Collective Spaces: A Canvas of Community and Co-creation
Situated on 204 acres in picturesque southern Virginia, Collective Spaces invites individuals with a passion for the land, inclusivity, and class solidarity to co-create a thriving intentional community. As we put down roots, we’re seeking to blend our shared aspirations with the vast potential of our landscape, all while striving to live in harmony with nature.
Our Digital Touchpoints:
We’ve adapted modern tools to foster our community spirit and to be inclusive of members wherever they currently live. Our primary mode of communication is through Discord, a platform that lets us maintain ongoing themed discussions, ensuring continuity and clarity. Simultaneously, our collaborative efforts manifest on Google Drive, where we share, co-edit, and manifest our ideas. Meetings are held through Google Meet so we can all see one another and exist together in a digital space.
Governance with Equality at its Core:
Sociocracy governs our community, emphasizing equal voice for all members. In this model, individuals are encouraged to step into leadership roles within specific circles, be it finance, housing, or membership. The beauty of Sociocracy lies in its ability to empower members, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and that decisions align with our community’s goals.
Our Roots:
The vision for Collective Spaces emerged when Peter chanced upon this beautiful tract of land. It was the spark that lit the fire, and our community quickly evolved into a collective effort, embracing values like class solidarity, inclusion, and responsible stewardship.
Membership & Ownership:
Becoming a member of Collective Spaces isn’t just about joining a community; it’s about shared ownership. Through our Ownership Unit LLC model, all governing members have an equal say, irrespective of their financial stake. The financial commitments are flexible, ensuring that all can partake in this journey, regardless of their means.
A Canvas Awaiting its Colors:
At Collective Spaces, we see ourselves as a canvas with the edges painted in – we share visions of land stewardship, communal spaces, and collaborative endeavors. There’s ample space left for fresh ideas and collective dreams. Our immediate goals encompass workshops on natural building, cultivating a food forest, and integrating with platforms like HipCamp. Future aspirations are vast – from building a dance hall and pizza oven to hosting outdoor music events and educational sessions.
Mission Statement: Creating vibrant spaces to grow, learn, live, play, and thrive together.
Vision Statement: Collective Spaces, a diverse and inclusive group, stewards the land, breaks class barriers, supports each other, improves ourselves, and positively impacts our communities. We are creating a vibrant space to grow, learn, live, play, and thrive together.
Mission Statement: Creating vibrant spaces to grow, learn, live, play, and thrive together.
Vision Statement: Collective Spaces, a diverse and inclusive group, stewards the land, breaks class barriers, supports each other, improves ourselves, and positively impacts our communities. We are creating a vibrant space to grow, learn, live, play, and thrive together.
At Collective Spaces, our membership journey is a seamless blend of digital and physical immersion, designed to foster a deep sense of belonging. Prospective members begin as ‘Participants’, gaining enhanced access to our online platforms like the CS Discord and collaborative Google Drive. During this phase, they’re encouraged to actively engage in discussions, collaborate on proposals, and participate in on-site events. Following this digital and on-ground introduction, Participants transition to ‘Trial Membership’, a deeper phase that culminates in full membership, usually over a span of six months. This holistic process ensures that new members resonate with our ethos, values, and communal responsibilities.
Contact Us!
The whole membership decides collectively.
Organized in circles or domains with distributed authority.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Monthly fees/dues: $200
Labor: Encouraged or suggested (2 hours/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: Yes
Collective Spaces Economic Ethos: Bridging Class Solidarity & Sustainable Stewardship
At Collective Spaces, we embrace a unique economic paradigm that intertwines class solidarity with the timeless rhythms of the land.
Non-extractive Collective: Rooted in sustainability, we’re committed to a non-extractive approach. Recognizing the land as a living, breathing entity, we uphold the principle of reciprocity. What we derive from the land, we pledge to replenish. It’s a relationship of mutual respect and renewal.
Pragmatic Economics within Capitalism: While we acknowledge the current capitalist structure, our vision isn’t narrowed by its metrics. We respect money’s role in achieving practical needs but don’t idolize profitability or the capitalist definition of success.
Personal Financial Freedom: We champion individual economic autonomy. Members aren’t bound by income-sharing mandates and can pursue on-site or off-site vocations as they resonate. This flexibility ensures our community thrives while members remain true to their personal aspirations.
Land as a Sustainable Resource: The land isn’t just our home—it’s a partner in our economic endeavors. We’re dedicated to unlocking its potential in ecologically balanced ways, fostering income streams that benefit not just our collective, but the wider community we’re embedded in.
Community-Driven Ventures: Entrepreneurship on our land is communal at its core. Every business germinating from our soil grows as a cooperative, reinforcing our collective’s foundational ethos.
Capital Accounts & Ownership Units: Each member’s Capital Account mirrors the value of their Ownership Unit. In our model, every member is endowed with one Ownership Unit, guaranteeing equal representation. Here, monetary contribution determines the value of the ownership but doesn’t amplify one’s voice. Our essence is rooted in the belief that every voice is integral, irrespective of financial stature.
Outbuilding(s), Fire pit
Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.
Join our newsletter to stay up to date.
{{ item.label }}
{{ item.value ? item.value : currencyFormat( item.amount ) }}
Subtotal
{{ currencyFormat( pricing_summary.total_amount ) }}
