We are researchers, facilitators, and leaders from around the world, dedicated to the craft of togethering better.
Our mission is to gather and share resources that support new and seasoned community builders in growing our capacity to co-create.
"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."
— Krishnamurti
Human beings are social creatures, and yet we find ourselves in the middle of an epidemic of loneliness.
What happened?
Isolated Living
In the last two hundred years, the vast majority of humans have moved from small village culture into disconnected cities and sprawling suburbs where “good fences make good neighbors”. Connection no longer just happens in our neighborhood. Without spaces to gather, it often doesn’t happen at all.
Virtual Selves
As a society, we have never been more connected technologically. But we've never spent less time together. Seeking to get all of our social needs met through a screen, we end up unhealthy, disembodied, and even more alone at the end of the day.
Retail Loneliness
Loneliness has become a powerful force in our consumer-driven society. We are used to trading money for our needs. We end up using the cause for the cure, spending money on products and entertainment to fill the void. But true community cannot be bought or sold.
Together, we can turn this around.
"We rise by lifting others."
— Robert Ingersoll
How can you join the movement?
The Community Builders
Jumpstart Course
A 12 week course for nascent community builders. Tips, templates, and peer support to launch your dream. Now in beta!
The Community Builders
Workbook
An free, interactive graphic-novel-style workbook that takes you through the key steps of starting your own community.
The Community Builders
Collective
An invite- and application-only group of experienced community builders. Join us for retreats, story-sharing, and peer support.
FREE Community Builders Workbook
Enter your email to get an interactive graphic-novel-style workbook that takes you through the key steps of starting your own community.
The Community Builders Jumpstart Course
Beginning January 14th
This course is built for beginnermediate community enthusiasts who want to create in-person gatherings, weave networks of mutual support, and lay the foundations for your local, place-based communities to thrive.
YOU
...have an inkling of who you'd like to build community for and with, and some experience in facilitation (have led at least 2 events in any area in the past).
...are willing to commit to 4-8 hours a week of learning and practice, including having conversations and creating events within your own community.
...feel open to taking a critical, honest look at your own capacities, and accept others as your teachers. Humility is a pre-requisite for community leadership.
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."
— Henry Ford
What to Expect
6 Learning Sessions
Each week, we'll cover a different aspect of community building, such as:
- What is Community
- Finding your Why
- Discovering your People
- Planning Community Events
- Community Outreach & Marketing
- Becoming the Builder
- Feedback and Facilitation
- Community Rhythms and Self-Sustainability
Sessions will be highly interactive and comprise teaching, planning, and exercises.
6 Pod Sessions
As part of the course, you will be assigned to your own small group which you will meet every other week to share best practices, offer support, and debrief Community Missions. Pod members often continue to connect and collaborate with each other even after the course completes.
4 Story Circles
We learn through others' experience. Every month, the CBC will host a Story Circle where we'll invite both community veterans and YOU to tell us stories about your community-building journey. Share successes, learnings, poignant moments, and hilarious fails - or just come and listen!
Community Missions
We are here to build community, not just envision it. Each week of the course, you will be asked to take real steps and make direct actions. This will range from conducting potential member interviews, to crafting your vision and story; from creating your first targeted events to building your ongoing team.
Resource Library
Gain unlimited access to a library of resources, including case studies, best practice guides, and expert interviews. We'll cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of community building to advanced techniques.
Investment: $700
or $25/week for 7 months.
Scholarships are available for community-builders who serve low-income demographics.
Apply for the Beta Course
Beginning January 14th.
Wednesdays 5-7 PST / 7-9 CT
12 weeks of learning, practice, and connection.
Become one of us.
Apply hereCourse Guides
Sara Ness
Educator & Consultant
Sara Ness is a facilitator, writer, researcher, and mediator who is internationally known for popularizing the field of Authentic Relating. She has led to the founding of 60+ connection communities, many relationships, and at least a few babies, as well as training government agencies and Fortune 500 company leaders in connection skills. Sara is currently the Resident Research Nerd and Community Consultant at the social health nonprofit SeekHealing, and the Chief Instigator at her own company, Authentic Revolution. You can find Sara's writing at https://substack.com/@authenticrevolutionary and her connection work at www.authrev.org.
Kael/a Atleework
Community Builder
Kael/a Atleework is an experience designer, a human connectivity researcher, and an international community builder. In the last decade, she has facilitated groups and spoken to audiences in over 17 countries, and has a deep passion for understanding the ways in which we can “together better” as humans. Kael/a is the founder of Montaia Basecamp, a regenerative co-living community in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California. When they are not facilitating co-living experiments or guiding group wilderness expeditions, Kael/a travels the world teaching and researching intersubjective practices that range from somatic (contact improvisation) to communicational (such as authentic relating).
Geof Krum
Experience Designer
Geof is a pioneering force in fostering a more connected and authentic human experience. As the Pioneer of Possibility at Authentic Revolution and Dean of their Facilitation Academy, he envisions a future where connection and community are central to workplaces, public spaces, and living environments. With experience in event design for SXSW and HBO, executive consultation for Google and Kellogg, and training from factory floors to National Weather Service situation rooms, Geof employs a holistic approach to social health facilitation. He is dedicated to combating loneliness by empowering social health facilitators and designers.
"If you are going to gather, gather. If you are going to host, host. If you are going to create a kingdom for an hour or a day, rule it—and rule it with generosity."
— Priya Parker
FREE Community Builders Workbook
Enter your email to get an interactive, graphic-novel-style workbook that takes you through the key steps of starting your own community.
