Community Gatherings
About Our Community Gatherings
Every year we host Community Gatherings in the Spring and Fall which are open to the public.
Whether you're part of a community or just dipping your toes, you are welcome to attend. These events are a great place to mingle and network with other communitarians. They provide opportunities for intentional communities in our region to meet each other, talk about similarities and differences, and share what has been learned. Also, we try to schedule a guest speakers or workshops for some of our events.
Join our upcoming Community Gathering
Since 1993, the Northwest Intentional Communities Association (NICA) has been holding Spring and Fall Gathering events which are hosted and organized by, and are about, intentional communities in the Pacific Northwest of the US and BC, Canada.
NICA's 2023 Spring Gathering, themed: "Bringing Together the Rural and Urban Communities", will be held in the beautiful rural landscape of Geoclectic Grove which is a developing community near Buckley WA.
Our NICA gatherings always bring together experienced community members with community seekers to learn about, engage with and practice the cooperative living skills that will enable everyone to survive and thrive during challenging times.
For this gathering, we decided to draw upon the wisdom of the gathering and explore the similarities and differences between rural and urban communities as a group and then we'll interact in small groups to consider the ideas we've gained. There will also be time to have an afternoon session on how Communities can be strengthened and built by successfully working through conflict. This will be guided by NICA Board Member Thomas S. Griggs PhD who has lead leadership programs for over 20 years in North Carolina, and has now relocated to the Seattle area. You can learn more about his insight and approaches at Griggs Leadership Program.
May 13th
(Saturday)
View full event details, schedule, and ticket options
Past Events
Photos From Past Gatherings
More photos coming
Past Activities and Speakers
We don't always have a speaker at our events but we do try when it's feasable. Here's a sample of past speakers and workshops we've had at different gatherings.
- Speakers Yana Ludwig and Betty Martin -
Shared their wealth of knowledge and experience, and interacted in small groups to model the ideas they've gained.
- Speaker Crystal Byrd Farmer -
Author of "The Token: Common Sense Ideas for Increasing Diversity in Your Organization." Spoke directly about issues of diversity, with special implications for those of us living in community, or seeking to do so.
- Workshop by Diana Leafe Christian -
Three Aspects of Healthy, Thriving Community.
- Workshop by Diane Biray Gregario -
Emotional Rescue.
- Workshop by Patricia Newkirk, Joey Crotty, and Anita Higgins -
Re-membering the Song of the Earth: An Opportunity for Deep Discussion.
- Accessible Yoga with Miku Lenentine
Past Gatherings
Here are some of the past gatherings we've held.
5/7/2022
Spring Gathering
5/7/2022
Theme: "Renewing society through community"
Location: Vashon Cohousing
5/8/2021
Spring Gathering
5/8/2021
Theme: "Communities Present Positive, Affordable Housing Solutions in the Age of COVID"
Location: Zoom Meeting (due to Covid)
8/3/2020
Fall Gathering
8/3/2020
Theme: "Inclusive Communities Thrive Together"
Location: Zoom Meeting (due to Covid)
5/31/2020
Spring Gathering
5/31/2020
Theme: "Re-membering the song: The role of community in cultivating personal, social, and ecological resilience in the face of uncertainty"
Location: Zoom Meeting (due to Covid)
4/27/2019
Spring Gathering
4/27/2019
Theme: "Affordable Housing in Intentional Communities"
Location: Maxwelton Creek CoHousing
6/3/2018
Spring Gathering
6/3/2018
Location: Sahale Learning Center
10/14/2017
Fall Gathering
10/14/2017
Theme: "Our Communities as Social Change Labs"
Location: "Beacon Hill, WA
4/26/2014
Spring Gathering
4/26/2014
Location: PRAG House