How to Start Your Own Community with Rules You Make

Imagine the freedom of running your own community where you can set the rules and create an environment tailored to your values and beliefs. Starting such a community may seem daunting, but with the right resources and a solid plan, it is entirely possible. In this article, we will explore the steps you can take to start your own community where you make the rules.

Understanding the Concept of Intentional Communities

One of the first steps in starting a community with self-determined rules is to understand the concept of intentional communities. These are groups of people who live together with a shared vision and set of values, and they often create their own rules and norms to guide their daily lives. If you are interested in learning more about intentional communities, consider visiting the website Intentional Communities - Find, Join, Learn about Intentional Community or reading Diana Leafe Christian’s book ‘Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities’.

Declaring Your Intentions

The first step in establishing your community is to declare your intentions. Let potential members know that you are starting a community where you and the members will collectively craft the rules. It is important to communicate this clearly and transparently. You can do this through social media, local community bulletin boards, or even through local newspapers. Clearly stating your vision and the benefits of joining can help attract like-minded individuals.

Persuading Individuals to Join

One of the most challenging aspects of starting an intentional community is persuasion. You will need to convince potential members that your community is a valuable and worthwhile endeavor. Develop a clear and compelling message that addresses the following questions:

What are the core values and principles of your community? What benefits will members gain from joining your community? How will the community function and what rules will be in place? What can members expect from their participation?

Engage with potential members through meetings, open forums, and other forms of interaction to discuss these issues and build a sense of community.

Choosing the Right Platform

When starting your community, you will need a platform to facilitate communication and interaction among members. If your community is based on a WordPress site, BuddyPress is an excellent choice. BuddyPress is a community management plugin that can be integrated with WordPress to create a vibrant community. For non-WordPress users, OSSN (Open Source Social Network) is a free option available from SourceForge. OSSN is a powerful and flexible platform that can be customized to fit the specific needs of your community.

Creating and Enforcing Rules

Once you have established your community and attracted participants, it is crucial to create and enforce rules. These rules should be developed collaboratively, ensuring that they reflect the values and principles of your community. Common rules in intentional communities include shared responsibilities, communication practices, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Clearly articulate these rules and ensure that all members understand and agree to them.

Conclusion

Starting your own community where you can make the rules is a rewarding endeavor. By understanding the concept of intentional communities, declaring your intentions clearly, persuading individuals to join, and choosing the right platform, you can create a thriving and vibrant community. Remember to involve your members in the rule-setting process and enforce these rules consistently to ensure the long-term success of your community.