Intentional Communities

Building community with purpose and integrity

How We Help

Common Needs, Desires and Aspirations We Address:

  • Authentic Communication and Connection
  • Maintaining Healthy Ongoing Communities
  • Stages of Group Process
  • Essential Communication Skills
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Group/Team Skills
  • Community Connectedness
  • Bridging Differences With Respect
  • Dealing with Difficult Issues
  • Conflict
  • Giving and Receiving Feedback
  • Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
  • Renewal and Commitment
  • Group and Community Dynamics
  • Teamwork Essentials

Committing to Growth

A fundamental principle of Community Building is inclusivity, we welcome all who wish to participate. At the same time, Community Building is not for everyone. There is an old saying: What you put into something is what you get out of it. Community Building asks you to invest yourself in the process and commit to:

    1. Self-reflection and discovery
    2. Learning together
    3. Depth of communication
    4. Taking risks when appropriate
    5. Willingness to “hang in there” and “trust the process”

Now, that you know the kind of individuals that we serve and work with, and the needs and aspirations we help them address, learn more about our Programs and Services.

Testimonials

This workshop renewed my faith in humanity, and my belief in myself and self-worth.

It was human interaction on the deepest, most meaningful level. I will take this experience and the skills and insights I learned out into all aspects of my life… I would absolutely recommend this process to anyone and everyone in all organizations, institutions, families and partnerships.

Liz M., Peace Studies graduate program
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Sept. 2023

One of the most profound experiences

of community is offered by Community Building International. Patterned on the principles of M. Scott Peck, MD, the distinguished author and champion of community, the CBI training encourages participants to confront and remove barriers to true vulnerability, to confront fears that mitigate against real connection and to overcome them. Participation in the process takes courage. It requires deep respect for the humanity and potential of other participants. It requires the deepest personal commitment and desire to achieve something greater than one’s individual self can realize or achieve in isolation. It is also entirely worth the effort.

Bill Hicks
retired healthcare executive

Research

The importance of social connection and community

From 2023 USA Surgeon General Report:

Social connection is a significant predictor of longevity and better physical, cognitive, and mental health, while isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of premature death and poor health.

Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.

 

Let's Connect!

The benefits of social connection… influence an individual’s educational attainment, workplace satisfaction, economic prosperity, and overall feelings of well-being and life fulfillment.

Social isolation is arguably the strongest and most reliable predictor of suicidal behavior among samples varying in age, nationality, and clinical severity.

Loneliness and social isolation among children and adolescents increase the risk of depression and anxiety.
Almost half of Americans (49%) in 2021 reported having three or fewer close friends.

Research has shown that more connected communities enjoy higher levels of well-being.

THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC

The rate of loneliness among young adults has increased every year between 1976 and 2019

Poor social relationships were associated with:

  • 29% increase in the risk of heart disease
  • 32% increase in the risk of stroke
  • increased risk for anxiety, depression, and dementia
  • increase susceptibility to viruses and respiratory illness

50% of adults in the U.S. reported being lonely in recent years — and that was even before COVID-19.

Lacking social connection and community… is associated with a significantly increased risk for early death from all causes.

A culture of connection is vital to creating the changes needed in society.

THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC

Trust in each other and major institutions is at near historic lows. Levels of polarization are at near historic highs. These phenomena combine to have widespread effects on society.

Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together. We can build lives and communities that are healthier and happier. And we can ensure our country and the world are better poised than ever to take on the challenges that lay ahead. Our future depends on what we do today.

How strange that we should ordinarily feel compelled to hide our wounds when we are all wounded! Community requires the ability to expose our wounds and weaknesses to our fellow creatures. It also requires the ability to be affected by the wounds of others... But even more important is the love that arises among us when we share, both ways, our woundedness. - M. Scott Peck

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