Consultants

Getting Along as a Group

Visioning or development

These professionals specialize in guiding groups in defining the shared values, goals, and structure of the community.

Group facilitation

These professionals have specialized skills listed in their profile descriptions. They may have skills in other consultant categories also.

Governance or decision making

These professionals have skills in sociocracy, holocracy, or general community leadership experience.

Mentoring long term

Group mentors may develop familiarity with your group over time. Some may not have certifications but are experienced and wise elders.

Mediation or conflict resolution

Intentional communities typically hope for an equitable outcome rather than any one party trying to have the greatest gain for themselves. We invite our legal consultants to list based on their experience with intentional communities and their training as mediators, so they can act as intermediaries rather than having double costs of a representative for each side. For relatively minor concerns, you might hire a group facilitator trained in conflict resolution who can do an adequate job at less expense to your group. Be sure to recap and write up the agreement promptly, preferably before the end of the meetings, to ensure that everyone’s understanding and memory of the agreement is the same. Get the agreement signed by all when finalized. Give each member a copy of the agreement, so there is no question later of whether unauthorized changes were made.

Team recreation

These help build a strong and supportive community culture through shared activities, norms, and communication. You might find these consultants helpful to add in the mix for retreats or visitor sessions for getting to know prospective members.

Membership or diversity

These consultants may have experience helping communities craft statements of membership criteria and agreements. They guide groups in developing processes for attracting and integrating new members and establishing effective communication channels. Some of these consultants have specialized experience relevant to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Bringing in Income and Resources

Youth education

These professionals have a variety of specialized skills listed in their profile descriptions, including charter school setup and alternative education styles such as Montessori and Waldorf.

Business management

These professionals have experience with the business and non-profit aspect of ICs. This is more than just book keeping. Look for consultants who run a similar type of operation to your IC or planned IC.

Finances or taxes

Our finance advisors specialize in community-related contexts.

Marketing or website

These professionals have in-depth experience with ICs and know how to increase your visibility.

Grant writing

Our listed grant writers may be able to direct you to relevant funding sources even if you are not a certified non-profit organization. Professional grant writers may also be willing to train one of your members to do the bulk of the grant searches and research. Fiscal sponsors may be able to act as an umbrella organization to support your funding of a project that meets their guidelines. See our page Financing Intentional Communities by Grants page, linked from Financing, in the footer.

Property management

Our property managers have successfully worked with groups for several years. They can guide you in establishing time-tested procedures related to facilities management, rentals, and hospitality services.

Financial and Legal Setup

Legal or financial planning

Even with the best of intentions on both sides, written agreements are crucial. Our listed legal professionals can help you prepare or finalize contracts. By making clear everyone’s commitments, even when you fully trust the other(s), you give yourselves a mandate to discuss potential challenges thoroughly, which can prevent misunderstandings or disputes. For any financial interactions, agreements should be in writing, signed and dated. If all maintain their good will and compliance with the agreement, it is still possible that a members’ death would call into question how much was contributed by each member. You should have signed records to prevent loss of your contributions. Don’t make it something you’ll get around to later. Each state has different laws around housing, so we recommend you check local jurisdictional requirements and limitations. It is important to consult with a lawyer for specifics on your situation. Get legal advice relevant to your state or province. With our listed consultants, you can limit your search by area. Often, a mediator can assist you in writing your agreements at a lower cost, then you should get a final review by a lawyer and officially file the document with the appropriate governing body.

Zoning & compliance

It’s best to find these professionals local to you, but even when distant, they can guide you in working with local municipalities to change or adapt regulations.

Realtor or broker

These realtors who specialize in multiple-party purchases or are actively upgrading their understanding of location-specific legal options for joint ownership. This category includes non-realtors who specialize in land acquisition and development.

Lendor or investor

These are funding or lending institutions that are willing to work with unconventional loan structures or mortgages for multiple buyers of a property.

Land & Property Development

Participatory design & architecture

This category may have individual architects. These consultants may be groups with multiple specialists to help founders to develop new cohousing projects.

Sanitation or water

It’s best to find these professionals local to you, familiar with specific offices and regulations.

Renewable power or electrical

These professionals may not specialize in intentional community contexts, but they are qualified to help you reach your sustainability or self-sufficiency goals.

Natural building

It’s best to find these professionals local to you, familiar with the best green building materials for your climate.

Plant crops / garden / greenhouse

It’s best to find these professionals local to you, familiar with the climate and regional plants.

Animal husbandry

It’s best to find these professionals local to you, familiar with the climate, local resources, and local regulations.