needs assessment. Their input can help prioritize community amenities and features that matter most to the future residents.

11. Financing Options:

• Explore various financing options, including private investors, venture capital, loans, grants, crowdfunding, and partnerships. Determine the terms and conditions associated with each funding source.
• Create financial models that project revenue streams, such as property sales, rentals, or community fees, and compare them to the estimated expenses.
• Research local regulations, incentives, and grants that may be available to support sustainable and regenerative projects.
• Identify and assess potential risks that may impact the funding needs, such as changes in market conditions, environmental challenges, or regulatory changes.
• Establish a system for continuous monitoring and review of the project's financial needs as it progresses, making adjustments as necessary.
• Seek advice from financial advisors, real estate professionals, and experts in sustainable development to refine your funding strategy.
• Consider involving potential residents and community members in financing aspects, such as community shares or contributions toward specific amenities.
• Maintain transparent communication with all stakeholders about the project's funding needs, progress, and financial management. Developing a regenerative neighborhood is a complex endeavor that requires careful planning and financial foresight. By following this strategy and seeking professional guidance, you can effectively determine the funding needs to bring your project to fruition while staying true to your regenerative and sustainable goals.

2. Find out how much it will cost to build the community

The first step in planning your marketing and funding strategy is to assess the expected cost of building your project. Land cost - Depending on location and source of purchase. List out each structure/expense & price quote what it would cost to build them Sample list of things to consider US pricing breakdown explained in link in next section: Average Lot Size: 17,218 Average Finished Area: 2,561 I. HIGH LEVEL Sale Price Breakdown Average Share of Price A. Finished Lot Cost (including financing cost) $114,622 17.8% B. Total Construction Cost $392,241 60.8% C. Financing Cost $12,192 1.9% D. Overhead and General Expenses $32,979 5.1% E. Marketing Cost $4,268 0.7% F. Sales Commission $23,080 3.6% G. Profit $65,369 10.1% Total Sales Price $644,750 100.0% II. Construction Cost Breakdown Average Share of Construction Cost I. Site Work (sum of A to E) $29,193 7.4% A. Building Permit Fees $8,292 2.1% B. Impact Fee $5,208 1.3% C. Water & Sewer Fees Inspections $5,800 1.5% D. Architecture, Engineering $4,724 1.2% E. Other $5,169 1.3% II. Foundations (sum of F to G) $43,086 11.0% F. Excavation, Foundation, Concrete, Retaining walls, and Backfill $39,731 10.1% G. Other $3,355 0.9% III. Framing (sum of H to L) $80,280 20.5% H. Framing (including roof) $60,831 15.5% I. Trusses (if not included above) $11,479 2.9% J. Sheathing (if not included above) $5,383 1.4% K. General Metal, Steel $1,168 0.3% L. Other $1,419 0.4% IV. Exterior Finishes (sum of M to P) $46,108 11.8% M. Exterior Wall Finish $19,746 5.0% N. Roofing $11,496 2.9% O. Windows and Doors (including garage door) $13,158 3.4% P. Other $1,709 0.4% V. Major Systems Rough-ins (sum of Q to T) $70,149 17.9% Q. Plumbing (except fixtures) $22,706 5.8% R. Electrical (except fixtures) $23,892 6.1% S. HVAC $21,845 5.6% T. Other $1,707 0.4% VI. Interior Finishes (sum of U to AE) $94,300 24.0% U. Insulation $6,530 1.7% V. Drywall $13,184 3.4% W. Interior Trims, Doors and Mirrors $12,727 3.2% X. Painting $8,793 2.2% Y. Lighting $4,502 1.1% Z. Cabinets, Countertops $17,775 4.5% AA. Appliances $6,263 1.6% AB. Flooring $13,019 3.3% AC. Plumbing Fixtures $5,166 1.3% AD. Fireplace $1,608 0.4% AE. Other $4,733 1.2% VII. Final Steps (sum of AF to AJ) $23,065 5.9% AF. Landscaping $9,123 2.3% AG. Outdoor Structures (deck, patio, porches) $2,178 0.6% AH. Driveway $8,775 2.2% AI. Cleanup $2,280 0.6% AJ. Other $709 0.2% VIII. Other $6,059 1.5% Total $392,241 100.0% Prices by Regions : USA prices : Medium finish $1,648 per square meter = $153 per sq ft https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/cost-to-build-house.htm RT estimates : 2026 : $4,000 per sq meter medium - high finish UK prices : Building cost per sq m Low - $2133 ; Average : $2885 ; High - $3,764 https://www.checkatrade.com/blog/cost-guides/building-cost-per-sq-m/ Mexico Prices : $500 low finish - $900 medium finish - $1400 luxury finish x per sq meter UNO architects - Mexico build partner Roads : standard 12-foot wide private road would cost between $750 and $9,000 for every 100 feet of road you need. Gravel : $1.50 x sq ft Asphalt Road Paving an asphalt road is a similar cost to paving an asphalt driveway—about $7 to $13 per square foot. For a 12 ft / 4 meter wide road : Road Length (Linear Feet) Low end cost Gravel High end cost Asphalt 50 ft = 15 meters $400 $4000 100 = 30 meters $800 $8000 150 = 45 meters $1,200 $12,000 200 = 60 meters $1,600 $16,000 250 = 75 meters $2,000 $20,000 300 = 100 meters (1 foot ball field) $2,400 $24,000 https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-cost-build-road-property.html Gardens : Our permaculture team estimates a full build out of a 2 hectare : 20,000 sq M food forest to cost $60,000 USD = $3 sq M

• Includes plants
• Initial Labor
• Watering system Team Estimates The next important figure to estimate is the price of a team to operate your regenerative neighborhood. This is an involved step and requires the combination of business strategy and needs of the community to operate.
• Start by Identifying roles and paid labor positions (planned salaries)
• I.e. Essential positions like management / maintenance / landscaping / cleaning / cooking Resources:
• Regen Tribe Community Org Chart example - https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVNA3GUJI=/
• • New Earth Development P&L template
• Free New Earth Development Funding Masterclass
• La Tierra’s “The Fort” P&L
• Business model template
• Lean model business canvas
• One-pager examples Income model ideas: In the last section, you identified potential business ideas that you would like to see in your community. Now it’s time to cross-reference if those businesses can sustain the community, and whether there are additional business models that can be integrated into the development plan. Most typical business models (i.e. the major incomes that communities rely on)
• Hospitality
• Selling lots (pays for initial buildout costs, can’t be considered ongoing income)
• Venue Space (to rent or host your own events)
• Events and Workshops
• Coworking Space
• Makers Studio / Creative Spaces
• Attractions / Museums / Installations
• Restaurants
• Make Local Goods
• Online Shop

3. Select preferred strategies to raise capital

Make Funding Fun Again Which channels of capital are already open to you? Which ones are the easiest to open while still being the most effective? Private Investors and Angel Investors: Seek private individuals or angel investors who are passionate about sustainable and regenerative initiatives. They may provide capital in exchange for equity or convertible debt. Venture Capital (VC) Firms: Some VC firms specialize in sustainable and impact investments. If your regenerative neighborhood project has a strong potential for scalability and profitability, you may attract venture capital. Real Estate Developers: Collaborate with real estate developers who share your vision for sustainable communities. They may provide funding or partner with you to develop the infrastructure. Community Investment: Engage with potential residents and community members who are willing to invest in the project through community shares or crowdfunding campaigns. Government Grants and Subsidies: Research government grants, subsidies, and incentives that support sustainable and eco-friendly development projects. These can include grants for green infrastructure, renewable energy, or community development. Nonprofit Organizations: Explore partnerships with nonprofit organizations focused on sustainability, community development, or regenerative living. They may provide grants or technical assistance. Local Banks and Financial Institutions: Approach local banks and financial institutions for loans, lines of credit, or other financial products tailored to real estate development projects. Impact Investment Funds: Look for impact investment funds or social venture capital firms that specifically target projects with environmental and social benefits. Corporate Partnerships: Partner with corporations interested in sustainability and community development. They may provide funding, expertise, or resources. Foundations: Some philanthropic foundations support projects related to sustainable development and community building. Research foundations that align with your mission and values. Green Bonds and Sustainable Financing: Explore the issuance of green bonds or sustainable financing options, which can attract investors interested in environmentally friendly projects. Crowdsourced Funding: Consider using crowdfunding platforms to raise funds from a wider audience interested in supporting your regenerative neighborhood project. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Explore opportunities to collaborate with local governments through public-private partnerships, where both parties contribute resources and expertise to the project. Land Donations: In some cases, landowners or conservation organizations may be willing to donate land or offer it at a reduced price to support sustainable and regenerative initiatives. Tax Incentives: Investigate tax incentives and credits that may be available for sustainable and eco-friendly development projects. These can help reduce project costs. Tokens NFTs – inspired from TDF guide about using NFTs to represent a plot of land, or TDF’s way of using traditional fungible tokens How existing communities funded their acquisition of land/infrastructure* Inspired by the TDF guide Community Name Location Amount Source Achievements Alma do Solo Portugal $120k

• $20k from founders
• $100k from gifts / small personal loans
• Raised over 100K in investment and acquired 200 hectares on the Azores islands Future Thinkers Canada $650k
• Crowdsourced investments advertised to their podcast audience
• Sold NFTs
• Acquired 400 acres in Canada of a former golf / RV park Selgars UK $80k
• 80k Founder investment to renovate property
• $30k in yearly rent, $30k extra costs
• Acquired an estate in the UK countryside with an agreement to lease to own
• Made 165k in sales (retreats, weddings, etc.) first year; paid back initial investment with small profit OASA / TDF Portugal $300k
• Founder investment
• Government loan
• Acquired a former poultry factory sitting on 25 hectares of land
• First tokenized CLT in Europe
• Built and renovated initial infrastructure Liminal Village Italy $400k
• Combined investments from co-founders
• Acquired 3 hectares of land with existing infrastructure Wild Seeds USA $765k mortgage
• Purchased through a lease to own with 15% down
• Secured a 4.1-acre 20 bed, 17 bath ranch property outside of San Diego Pachamama Costa Rica $60k
• Crowdsourced donations from early community members
• Used Costa Rica’s financial incentives to plant trees to repay initial land investment
• Kept costs extremely low by living in tents the first few years
• Acquired and reforested 200 hectares of cow pasture
• Community of 200+ residents Azhen Sanctuary Canada $200k
• Crowdfunded all initial land costs
• Built sauna and hospitality tents that generated additional income
• 160-acre off grid homestead and hospitality sanctuary
• Created a 30K/month revenue in less than 6 months with a sauna
• Property is now worth over 1m Founder of La Ecovilla says “the cost of the land should be 20% of what you will develop if you are selling lots. If you are building houses, the cost of land should be 10% of the total project cost” Resources:
• “How we’re using NFTs to plant trees at the Smart Village” Future Thinkers podcast episode
• Future Thinkers slide deck

4. Have systems in place to track and award ROI

Consider payback mechanisms for investors to your project.

• Do they receive a % of revenue from the project
• For how long?
• Until a certain payback % is best practice.
• Make sure this is clearly outlined in the contract.
• Do they get land as a return for their investment?
• Can they later sell for a profit?
• Is this % limited to avoid speculation?

5. Exit Strategy

For investors Put your project in a land trust Resources:

• “Slicing Pie” Mike Moyer Common failure: No pre-launch seeding ‘If you build it they will come’ was a great movie moment, but it’s no way to start a community. You need a recruitment plan to ‘seed’ your space with the right type of members and content before any unveiling. Without this you’ll face the ’empty disco’ problem – people uncomfortable being the first to dance. You need a dynamic model for what the community is and does up and running before you launch to a wider audience. Just like proto-typing, this process doesn’t merely allow you to model the community you want to show off to new members, but it gives you the time and space to test assumptions, ideas and processes before normalizing them into community practice. Resources:
• Regen Tribe’s Community Lab activation service

6. Crowdsourced content on funding

1. Crowdfunding Initiative: We propose an attractive offer where contributors can invest a certain amount (e.g., XXX€) now and receive double that value (XXX€) in accommodation and services once the project is operational. This method not only secures funding but also builds a customer base early on. However, attracting a large number of investors (e.g., 400 investors for a 200,000€ target) remains a challenge.

2. Land Ownership with Added Benefits as a form of investment with security

• Subdividing Existing Land: This approach involves dividing a larger land parcel into smaller plots. While this is the most complex and costly option, requiring legal procedures, map updates, and infrastructure development,
• Selling Smaller Existing Plots: Given the limited number of plots available in the valley, this option has a natural scarcity value but also limits scalability.
• Shared Ownership Model: Investors can buy into a land parcel with multiple owners. This allows us to retain management rights and usage guidelines, though it may be more challenging to market due to the legal intricacies involved.

3. 100-Year Land Leasing: As an alternative to outright selling, we propose a long-term leasing model. Investors can participate with smaller amounts, enjoying similar benefits to land ownership. This flexible and secure option allows for the resale of the lease without a notary and does not require registration in Spain or Europe.

4. Establishing a Limited Company and Selling Shares: This traditional approach is ideal for raising substantial funds. The formation of a limited company ensures transparency and legal structure, appealing to serious investors. However, this method requires an initial investment for legalities and permissions and may limit the project's discretion in its nascent stages.

– Maté Rebuild Group 7️⃣ Strategize Your Marketing

7. Strategize Marketing

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In this section we will explore marketing strategies, channels, and audience to recruit aligned members, attract investors and share the journey of your projects with the world.

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1. Marketing Strategy

1. Start with why

1. SImon sinek video

2. Explain what you are doing clearly

Make sure the explanation of your project is understandable to your grandmother or 7 year old nephew.

3. Branding and messaging for your audience

1. Based on the key roles and archetypes identified in previous sections, we will identify Colors, patterns, fonts, images, general aesthetic that speaks to them,

4. Documentation

1. Why, How, What, When, Who

Guide on how to convey your vision in writing based on the Why, How, What Framework

2. Deck

Community Decks folder collected by our team

3. One-pager

4. Website

5. Craft the storytelling of your project’s value

Treat your community as a brand! The Community as a Transformational Guide The Hero Circle from Seeds of Tao’s Regenerative Brand Archetype Kit Who are the demographics we speak to? Craft your community member avatars (use re:build design sprints as examples) What is the transformation that they are seeking in their lives that makes them search for a community? Avatar Building Exercise Who: Who are our target audience/ideal community members? Who are our target investors? Build archetypes of our heroes. Why: Why are we building this community? How: How are we building this community in a unique way? How have we succeeded/failed and how can we share our authentically? What: What are we actually doing? What is our process for achieving results? What do we offer for people to get involved? The Community Member/Investor as a Hero

• tailor your messaging to your different community members/investors Who: Philosophical: Internal: External: Build your funnels: Levels of engagement : Awareness Interest Consideration Decision Referrals Storytelling: Marketing Materials Marketing Techniques Awesome examples of compelling storytelling: www.livingtheoffgriddream.com Resources:
• Seeds of Tao StorySeed Course
• Example slide decks

6. Digital & Physical Strategies

It’s important to have the balance of both. How they can complement each other: Digital : STORY TELL : Share the journey of your community creation process so people can peak under the hood and see the journey. The more often you share, The more content you put out there, the more people see what is going on in your community and they become more and more connected to the journey - They get validation that the work is happening, and they become more engaged to become a part of it. Marketing made easy :

1. Link your facebook to your instagram so posts automatically cross post.

2. Share content created on Linked in and on twitter to reach diverse audiences.

3. Tag 3 - 5 users per post.

4. Use relevant hashtags to the demographics we have defined above.

Physical :

1. Go to In person events where people are talking about community creation.

1. Check meet up, facebook groups, join whatsap and telegram groups to find them.

2. Host your own events where you connect with people on their own journey of community creation or are curious to join one.

When Physical meets Digital, Magic happens!

• Increase the reach of these physical activities by sharing them online.
• Find and grow a digital community by sharing these physical experiences to others who are also exploring these ideas and make it available for them to tune in.
• Stream on Instagram
• Video calls on zoom or google meet
• Record and post videos on youtube and other socials.

7. Digital marketing channels

Now that you created important marketing documentation & crafted your branding and storytelling it is time to share it through different channels. Marketing your content on different platforms is key to finding investors, community members & potential partners so use as many channels as you can. Most platforms offer cross-posting features which will make your job easier. Below you can find examples of popular marketing channels. Social media Platforms Instagram Facebook X.com (former twitter) LinkedIn Reddit Niche-focused Platforms These platforms hold networks of regenerative neighborhoods, ecovillages, intentional communities, permaculture farms and land-based, social projects. Tribes Platform IC.org Global Ecovillage Network NuMundo Forums These platforms have a more loose structure based on threads of topics and comments. There you create a forum that could be a question, resource or a call to action. Check out this list of Forums focused on Regenerative Neighborhoods we put together. Facebook forums Great channel since it’s connected to a big user base. Focused groups are where you want to engage in more specific topics. Reddit Blog sites Long-form style forums are a channel where you can share your newsletters and educational resources connected to your project. By creating valuable content you can also generate revenue from subscribers. Medium Substack Supernuclear

8. Create your community member funnel

1. Widest net - digital community

2. Next level - visitors

3. Short term resident

4. Long term residents

9. Boost your Marketing

Community hacking : Find digital communities about similar and adjacent topics. Examples :

• Ecovillages
• Permaculture
• Off grinding
• Homesteading

1. Join these communities.

2. Share some content to bring value to the community members

Share posts about the topic Ask or answer questions Meet some of the members.

3. Once you have established yourself with the digital community, share about your regenerative neighborhood and ask for the communities support.

Fund Your Marketing initiatives When looking for funds, one way to fast track that is to have a marketing budget and invest money into the mission.

• Pay to have great content made of your project.
• A drone video goes a long way!
• Pay for adds on facebook, instagram
• Hire a marketing team Examples of communities we’ve seen using paid advertising and it works: Hapori Neek Luum ACTS La Ecovilla? Social media templates and strategies: examples of what works/ads that people run Example templates coming soon…. 8️⃣ Master plan sustainable systems & layout

8. Master Plan Sustainable Systems & Layout

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With land and an initial design, you will need to create a master plan that will make your project truly regenerative. Here is where you plan your community’s sustainable systems using permaculture design principles and land-based design lenses. You will decide how you will implement sophisticated food planning strategies, self-sufficient infrastructure, and sustainable systems of water/waste management, climate change resilience, energy, and transportation planning. All of the considerations of building a mini society.

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8. The Full Master Plan Strategy

Guide to creating a master plan:

1. Step 1: Define the Vision and Objectives

Identify Core Values: Understand the fundamental principles of regenerative design, like sustainability, resilience, and community well-being. Set Specific Goals: These could include energy neutrality, waste reduction, fostering local biodiversity, or improving community health.

2. Step 2: Conduct a Site Analysis

Environmental Assessment: Evaluate the natural features of the site, including topography, climate, flora and fauna, and water resources. Cultural and Social Assessment: Understand the local community's needs, culture, and social dynamics. Infrastructure Analysis: Examine existing infrastructure for transportation, utilities, and communication.

3. Step 3: Community Engagement

Stakeholder Meetings: Involve local residents, businesses, and potential service providers in the planning process. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels (like surveys, workshops, and public forums) for ongoing community input. Educational Programs: Inform the community about regenerative practices and the benefits of the project.

4. Step 4: Design Principles

Sustainability: Incorporate renewable energy sources, green buildings, and sustainable materials. Ecological Design: Plan for green spaces, biodiversity, and natural water management. Social Cohesion: Design public spaces and facilities that promote community interaction and support local culture.

5. Step 5: Develop the Master Plan

Land Use Planning: Determine the location and type of residential, commercial, and public spaces. Infrastructure Design: Plan for sustainable transportation, energy, water, and waste systems. Phasing Strategy: Develop a timeline for construction and growth, considering short-term and long-term goals.

6. Step 6: Implementation

Regulatory Approvals: Obtain necessary permissions and approvals from local authorities. Partnerships: Collaborate with architects, builders, and service providers who align with regenerative principles. Pilot Projects: Start with small-scale projects to test ideas and build support.

7. Step 7: Monitoring and Feedback

Performance Metrics: Establish benchmarks for energy use, water management, biodiversity, and community well-being. Continuous Assessment: Regularly evaluate the performance of the neighborhood against these metrics. Adaptation and Improvement: Be prepared to make adjustments based on feedback and changing conditions.

8. Step 8: Documentation and Sharing

Create Case Studies: Document the process and outcomes of the project. Knowledge Sharing: Share lessons learned and best practices with other communities and stakeholders.

9. Step 9: Expansion and Replication

Scale Up: Apply successful strategies to larger areas or new projects. Networking: Connect with other regenerative projects worldwide to exchange ideas and experiences. 10. Step 10: Long-term Management and Evolution Community Involvement: Ensure ongoing community engagement in decision-making. Sustainable Maintenance: Plan for the long-term sustainability of infrastructure and community programs.

9. Data, Land Assessments, and Site Mapping

We start with gathering hard data about our site and get to know the land through a variety of climatological, geological, topographical, biological, and botanical measurements. This data is vital to determining your masterplan layout. Start with the terrain elevation. - topography Engineering Whole Systems Identify your bioregion Assess your climate, climate analysis (visit weatherspark.com to assess your climate) Resources:

• Climate Consultant
• ASHRAE Make a plan draw it out
• Start all over again multiple times A topographic map with contour lines is important for determining optimal positioning of drainage and sewage infrastructure, and seeing how surface run-off will flow. It also enables planning for enhancing the natural shape of the land for collecting or absorbing water. Mapping out significant ecosystem elements (e.g. significant flora, habitats, etc) is also important for mitigating impacts and to enable ecosystem restoration efforts. These will be key tools for site planning. NOTES FROM THE CALL WITH MIKE : Presentation Understand your climate
• Share 2 websites he mentioned:
• http://ashrae-meteo.info/v2.0/
• https://www.ashrae.org/
• Australian focused but handy!
• https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design Site Assessment
• Site Stats
• Climate
• Watershed
• Landscape Profile
• Sectors
• Initial/ Native Vegetation Cover
• Past use
• Animals
• Plants
• Fungi
• Pollution
• Soil/ Minerals
• Water
• Air Quality

10. Development Plan

9. % for Construction

Space where the natural environment has been changed. There are roads, structures, and/or sustainable systems in these areas. 10. % for private green spaces Areas that are left natural and are assigned to specific individuals of the community. Can have walking paths. 11. % for public green spaces Areas that are left natural and are open to the entire community for use. Can have walking paths. Areas that are left natural and are left unchanged. 11. Sustainable Systems From how we source our energy to how we manage our waste, from the water we drink to the food we grow – every aspect must be mapped out before you can even think about where the most appropriate place to build a house is. The masterplan is a blueprint to ensure every piece of infrastructure supports regeneration and resilience, and that you don’t spend unnecessary resources building in the wrong spot.

1. Water Management

In this section we will explore the two main categories of water : Potable and Used water - and we explore the cycles and phases between them. Our high level goal is to reuse the water in the best ways we can while keeping as much of it on the property as possible. Average use : US Geological Survey puts the average at 100 gallons / 379 Liters per person per day.

1. Potable and tap (Drinkable and tap water)

1. Phase 1 - Collection

1. Rainwater capture

2. Well water

2. Phase 2 - Filtering

1. Carbon filter system

2. Reverse Osmosis

3. Uv Light treatmen

3. Phase 3 - ReMineralizing

2. Used water - Black and gray water

1. Black water

1. Phase 1 - BioDigestor

2. Phase 2 - Carbon filter system

2. Gray water

1. Phase 3 - Manufactured wetland

3. Irrigation water

1. Feeding our plants and gardens with this nutrient rich water

2. Then letting it enter the land again.

2. High level systems strategy

Designing water strategies for a regenerative neighborhood involves creating systems that not only meet the water needs of the community but also enhance the natural water cycle, promote conservation, and support the surrounding ecosystem. Here’s a comprehensive guide to designing these strategies: Step 1: Understanding the Local Water Cycle

• Assess Local Water Resources: Analyze the availability of surface water (lakes, rivers), groundwater, and rainfall patterns.
• Evaluate the Existing Ecosystem: Understand how the local ecosystem interacts with the water cycle, including natural filtration and storage processes. Step 2: Setting Goals and Objectives
• Water Efficiency: Aim for a significant reduction in water usage compared to conventional neighborhoods.
• Water Quality: Ensure that water leaving the neighborhood is as clean or cleaner than when it arrived.
• Resilience: Create systems that are resilient to droughts, floods, and other climate-related water issues. Step 3: Integrated Water Management Planning
• Rainwater Harvesting: Implement systems for collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing.
• Greywater Systems: Use greywater (from sinks, showers, and laundry) for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
• Blackwater Treatment: Employ eco-friendly sewage treatment solutions like constructed wetlands or bioreactors. Step 4: Sustainable Water Infrastructure
• Permeable Surfaces: Use permeable materials for pavements and driveways to allow rainwater to recharge groundwater.
• Green Roofs and Walls: Incorporate green roofs and walls to absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and provide insulation.
• Water-Efficient Landscaping: Choose native plants that require less water and create natural rain gardens to absorb runoff. Step 5: Water Conservation Technologies
• Low-Flow Fixtures: Install water-efficient toilets, showerheads, and faucets.
• Smart Irrigation Systems: Use weather-based or soil moisture sensors for efficient landscape irrigation.
• Water Metering and Monitoring: Implement systems to monitor water use and identify leaks or overuse. Step 6: Community Engagement and Education
• Educational Programs: Educate residents about water conservation practices and the importance of water sustainability.
• Community Participation: Encourage community involvement in maintaining and monitoring water systems. Step 7: Regulatory Compliance and Partnerships
• Local Regulations: Ensure that all water strategies comply with local and regional water use regulations.
• Collaboration: Work with local water authorities, environmental groups, and other stakeholders. Step 8: Monitoring and Adaptation
• Performance Tracking: Continuously monitor the performance of water systems against set goals.
• Feedback Loops: Use data to make adjustments and improvements over time. Step 9: Innovation and Experimentation
• Pilot Projects: Test new water technologies and approaches in small-scale pilot projects.
• Research Partnerships: Collaborate with universities or research institutions for innovative water solutions. Step 10: Scalability and Replication
• Scalable Solutions: Design water strategies that can be scaled up or adapted to other regenerative projects.
• Knowledge Sharing: Share successes and challenges with broader communities to promote learning and get everyone aligned with the system to use it best. A successful water strategy for a regenerative neighborhood should be holistic, multifaceted, and adaptable. It should not only meet the needs of your residents but also contribute positively to the local and global environment. Collaborative efforts, innovative thinking, and community involvement are key to the successful implementation of these strategies. Experience based practices
• Create water capture and collection systems at the high points of the property to use gravity to
• Design water treatment systems at the lowest point.
• Use gravity to move the water
• Creating ways to hold water in your land grows the water storage ability of your property and feeds your entire system
• Swales, water retention ponds, and wetlands are natural ways to do this. Water supplies:
• Rainwater
• Rivers or wells
• Reuse and recycling systems Black and Grey Water Management:
• Opportunities for reclamation of resources (e.g. compost and gray water from a biodigester)
• Use manufactured wetlands to naturally filter the post black water
• Must be mindful about the cleaning chemicals we are putting into our water systems
• Bleach, Chemical Cleaners, oils
• Reuse, reduction, and recycling systems are key to regenerative systems.
• Strategies Retrieve
• Rainwater collection
• Ground water collection
• Air to water distillers Retain
• Buffer vats
• Retentions ponds
• Swales Reduce
• Water saving shower heads
• Run off reduction
• Recycle
• Greywater recycling
• Black water recycling

3. Food Systems

Average use : As we’ve all heard - 2000 calories is the average daily consumption….

• 2000 calories of fruits and vegetables would most likely look like 10 to 20 medium sized apples,bananas,carrots, peppers, potatoes, citrus, with some melon, pineapple, etc.
• 2000 calories is about 25 large eggs - (1 large egg = 78 calories) [b][c][d] Important questions to ask when designing : Soil & Food
• How will we give priority to the base of the system : our soil, To be able to maximize its use to grow food.
• The following questions will help us answer this. Self-sufficiency, food planning, permaculture How much of the community’s food will be grown on-site? How many people will you be feeding? What will be grown? Who will be managing and doing the labor? How much water is needed? (This info comes from the water section above.) Where will the water come from for irrigation? Sustaining vs. supplementing How much will be sourced locally? What goods? Who are the local producers? How much will be Imported? What foods need to be imported? Amount of land needed to feed the community Great tool for calculating land needed based on dietary needs : https://permaculturism.com/how-much-land-does-it-take-to-feed-one-person/ Average for vegetarian : 1.5 hectares per person. Avg for including meat to the diet 2.5 hectares per person. Commonly known Techniques:
• 1. Permaculture: A design philosophy and agricultural system that mimics the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems. It aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural environments by harmonizing land, resources, people, and the environment.
• 2. Vertical Farming: A method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers or structures, often using controlled environment agriculture techniques. This approach maximizes space efficiency and often incorporates soil-less farming techniques like hydroponics.
• 3. Agroforestry: A land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland. This integration of forestry and agriculture optimizes productivity, improves biodiversity, and benefits ecological and environmental health.
• 4. Aquaponics: A combined system of aquaculture (raising fish or other aquatic animals) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in which the waste produced by the aquatic animals provides nutrients for the plants, which in turn purify the water for the animals.
• 5. Hydroponics: A method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent. This system allows for precise control over nutrients and water use, often resulting in higher yields and less resource consumption than traditional soil-based agriculture. Experience based practices Growing all the food your community will need is a magical goal! … It also requires A LOT of work, preparation and land. A major key in the journey to food sovereignty is creating a local network of food providers and exchanging between your network to get all the caloric intake your community will need. Trending strategy : Agrovoltaic An agrovoltaic system, also known as agrivoltaics or agrophotovoltaics, is an innovative approach to land use that combines agriculture with the production of solar energy. This system allows for the simultaneous use of land for both solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation and agriculture. Here's a detailed description: Components of an Agrovoltaic System:

1. Solar Panels: Photovoltaic panels are installed at a certain height above the ground. These panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.

2. Agricultural Land: Crops are grown under or around the solar panels. The type of crops can vary, but they are typically ones that can thrive in partial shade or require less direct sunlight.

3. Mounting Structures: The solar panels are mounted on raised structures, allowing sufficient clearance for agricultural machinery and activities below.

4. Electrical Infrastructure: This includes inverters, batteries (if storage is included), and connections to the power grid or local power systems.

How It Works:

1. Dual Land Use: The key concept is to use the same area of land for both solar energy generation and agriculture, maximizing land efficiency.

2. Shade Tolerance of Crops: Certain crops that are shade-tolerant or require less direct sunlight can benefit from the partial shade provided by the solar panels. This can reduce water stress and sometimes increase yield.

3. Microclimate Regulation: The presence of solar panels can create a microclimate that can be beneficial for certain crops, reducing evaporation and conserving water.

4. Energy Production: Solar panels generate electricity, which can be used for local consumption (like powering farm operations) or fed into the grid, creating an additional revenue stream.

Benefits:

1. Efficient Land Use: Agrovoltaics is particularly beneficial in areas where land is scarce, as it combines energy and food production.

2. Environmental Benefits: Reduces the carbon footprint by generating renewable energy and potentially using less water for agriculture.

3. Economic Advantages: Provides a dual stream of income for farmers from both agriculture and energy production.

4. Water Conservation: Can lead to reduced water usage in agriculture due to the microclimatic effects under the panels.

Challenges:

• Initial Investment: The setup cost for agrovoltaic systems can be high.
• Agronomic Knowledge: Requires knowledge of which crops are best suited for the shaded environment.
• Maintenance: Balancing the maintenance of both solar panels and agricultural operations can be challenging.
• Technology Integration: Integrating solar technology with agricultural practices requires careful planning and design. Applications:
• In Drier Regions: Particularly useful in arid or semi-arid regions where shade can significantly reduce water evaporation.
• Small-scale and Large-scale Farms: Can be applied in various scales, from small farms to large agricultural operations.
• Research and Development: Continuously evolving, with new research focusing on optimizing crop selection, panel placement, and system efficiency. Resources : https://cercsymposium.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Jordan-Macknick-PPT-slide-deck.pdf

4. Energy Systems

Average use of energy per person : Residential daily consumption of electricity is 12 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per person. Facts to give you a baseline idea :

• The standard size for a solar panel is about 65 inches by 39 inches. An easier estimation of size is 5 feet by 3 feet / 1.5 meters by 1 meter.
• The average solar panel has a power output rating of 250 to 400 watts (W) and generates around 1.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per day. What is a kilowatt-hour (kWh) ? One kilowatt hour (kWh) means one kilowatt of power transferred or consumed in one hour. Energy Generation:
• Biogas
• Solar
• Wind turbines or shakers
• Biofuel
• Water turbines Energy Storage Systems:
• Gravity storage
• Pumped hydro
• Electrical batteries www.hapori.com.mx Tips:
• Energy capture can go anywhere
• Solar capture anywhere
• Wind for a single house isn't worth it, but it can be worth it for multiple houses.
• https://www.regenitech.com/

5. Waste Management

Separation system Organic Waste Management Organic Compost Inorganic Waste Management Solids (Recyclable) Solids (Non-Recyclable) Recycle solutions for water are KEY! Grey - Humedales Natural filters Black - Biodigestors Septic tank system

6. Transportation

• Transportation and options within the community and to other areas How to create a plan roads
• Coming soon! With the structural systems in place, you now have the knowledge of the best places to build the architecture and external structures. You will explore elements of best placement of your buildings, with some basic insights like orientation, etc.
• Passive solar design is a major advantage when designing your sustainable systems

7. Housing

8. More details coming soon…. Ideation details in chapter 8

Identify fundamental practices your community will apply in order to uphold their ecological philosophy:

• Example - Passive Thermal Design (using or excluding Solar Energy on a seasonal basis, and using passive or low-energy ventilation systems)
• Example - Community energy generation and storage (e.g. solar power and batteries, mini-hydro and pumped storage, wind turbine and gravity storage, etc.
• Example - Composting Systems
• Example - Ecologically Sound Building Methods considering whole of life energy footprint (e.g. modern insulation including double-glazing to mitigate requirements for heating/cooling)
• Example - Low or Zero Waste Practices
• Water storage - swales
• Plant life for temperature control
• Fire prevention 9️⃣ Build Your Neighborhoods

9. Construct Physical Infrastructure

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"As we embark on building your neighborhoods, it's not just about infrastructure but about fostering community through the physical design of our spaces. This is the stage where you add amenities and structures. You will make ecological considerations for building, choose climate-appropriate building techniques, source your materials, and examine how labor will be sourced/rewarded.

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1. Bioharmonic Principles

This kind of construction won't dominate the land but coexist with it. Trees, water bodies, and natural landscapes will be as integral to our neighborhood as homes and community centers.

1. Cycles of Design and Building (Mirroring Nature)

It’s important to treat buildings as an extension of nature. Step 1 - Observe. Pay attention to your land and surroundings, document your process. Is something on site already that you can reuse? Upcycling structures is a powerful way to accelerate your community, save revenue, and conserve resources ! Step 2 - Plan. What is the next cycle of your neighborhood? How will you execute it? What materials do you need? What skills do you need to bring in? Lots of onsite planning. Step 3 - Design. Apply site planning principles to integrate knowledge gained from step 1 and requirements from step 2 to determine a master plan that remains flexible and can be implemented in logical stages. Consider work and resource areas, and managing environmental impacts of construction. Step 4 - Build. Turn your ideas into work in the land. Get your hands dirty. Keep an eye open for opportunities and “happy accidents” Step 5 - Iterate. Reflect on the cycle, harvest insights, and go back to step 1. Observe your neighborhood, and prepare for another cycle. Neighborhood Phases Idea with a plan no land Idea with a plan and land - no construction Under construction - not open for members to live / use Developing neighborhood Under construction - open for members to live / use and people living there Minimum viable neighborhood Operating neighborhood Fully established Regenerative neighborhood

2. Spatial Design

The spaces we design, design us back. Our neighborhoods won't be concrete jungles. They'll be spaces designed for interactions, learning, growth, and wellbeing. Every alley, park, and communal space is a canvas for our shared dreams. First you will learn to implement experience design principles to improve user experience of your physical spaces.

3. Choosing Methods of Building

4. Methods Comparison

5. Building Methods(Multiple select)

1. Traditional construction

Traditional construction refers to methods that have been used for centuries, involving standard building techniques and materials like brick, wood, concrete, and steel. These methods are well-understood and widely used because of their proven durability and the extensive body of knowledge on their performance. Traditional construction often involves on-site construction, but it can also include prefabricated elements that are made off-site and assembled on location.

2. Bio construction

Bio-construction, also known as green or sustainable construction, focuses on creating buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their life cycle. This method incorporates the use of natural, non-toxic materials, and renewable resources. It aims to minimize the environmental impact of buildings by optimizing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and reducing waste. Materials used in bio-construction might include bamboo, straw bales, earth (such as adobe or rammed earth), and reclaimed wood. Design principles often emphasize harmony with the natural environment, passive solar design, and other strategies to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint. Bio-Construction methods : Adobe uses adobe bricks, which are made from a mixture of earth (typically a combination of clay, sand, and organic materials such as straw or dung) and water, shaped into bricks using molds and then sun-dried. This method is one of the oldest construction techniques known, with origins tracing back thousands of years, and it has been widely used in arid and semi-arid regions around the world due to its excellent thermal mass properties, which help in regulating indoor temperatures. SuperAdobe Developed by architect Nader Khalili, SuperAdobe is a form of earthbag construction where bags are filled with earth and laid in coils to create structures. The technique uses long sandbags and barbed wire between layers for reinforcement. This method is highly adaptable, earthquake-resistant, and can be used to construct domes, vaults, and arches, making it suitable for a wide range of climates and conditions. Example: The CalEarth Institute in California has numerous examples of SuperAdobe constructions, including homes, emergency shelters, and community buildings that demonstrate its versatility and durability. Recommended service provider : Superadobe Delanait Bamboo Construction ​​Bamboo is a rapidly renewable material with a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it an excellent choice for sustainable construction. It can be used for structural frames, wall paneling, flooring, and roofing. Bamboo is particularly popular in tropical regions where it's abundantly available. Example: The Green School in Bali, Indonesia, is an internationally recognized example of large-scale bamboo construction, showcasing the material's potential in creating complex, beautiful, and functional educational spaces. Straw-bale This method uses bales of straw as structural elements or insulation. It's known for its excellent thermal and acoustic insulating properties. Straw bale buildings can be plastered with natural clay or lime renders to create durable, breathable walls. Example: The Straw Bale Café in Victoria, Australia, is an example of straw bale construction that combines sustainability with aesthetic appeal, providing a cozy, insulated space that's naturally regulated in temperature. Earthships Earthships are passive solar homes made from natural and recycled materials, including earth-packed tires, cans, and bottles. They are designed to provide thermal mass, natural ventilation, and renewable energy, creating self-sufficient homes that are off-grid. Example: The Greater World Earthship Community in Taos, New Mexico, is a collection of earthship homes demonstrating various designs and innovations in self-sufficient living. Rammed Earth Construction Involves compacting a damp mixture of earth, containing the right proportions of sand, gravel, and clay, into a formwork to create walls. The result is a dense, sturdy wall with a distinctive layered appearance, offering excellent thermal mass. Example: The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in British Columbia, Canada, features rammed earth walls that blend beautifully with the natural landscape, demonstrating the material's potential for creating environmentally integrated and thermally efficient buildings. Hemp - https://www.hanfstein.eu/home-english/

• Laila shared this. Rammed Earth - https://www.aerecura.ca/

3. Mixed construction

Mixed construction combines elements of both traditional and alternative construction methods, aiming to leverage the benefits of each according to the project's specific needs, budget, and sustainability goals. For example, a mixed construction project might use traditional concrete and steel for the foundation and main structure, while incorporating bio-construction materials and techniques for walls, insulation, and finishes. This approach allows for the durability and strength of traditional materials where needed, while also taking advantage of the environmental and health benefits of more sustainable practices.

4. Prefab Homes

1. 5. Tiny Home Kits

Check out the design for Regen Tribe Jungle Tiny House designed by Jacobo Ruiz.

6. Dome kits

1. Fernando - Ekumal

• The metal tube dome 3V, painted, 6m Diameter, bolts included --- $55,000MXN + Freight = $3500 usd
• Metal hubs set for 3V geodesic Dome, for use with 2x4 wood or similar - $48,000 MXN + Freight = $2,811USD
• Water proofing cover - $1000 USD

7. Yurt Kits

Pricing for Yurts : Includes doors, windows. Eco Yurt 12' $9,480 Eco Yurt 16' $11,400 Eco Yurt 20' $13,800 Eco Yurt 24' $16,400 Eco Yurt 27' $19,100 Eco Yurt 30' $21,320 https://www.shelterdesigns.net/custom-yurt-kits-for-sale/yurt-cost-calculator/

8. Earthen Homes (earthships, cob, superadobe, etc.)

6. Resource Intensive

People usually have the misconception that Earthships are cheap to build, but it is not the case. It is, however, ultimately cheaper to own in the long-term, having never again to pay utility bills. If we build it for you, labor and materials to turnkey finish runs approximately $275-$375 per sq ft depending on the model you choose. = $3000 USD per sq meter. https://earthship.com/build/

9. Organic architecture

Think CURVES! And aligned with nature…. More details coming soon ….

7. What to Build First

2. Housing First Strategy - .

After your sustainable infrastructure is planned, and the areas set out for it Build what is necessary to sustain housing Then focus on building living space. Early stage housing is key!

• Tents
• Enchantents
• • Domes
• Fernando - Ekumal
• The metal tube dome 3V, painted, 6m Diameter, bolts included --- $55,000MXN + Freight = $3500 usd
• • Metal hubs set for 3V geodesic Dome, for use with 2x4 wood or similar - $48,000 MXN + Freight = $2,811USD
• Water proofing cover - $1000 USD

• •                              * Simple cabanas
    

• Tulum most recent experience - $10,000 usd including plumbing.

3. Living Space Options

1. Private Homes

2. Private Apartments

3. Coliving Houses/Apartments

4. Guest Spaces (short-term and long-term)

8. Architectural Design & Plans

Source your plans from a trustworthy and reliable source Check out the Architecture group in Tribes for sample plans and for what the community is talking about : https://tribes.regentribe.org/groups/architecture-design/documents/

9. Service Providers

10. Sourcing expertise
11. Sourcing labor

• Screening, validating, Project managing.

1. DIY or Outsourced

What you can probably learn:

• Power Tools
• Electrical (alternating current,
• Plumbing
• Glass
• Water Treatment (Greywater) What should most likely be outsourced:
• Water Treatment (Blackwater)
• Foundations, Concrete Formwork Resources:
• Living Buildings
• Institute of Arcology – teaches courses on CAD and architecture to design your own bioconstruction living buildings
• Geoships – ceramic domes Use what you have: Local/Reclaimed Materials Identify Materials Providers
• Explore local providers from the local network you have built. Any stipulations about material quality/source? Establishing a local network of builders and existing projects is key. Ask around for who the best service providers are. Find out what specifics those that have built before you have struggled with and found success in, and learn from them. Then make sure to invite them over once your space is built. “Community Builds”
• Host an event where you share something you have in abundance for the time and efforts of your guests. This model is great for lots of moving parts and simple things, specialty work is not recommended in this format as it requires skilled labor. Academy Models Host teaching experiences where the skillset for building a specific structure is taught and practiced while building the community infrastructure. Be mindful, learning and doing at the same time can be complicated without the proper team - can take much longer than expected and can sometimes create errors in the process.
• Geodesic domes are a good structure to build with entry level build learners. Modular such as doing "barn raising" style where the community comes together to build something, hosting earthship academies/dome workshops/etc. to have structures built for you, and modular building that allows for a liveable structure right away, with direct possibility for expansion Contribution by Maiken © 2023 Maïkan Bordeleau ~ HomesWithLove.ca

1. What’s the vision?

Function, features, beauty, environmental harmony, lifespan, community uses.

2. Do you own or rent the site and the building-to-be?

Financing, portability, landlord relations, neighbor relations, regulations.

3. Prep

Project manager, builders, supplies, tools, relationships with suppliers.

4. Foundation and anchoring to frame

Slab, footings, blocks, skids, trailer.

5. Framing

Concrete, wood, bamboo, SIP, cob, rammed earth.

6. Getting to lockup

Sheathing, doors/windows/skylights, waterproofing, roofing.

7. Plumbing, electrical, gas, heat

Design, rough-in, fixtures, added safety considerations.

8. Other building envelope parts sometimes needed

Siding, insulation, air gap, vapor barrier.

9. Outfitting the interior

Partitions, cabinetry, tiling, stone work. 10. Maintaining your structure for safe beautiful durable and evolving function Do it right the first time Know when your systems and structures should be evaluated Know the maintenance schedule of ALL your structures and systems Know the lifespan of your materials, structures, and systems before you use them, do a price comparison of the lifespan (is the cheaper option really worth it?) 🔟 Activate Community Culture

10. Activate Community Culture

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In this section, you put into practice the harmonious living principles and tools that cultivate your community culture, relationship to exterior community, reputation, attracting ongoing visitors, building work exchange programs, hosting events, and managing staff, volunteers, internships, etc. You will learn the important role that culture plays in bringing life to a community.

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1. Cultivating Culture

1. Review the community culture canvas frequently,

Everytime a new community member is joining, redoing the canvas will help keep everyone aligned.

2. Rituals and Traditions

Like checkpoints for coming together and into alignment again Why Rituals and traditions are Important: Social Cohesion: Rituals bring people together, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose. Cultural Identity: They help preserve cultural traditions and values, passing them down through generations. Personal and Collective Meaning: Rituals provide a framework for understanding life's milestones and experiences, offering comfort and context. Stability and Continuity: In times of change or crisis, rituals can provide a sense of normalcy and continuity. Emotional Expression: They offer an outlet for expressing emotions, whether it's joy, grief, gratitude, or reverence.

• Community dinners
• Truth circles
• Game night
• Monday check ins / Friday check outs
• 2 minute ecstatic dance
• Seasonal and moon traditions
• Townhall

3. Collective Growth

A healthy community is made up of healthy individuals. Living in our dream community is not a static state but an ongoing journey. Through workshops, cultural exchanges, and community dialogues, we'll ensure that our community continues to evolve and thrive. Committing to ongoing self-growth and collective growth to create a thriving community.

2. Required Trainings

It is recommended to have all community members undergo training in a variety of community skills, as well as undertake personal growth experiences. Training is important, because not everyone will have the same level of skills or a common language to start. Shared training also helps build community relationships. Communication training Non Violent Communication 101

• (Look here for more info - so important) Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Marshall Rosenberg, is a communication approach that focuses on empathy, compassion, and understanding. It aims to improve connections between people by addressing everyone's underlying needs and feelings. Here's a guide to using NVC, especially in welcoming situations:

1. Observations

• Objective: Start by observing what is happening without judgment or evaluation.
• Example: "I noticed that you're new to our community."

2. Feelings

• Express Feelings: Share your feelings related to the observation.
• Example: "I feel excited to see new faces and eager to make you feel at home."

3. Needs

• Identify Needs: Connect your feelings to your underlying needs or values.
• Example: "I value inclusivity and connection in our community."

4. Requests

• Make a Request: Clearly request an action that can meet the needs identified.
• Example: "Would you like a tour of the neighborhood or to join our community group chat?" Applying NVC in Welcoming Situations:
• Empathetic Listening: Show genuine interest in the newcomer's experiences and feelings. Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective.
• Expressing Authenticity: Share your own feelings and needs honestly, creating a space for open communication.
• Offering Support: Make specific, actionable requests to help the newcomer feel welcomed and supported.
• Building Connection: Focus on finding common ground and establishing a sense of community. Example NVC Welcome Message: "Welcome to our neighborhood! I noticed that you've just moved in, and I'm really excited to have new neighbors. I value community and connection, so I'm wondering if you'd like to join us for a neighborhood potluck this weekend? It's a great way to meet everyone and feel more at home." Tips for Effective NVC:
• Practice Empathy: Try to understand the feelings and needs of the other person.
• Avoid Blame and Criticism: Focus on observations and needs rather than judgments.
• Be Specific: Provide clear and specific information in your observations and requests.
• Stay Present: Engage in the conversation with openness and presence, listening actively. NVC can be a powerful tool for creating a welcoming atmosphere, fostering understanding, and building strong, empathetic relationships within a community.
• Collaborative decision-making training
• Using mediator for challenging/tense meetings between 2 sides
• How to Circle
• Divide circles by themes
• Feedback circles
• Emotional sharing circles - heart space
• Decision making
• Informative - announcements
• Processes - how we do things
• Workshops
• Trauma healing and consciousness transformation Non Violent Communication Sample Curriculum : Session 1: Introduction to NVC and Observations Session 2: Understanding and Expressing Feelings Session 3: Identifying and Connecting with Needs Session 4: Making Effective Requests Session 5: Empathetic Listening and Responding Session 6: Applying NVC in Conflict Resolution Session 7: Practicing NVC in Daily Life Session 8: Review and Role-Playing Scenarios Session : Applying NVC in Conflict Resolution One of the most important practices to foster a safe community culture. Disagreements can and will happen, having the right tools to process these moments in a safe and successful way is crucial for the health of your community : add this to your definite TO DOS! Objective: By the end of the session, participants will understand how to apply NVC principles in conflict resolution situations, focusing on empathy, understanding, and finding mutually satisfying solutions. Materials Needed:
• Whiteboard or flip chart
• Markers
• Handouts with conflict resolution scenarios
• Role-playing guidelines Session Outline:

1. Review and Check-in (10 minutes)

• Briefly review the concepts covered in previous sessions.
• Check in with participants about their experiences practicing NVC in their daily interactions.

2. Introduction to NVC in Conflict Resolution (15 minutes)

• Discuss the role of NVC in transforming conflicts into opportunities for understanding and connection.
• Emphasize the importance of empathy, listening, and expressing needs clearly.

3. Group Activity: Analyzing Conflicts (20 minutes)

• Divide participants into small groups.
• Provide each group with a conflict scenario and ask them to analyze the situation using the NVC framework (observations, feelings, needs, and requests).
• Share and discuss the analyses as a larger group.

4. Role-Playing Exercise (30 minutes)

• Set up role-playing exercises based on real-life conflict situations.
• Assign roles to participants (e.g., person A, person B, observer) and provide guidelines for using NVC in the interaction.
• After each role-play, debrief with the group, discussing what worked well and what could be improved.

5. Empathy Practice (15 minutes)

• Practice empathetic listening in pairs, with one person sharing a personal conflict and the other reflecting back their understanding of the feelings and needs involved.
• Discuss the experience and the impact of empathy in resolving conflicts.

6. Strategies for Resolving Conflicts (15 minutes)

• Discuss strategies for finding mutually satisfying solutions, such as brainstorming options, considering the needs of all parties, and negotiating agreements.
• Provide examples and tips for effective negotiation using NVC principles.

7. Closing and Homework (15 minutes)

• Summarize key points from the session.
• Assign homework: Ask participants to apply NVC in a conflict situation they are currently facing and note their observations and experiences.
• Provide handouts with additional resources and tips for conflict resolution.

8. Q&A and Feedback (10 minutes)

• Address any questions or concerns.
• Gather feedback on the session to adjust future sessions as needed. Additional Tips:
• Encourage participants to share their experiences and insights openly.
• Create a supportive environment where participants feel safe to explore and practice new skills.
• Use real-life examples and scenarios to make the concepts more relatable and practical. This session is crucial for helping participants understand how NVC can be a powerful tool for transforming conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection. The focus should be on empathy, clear communication, and finding solutions that meet everyone's needs. Emotional safety training : Emotional safety training is crucial for building supportive, inclusive, and resilient communities. These are some training programs that can help foster emotional safety and well-being in a community setting:

1. Mental Health First Aid

• Content: Basic understanding of mental health issues, how to recognize signs of mental distress, and how to provide initial support and guidance.
• Benefit: Equips community members with the skills to support those experiencing mental health challenges.

2. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

• Content: Techniques for mindfulness, meditation, and stress management.
• Benefit: Helps individuals manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall emotional well-being.

3. Conflict Resolution and Mediation

• Content: Strategies for effective communication, conflict de-escalation, and mediation techniques.
• Benefit: Promotes peaceful resolution of disputes and fosters a culture of understanding and cooperation.

4. Trauma-Informed Care

• Content: Understanding the impact of trauma, principles of trauma-informed care, and how to create safe spaces for those affected by trauma.
• Benefit: Ensures that community interactions and support systems are sensitive to the needs of trauma survivors.

5. Emotional Intelligence

• Content: Self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management skills.
• Benefit: Enhances empathy, communication, and interpersonal relationships within the community.

6. Active Listening and Empathy Building

• Content: Techniques for active listening, empathetic communication, and validation of others' feelings.
• Benefit: Strengthens connections and trust between community members.

7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training

• Content: Understanding and valuing diversity, addressing biases, and promoting equity and inclusion.
• Benefit: Creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all community members.

8. Resilience Building

• Content: Strategies for developing personal and collective resilience in the face of challenges.
• Benefit: Empowers individuals and the community to bounce back from adversity and maintain emotional well-being.

9. Peer Support Training

• Content: Training community members to provide emotional and social support to each other.
• Benefit: Fosters a supportive network and a sense of belonging within the community.

10. Safe Space Training

• Content: Guidelines for creating and maintaining safe spaces where individuals can express themselves without fear of judgment or harm.
• Benefit: Encourages open dialogue and emotional expression in a supportive environment. Implementation Tips:
• Regular Workshops: Schedule regular training sessions to keep emotional safety at the forefront of community priorities.
• Professional Facilitators: Engage qualified professionals to conduct the training for maximum effectiveness.
• Community Support Groups: Establish support groups where members can share experiences and offer mutual support.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Collect feedback from participants to continually improve the training programs. By investing in emotional safety training, communities can create a nurturing and supportive environment where individuals feel valued, understood, and empowered to thrive emotionally. Environmental focused trainings :

1. Permaculture Design

• Content: Principles of permaculture, sustainable agriculture, and ecological design.
• Benefit: Equips residents with knowledge to create productive and sustainable landscapes and food systems.

2. Sustainable Building Techniques

• Content: Green building practices, energy-efficient design, and use of sustainable materials.
• Benefit: Helps residents understand how to construct and maintain eco-friendly homes and community structures.

3. Renewable Energy Systems

• Content: Installation and maintenance of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources.
• Benefit: Empowers the community to generate clean energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

4. Water Conservation and Management

• Content: Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and water-efficient landscaping.
• Benefit: Promotes responsible water use and helps in creating resilient water management systems.

5. Waste Reduction and Composting

• Content: Waste sorting, recycling, and composting techniques.
• Benefit: Encourages a zero-waste lifestyle and improves soil health through organic composting.

6. Community Leadership and Governance

• Content: Effective communication, conflict resolution, and participatory decision-making.
• Benefit: Strengthens community bonds and ensures that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

7. Local Food Production

• Content: Urban gardening, agroforestry, and small-scale livestock farming.
• Benefit: Enhances food security and encourages a local, sustainable food system.

8. Economic Resilience

• Content: Local currencies, barter systems, and cooperative business models.
• Benefit: Fosters a resilient local economy and reduces dependence on external markets.

9. Health and Well-being

• Content: Holistic health practices, natural remedies, and mental health awareness.
• Benefit: Improves overall well-being and promotes a holistic approach to health.

10. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration

• Content: Native species planting, habitat restoration, and wildlife conservation.
• Benefit: Enhances local biodiversity and supports ecosystem services. Implementation Tips:
• Collaborative Learning: Encourage peer-to-peer learning and sharing of experiences.
• Practical Application: Include hands-on projects and activities to apply the concepts learned.
• Expert Involvement: Invite local experts or practitioners to lead workshops and provide insights.
• Continuous Learning: Offer ongoing training opportunities to keep up with new developments and technologies. By investing in collective growth training, a Regenerative Neighborhood can empower its residents with the skills and knowledge needed to create a sustainable, resilient, and thriving community. Operational and Logistics trainings : Operational logistics training for a community focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of various community operations, from event planning to emergency response. Here are some training programs that can be beneficial:

1. Event Planning and Management

• Content: Organizing community events, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination.
• Benefit: Equips community members with the skills to plan and execute successful events.

2. Volunteer Coordination

• Content: Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for community projects and events.
• Benefit: Ensures effective use of volunteer resources and enhances community engagement.

3. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Content: Developing emergency plans, basic first aid, disaster response, and recovery strategies.
• Benefit: Prepares the community to respond effectively to emergencies and natural disasters.

4. Community Resource Management

• Content: Efficient management of community resources, such as shared spaces, equipment, and funds.
• Benefit: Promotes sustainable use of resources and reduces waste.

5. Supply Chain Management

• Content: Basics of supply chain management, including procurement, inventory control, and distribution.
• Benefit: Improves the efficiency of community projects that require the management of supplies and materials.

6. Waste Management and Recycling

• Content: Best practices for waste reduction, recycling, and composting in the community.
• Benefit: Encourages environmentally responsible waste management practices.

7. Transportation and Mobility Planning

• Content: Planning and managing community transportation needs, including public transit, carpooling, and bike-sharing programs.
• Benefit: Enhances accessibility and reduces the community's carbon footprint.

8. Facility Management and Maintenance

• Content: Maintaining and managing community facilities, such as community centers, parks, and gardens.
• Benefit: Ensures that community spaces are safe, functional, and well-maintained.

9. Communication and Information Management

• Content: Effective communication strategies, data management, and information sharing within the community.
• Benefit: Ensures that community members are well-informed and connected.

10. Financial Management for Community Projects

• Content: Budgeting, fundraising, and financial reporting for community initiatives.
• Benefit: Helps community projects remain financially sustainable and transparent. Implementation Tips:
• Tailor Training to Community Needs: Assess the specific needs of your community to determine which trainings are most relevant.
• Hands-On Learning: Incorporate practical exercises and simulations to reinforce learning.
• Expert Instructors: Engage professionals with experience in operational logistics to lead the training.
• Ongoing Support: Provide resources and support for community members to apply their skills in real-world situations. By offering operational logistics training, communities can empower their members with the skills and knowledge needed to manage various aspects of community life efficiently and effectively.

4. Community Roles & Responsibilities

Link to Miro Board Community Organization Chart Community management Roles : Community Host

• onboards new community members to the space
• offering support with house and room logistics to community members Community manager
• point of contact for leaders
• high level logistics Volunteer Lead
• point of contact for volunteers Community Space Holder
• hosting community circles
• holding heart space for community members
• Heart space / Community Space holder role
• Recognizing the need to organize circles
• Organizes circles by themes
• Hold emotional space for community members -
• Receives feedback
• Mediates conflicts
• Emotional soothing Venue management Roles : Hospitality Lead
• preparing rooms
• managing rental requests
• shares available locations with marketing Events Lead
• planning events
• collaborating wirh marketing lead to market events Kitchen management Roles : Kitchen Lead
• creating food list
• overlooking cooking fairies
• weekly food plan - recipes Cooking fairy
• can be volunteers/com. members
• cooking meals
• cleaning the dishes
• unpacking groceries Marketing management Roles : Marketing / Social media Manager
• managing content strategy
• following up with content creator/s
• posting content Content creator
• capturing content
• editing content Space management Roles : Cleaning Lead
• creating cleaning schedule
• overlooking cleaning culture in the community
• managing cleaning fairies Maintenance Lead
• managing property fixes Technology Lead
• manages Wifi & connectivity issues Sustainable systems management Roles :
• Water
• Energy
• Food
• Waste

5. Community Reputation

Space activation plans / Events to curate that bring the target crowd Activate/mobilize your local community: Link best guides for this…

• Workshops
• Local cleanups
• Show up to community events outside your community
• Start a community garden
• Planting actions, reforestation gathering
• Seed exchange day and/or start a seed ban
• Regenerative agriculture knowledge exchange day
• Guerilla operations (seed bombing, painting cycling lanes on roads at nights, magical transformations under the cover of darkness
• Garden / forestry workshops for schools and kindergarten
• Regenerative festival Initiatives to raise awareness (eg. documentary screenings, talks, workshops, etc.
• Working with traditional farmers to encourage transition to regenerative agriculture
• cleanups Community Culture – make it underground, cool, word of mouth, get people to the property and have fun.
• Check out Page 133 of the TDF guide

6. Culture of participation

Creating a participatory culture in your community will create a resilient structure of community members, key roles, and shape your neighborhood to fit your community best. Start with these steps to attract your community members into stepping into responsibilities and leadership roles Creating a participatory culture in a regenerative neighborhood involves strategic engagement of community members to ensure they are actively involved in decision-making, planning, and implementation processes. Here are some strategies to foster participation:

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels

• Regular Updates: Keep community members informed about ongoing projects, events, and opportunities for involvement through newsletters, social media, or community bulletin boards.
• Open Forums: Create platforms for open discussions, such as online forums or regular town hall meetings, where residents can voice their opinions and ideas.

2. Empower Residents with Decision-Making Roles

• Committees and Working Groups: Form committees or working groups for different aspects of the neighborhood, such as sustainability initiatives, social events, or community gardens, and encourage residents to take leadership roles.
• Participatory Budgeting: Allow community members to have a say in how certain funds are allocated, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

3. Provide Education and Training

• Workshops and Seminars: Organize educational sessions on topics relevant to regenerative living, such as permaculture, renewable energy, and waste reduction, to empower residents with knowledge and skills.
• Skill-Sharing Sessions: Encourage residents to share their skills and expertise with others in the community, promoting a culture of mutual learning and support.

4. Facilitate Collaboration and Networking

• Community Projects: Initiate collaborative projects that require collective effort, such as community gardens, renewable energy installations, or neighborhood clean-up campaigns.
• Networking Events: Host social gatherings, potlucks, or networking events to foster connections and collaboration among residents.

5. Recognize and Celebrate Contributions

• Acknowledgment Programs: Implement programs to recognize and celebrate the contributions of community members, whether through awards, public acknowledgment, or appreciation events.
• Success Stories: Share success stories and achievements of the community and individual members to inspire and motivate others.

6. Encourage Feedback and Adaptation

• Feedback Mechanisms: Establish channels for residents to provide feedback on community initiatives, policies, and services.
• Adaptive Planning: Be open to adapting plans and strategies based on community feedback and evolving needs.

7. Foster a Culture of Inclusivity

• Diverse Representation: Ensure that decision-making bodies and committees reflect the diversity of the community, including different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and interests.
• Inclusive Events: Organize events and activities that cater to diverse interests and abilities, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued.

8. Create Opportunities for Informal Interaction

• Common Spaces: Design and maintain common areas where residents can gather informally, such as parks, community centers, or shared gardens.
• Social Activities: Plan regular social activities, such as movie nights, sports events, or cultural celebrations, to encourage casual interactions and strengthen community bonds. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a participatory culture in your regenerative neighborhood, where residents are actively engaged, empowered, and invested in the well-being and sustainability of their community.

7. Volunteer program

Here we share a sample Documentation and process for establishing and operating a volunteer program.

1. Purpose

To establish a structured and efficient volunteer program that supports the goals of the Regenerative Neighborhood, fosters community involvement, and ensures a positive experience for all volunteers.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all volunteers and volunteer coordinators involved in the Regenerative Neighborhood's volunteer program.

3. Definitions

• Volunteer: An individual who offers their time and skills to support the activities of the Regenerative Neighborhood without financial compensation.
• Volunteer Coordinator: A designated person responsible for managing the volunteer program, including recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers.

4. Procedure

4.1 Volunteer Recruitment

• 4.1.1 Identify volunteer needs based on current projects and initiatives within the Regenerative Neighborhood.
• 4.1.2 Advertise volunteer opportunities through the neighborhood's website, social media, community bulletin boards, and local networks.
• 4.1.3 Encourage residents and community members to sign up as volunteers through an online form or in-person at community events. 4.2 Volunteer Selection
• 4.2.1 Review volunteer applications to match skills and interests with available opportunities.
• 4.2.2 Conduct informal interviews or meetings to assess suitability and discuss expectations.
• 4.2.3 Select volunteers based on their compatibility with the program's needs and values. 4.3 Volunteer Training and Orientation
• 4.3.1 Provide an orientation session for new volunteers to introduce them to the Regenerative Neighborhood's mission, values, and ongoing projects.
• 4.3.2 Offer specific training sessions related to their volunteer role, such as permaculture gardening, event management, or community outreach.
• 4.3.3 Ensure volunteers understand safety protocols, communication channels, and their responsibilities. 4.4 Volunteer Scheduling and Coordination
• 4.4.1 Develop a volunteer schedule based on project needs and volunteer availability.
• 4.4.2 Communicate clearly with volunteers about their shifts, tasks, and any changes to the schedule.
• 4.4.3 Provide necessary resources and support for volunteers to carry out their tasks effectively. 4.5 Volunteer Recognition and Feedback
• 4.5.1 Acknowledge the contributions of volunteers through public recognition, certificates of appreciation, or community events.
• 4.5.2 Gather feedback from volunteers about their experiences and suggestions for improvement.
• 4.5.3 Use feedback to enhance the volunteer program and address any concerns. 4.6 Volunteer Retention and Development
• 4.6.1 Foster a positive and inclusive volunteer community by encouraging social interactions and team-building activities.
• 4.6.2 Offer opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills, take on leadership roles, or engage in further training.
• 4.6.3 Maintain regular communication with volunteers to keep them informed and engaged with the community's activities.

5. Documentation and Records

• Maintain a database of volunteer information, including contact details, skills, availability, and volunteer history.
• Keep records of volunteer hours, training sessions attended, and feedback received.

6. Review and Continuous Improvement

• Regularly review the volunteer program's effectiveness, considering volunteer satisfaction, program impact, and community needs.
• Implement changes and improvements based on feedback and evolving goals of the Regenerative Neighborhood.

7. Responsibility

• The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for implementing and overseeing this SOP, ensuring compliance, and addressing any issues that arise.
• Volunteers are responsible for adhering to the guidelines and expectations outlined in this SOP and contributing positively to the Regenerative Neighborhood.

8. Approval and Revision

• This SOP must be approved by the Regenerative Neighborhood's management team and community.
• The SOP should be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

8. Foster culture with your local community.

Having a strong local network is one of the most important steps of the journey, Establishing a community of communities, neighbors, service providers, and friends will bring back efforts in multiples. Here is a starting point to building these relationships : Creating a local network with other community land developments, neighbors, farmers, and other stakeholders is essential for building a resilient and resourceful regenerative neighborhood. Here's a guide to help you establish and maintain a strong network:

1. Define Your Goals and Objectives

• Identify Needs: Determine what resources, knowledge, and support your community needs and what it can offer to others.
• Set Clear Objectives: Define what you aim to achieve through this network, such as sharing resources, collaborating on projects, or enhancing local biodiversity.

2. Identify Potential Partners

• Research Local Initiatives: Look for nearby community land developments, agricultural cooperatives, environmental organizations, and other relevant groups.
• Connect with Individuals: Reach out to local farmers, artisans, educators, and residents who might be interested in joining or supporting the network.

3. Establish Communication Channels

• Create a Platform: Set up a website, social media group, or online forum where members can share information, ask questions, and collaborate.
• Organize Regular Meetings: Plan periodic in-person or virtual meetings to discuss progress, share updates, and brainstorm ideas.

4. Foster Relationships and Trust

• Build Personal Connections: Encourage members to get to know each other on a personal level, as trust is the foundation of a strong network.
• Promote Transparency: Ensure that all communication and decision-making processes are open and transparent to all network members.

5. Collaborate on Projects and Initiatives

• Identify Shared Interests: Find common ground where members can collaborate, such as joint purchasing of supplies, shared use of equipment, or collective marketing efforts.
• Support Local Events: Organize or participate in local fairs, workshops, and other events to showcase your network's achievements and attract new members.

6. Share Knowledge and Resources

• Create a Resource Library: Compile and share information on best practices, sustainable technologies, and other relevant topics.
• Offer Training and Workshops: Organize educational sessions on topics such as permaculture, renewable energy, or organic farming to enhance members' skills and knowledge.

7. Evaluate and Adapt

• Monitor Progress: Regularly assess the network's achievements against your goals and objectives.
• Stay Flexible: Be open to adjusting your strategies and approaches based on feedback and changing circumstances.

8. Celebrate Successes

• Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize the efforts and achievements of network members to maintain motivation and enthusiasm.
• Share Stories: Publicize success stories to inspire others and demonstrate the impact of your collaborative efforts.

9. Expand Your Network

• Reach Out to New Members: Continuously look for opportunities to grow your network by inviting new participants who align with your goals.
• Connect with Other Networks: Explore partnerships with regional or national networks to access additional resources and knowledge.

10. Ensure Sustainability

• Secure Funding: Explore grants, sponsorships, and other funding sources to support the network's activities and projects.
• Develop a Long-Term Plan: Establish a vision for the future of the network and outline steps to achieve long-term sustainability. By following these steps and fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, you can create a resilient and resourceful network that enhances the sustainability and vitality of your regenerative neighborhood.

9. Strategy Check list for growing the extended community of your regenerative neighborhood

Growing the extended community for your regenerative neighborhood is very important. It creates more positive connections for your residents and leads to more residents, more guests, more visitors, more space bookings, more participants at events. More people in your community also helps grow businesses happening within the community - a key component of a resilient economy for your residents. Below are the important steps to help form your extended community :

1. Clear documentation for how to arrive.

2. Clear documentation about your community (think users manual/wiki)

1. Template for a Public Wiki we developed for Community Lab X - prototype neighborhood in Tulum, Mexico

3. A digital chat group where members can chat and you share updates, events, & news

1. Telegram, whatsap, facebook group, etc

4. Create monthly event schedule for activities happening at your community

5. Community hacking

1. Join local existing community groups that are value aligned to your community

6. Share your events on event platforms

1. Event brite, Luma, meet up, facebook,

7. Attend local events and connect with facilitators

8. Create membership cards for people coming to the community

11. Manage & Review Holistic Ecosystems

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Now that it’s built, your community needs long-term management systems. Monitoring and reviewing metrics towards being regenerative, honoring vision, mission.

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1. High Level Assessment

Here are some high level questions to ask in order to assess the health of the community and its impact on the surrounding area. This Holistic Community Ecosystem Assessment refers to the cultural ecosystems as well as the biological ecosystem. This is your Impact Assessment. What is holistic ecosystem management for? Your community is built and you are trying to refine and improve your success and impact as a community. These assessments will be broken down into 4 ecosystems – internal community health, local community impact, societal integration, and overall regenerative integrity.

1. Internal Community Health

• What are the systems for accountability to the community ideals?
• Managing tasks and roles? Missing anything? Time to add more or different systems/tools/communication styles?
• Avoiding hierarchy, nepotism, and power struggles.
• Assessing community member happiness
• Level of turnover in staff, volunteers, members, residents, etc. How long on average each one stays

2. Local Community Impact

• How are we integrating indigenous wisdom and nearby communities / locals?
• Activism
• Accessibility
• Community relationships/partnerships – how many organizations are we collaborating with?
• How many regenerative communities do we actively communicate with?
• Are we too focused on our own community to participate in local relationships?
• What is the amount of land/resources we have conserved? Interdependence with local communities:
• Build inter-village infrastructure
• Exchange and/or share resources
• Build alliances

3. Societal Integration

• What is our level of participation in the world at large?
• Politics
• Insular?
• Do we take a stand on particular issues? Do we host foster children, refugees, etc?
• Integrating technologies
• Adapting to world events

4. Overall Regenerative Integrity

• How can we do it better/more efficiently?
• What have we learned in the process and can retroactively apply?
• How are we giving back to nature? Are we as sustainable as we originally wanted to be? Reassess goals.
• Are we stagnating?

2. Logistics & Management

1. Management Systems

Charlie and Free House with Dark Matter Labs Wikis, Manuals, Onboarding/Orientation, Roles and responsibilities, space upkeep,

• Use a project management system
• Our favorite is a kanban board task card system.

1. Operations

• First aide

1. Collect Data

Measure impact, especially for funding

3. Futurist Community Practices

1. Intergenerational Leadership & Management

Helping a temporary resident transition to a full-time one. Intergenerational training – identifying leaders of the next generation Apprenticeship Plan for retirement or medical care for residents reinvesting into the community. Infrastructure to add based on emerging needs? New Technologies

4. Create resilient local networks

1. Connect to an Existing Meta Network

1. I.e. coordi-nations and network states

⚡ Take Action on Your Plan ⚡️ Take Action on Your Plan ⚡️ Milestones Break the timeline of the community/project down into tangible phases and the goals associated with each phase. In other words, what are the goals, once completed, that will let you know that you have achieved each milestone? Timeline & Tasks Now with these overarching milestones in mind, use these tables to break down the most important tasks to achieve in order to move this project forward. Prioritize tasks in sequential order or order of importance. We’ve included our suggestions for the fundamental steps every community can take within each milestone. Put a due date for these tasks, and allow for the ability for your group to change and reassess this plan over time. —---------- WORKING NOTES —-------------------- Integrate from Oscar’s Guide https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uq_VvnK7qKjNKZRux0YZdl9LoLMiB4gC_GtaPYt4nzw/edit BIPOC https://organizingforpower.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/community-builders-tool-kit.pdf CTAs to work with Regen Tribe Are you ready to build your regenerative community? Regen Tribe is ready to help. – Join Tribes – Join the Catalyzer Calls or cohort online – Join us for an in-person catalyzer experience – Contract us for private consulting – Land development/ selling lots Include a more comprehensive guide than this to the benefits of starting your community in a particular region Prominent guides to link TDF guide – “How to Build A Regenerative Village” Building a life together Auravana Guide Together Resilient Reinhabiting the Village Contributors: Michael Lester

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✅ :: CHECK LIST :: ✅ 10 Sections of the Community Alchemy Process

1. Hone Your Community Vision

1. Culture canvas board

2. What is your purpose

3. What is your mission and vision

4. Define values, principles

5. Define hard yes and hard no behaviors and norms

2. Recruit Your Ideal Members

1. Make org chart

2. Define objectives

3. Define responsibilities to accomplish those objectives

4. Assign responsibilities

5. Share on channels

3. Align with Group Agreements & Governance (Group agreements and governance)

1. How do we decide together?

2. How do people join? Exit?

3. Write the rules in a doc?

4. Design Your Community & Income Models (community & business design)

1. What is your business

2. Business plan

3. What community infrastructure do you need

5. Acquire the Best Land for Your Needs (real estate)

1. Define the climate you want

2. Define regions possible

3. Define countries

4. Find 5 potential properties

6. Identify Your Funding Needs

1. Define money you need

2. PnL sheet

7. Strategize Your Marketing

1. Marketing

2. Social media accounts!

3. Take photos onto a google drive

4. Share with others for content

8. Master Plan Your Sustainable Systems

9. Construct Your Physical Neighborhoods

10. Live In Your Dream Community & Curate Community Culture
11. Create and Manage Holistic Community Ecosystems [a]disconnect these two [b]add info about sivoPasture systems [c]Marked as resolved [d]Re-opened