Twelve Communities Begin Building a Regional Network of Mutual Aid – Puget Sound Watershed

Convergence of Intentional Communities (CIC) 2026 Report

We’re excited to report back from the June Convergence of Intentional Communities (CIC), where twelve intentional communities and partner organizations came together to begin building a regional network rooted in mutual aid, solidarity, and shared resilience. Here’s a look at what we created together—and where we’re headed next.

Building a Regional Network

From June 18–21, twenty-seven people from twelve intentional communities and several nonprofit organizations gathered at Sahale, the Goodenough Community’s retreat center in Tahuya, Washington. Participants represented communities throughout the Puget Sound watershed, including  Songaia Cohousing in Botgell to Port Townsend Ecovillage, Star Community, the Goodenough Community, REV aka South Seattle Revolutionary People’s Hu and others around Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia.

Together we came with a shared purpose: The Convergence of Intentional Communities (CIC) is a networking gathering for grassroots movement-building, created by and for people who live in intentional communities. The goal of CIC is to build strong relationships in support of creating a thriving system of mutual aid between intentional communities and the organizations that support them.

This regional convergence was inspired by the national Convergences of Intentional Communities, organized by the Foundation for Intentional Community and held at Twin Oaks Community in Virginia over the last two years. Ours was the first regional gathering of its kind.

One of the most inspiring outcomes was the collective commitment participants made to continue the work. Together, attendees identified more than 250 volunteer hours each month that they are willing to contribute toward building this emerging network.

We devoted our hearts and our energy to nurturing a cooperative culture that supports one another—and all of life.

And birth we did.

A Core Working Group, five additional Working Groups, and numerous individual projects emerged from the weekend. Together they represent our commitment to creating collaborative, life-supporting systems that help our communities become more resilient and interconnected.

The Gathering

Four experienced facilitators—Roberto Rodrigues, Sabrina Simon, Sky Blue, and Ying Liu—guided the gathering through storytelling, song circles, “Making the Invisible Visible,” and “What’s in Our Way.” These activities strengthened existing relationships while helping new ones form.

Participants also created a green-yarn relationship map, revealing the connections already linking our communities while identifying shared needs, available resources, and opportunities for collaboration. Another powerful exercise explored both the forces supporting intentional communities and the barriers that continue to stand in our way.

Just as important were the informal moments: sharing healthy meals prepared by Natasha and Niles, spending time in nature, laughing together, and deepening friendships that will support this work long after the gathering ended.

Working Groups & Projects

Core Working Group

The Core Working Group will steward the overall development of the emerging regional network by creating an organizational structure that supports collaboration between intentional communities.

Working together are Sky Blue (Goodenough Community), Ruben Szabo (Songia Cohousing), Peaceray Leonard, Florian Becquereau, and Angelique Marchion (Star Community), Jessica Schilke and Forest Gibson (REV Community), Elsbeth Flanders (Creature Comforts Community), and Julie Wolf (NW Permaculture).

Look for:

• A draft proposal outlining the network’s structure, goals, and ongoing development.
• An invitation for both individuals and communities to join the network.

Five Working Groups

Participants organized into five Working Groups focused on developing practical systems that strengthen community resilience:

• Learning & Education — Monthly online and in-person educational programs, along with support for communities wishing to host or present learning events.
• Technology — Technology that helps communities connect, collaborate, learn, and support one another while creating an engaging experience aiming to be ready for internet/mobile optionality.
• Finance — Legal, regulatory, and financial resources to support intentional communities through formation, transition, and dissolution.
• Food Systems — Locally based, cost-effective, and sustainable food systems that strengthen regional food security.
• Resilience & Preparedness — Collecting and sharing emergency preparedness knowledge, skills, and community resilience practices already in use throughout the region.

Each Working Group has identified concrete next steps, including surveys for educational offerings, resource libraries, re-gathering plans, demonstrations, and pilot projects that will continue developing throughout the coming months.

Individual Projects

Participants also committed to a variety of independent projects that will support the wider network, including:

• Relocation support for trans and queer refugees seeking community.
• Income-sharing systems within and between intentional communities.
• Games and role-playing for conflict transformation and relationship skills.
• A movie series exploring systems change and community.
• Solarpunk storytelling and alternative media.
• Community-based business models.
• Conflict tending and relational capacity building.
• The Tenowa healing biotope project.
• Exploring how NW Permaculture can support this emerging regional vision.
• Robotics and AI tools that serve communities and life.

Looking Ahead

This convergence marked the beginning—not the completion—of a regional network of intentional communities committed to mutual aid, shared learning, and resilient local systems.

If one of these Working Groups or individual projects sparks your interest, we’d love to hear from you. Together we’re building the relationships, skills, and practical systems needed to support thriving communities across the Puget Sound watershed region and beyond.

Thank you for your care and support.

CIC Reporting Team

Sol Riou and Julie Wolf

PS Julie can put you in touch with a group that is supporting founding new communities and income sharing (RCG), if you like.