When you hear about intentional communities or land-based projects, it can feel like something far away — something other people do. But the truth is, the village movement grows stronger every time someone shows up with curiosity, support, or a skill to share.

Community isn’t something we find; it’s something we build together, ridge by ridge.

Here are some ways you can be part of it, right where you are:

1. Learn and Share
Start by reading, listening, and talking about intentional communities with friends and neighbors. Awareness is the first step to growing support.

2. Volunteer Your Skills
From gardening to carpentry, cooking to bookkeeping, every talent has a place in community. Reach out to projects near you and ask how you can help.

3. Visit a Community
Many intentional villages host open days, work parties, or seasonal events. Spending time in these spaces is the best way to understand what they’re about.

4. Support Financially
If you can, donate or become a sustaining supporter. Even small recurring gifts help communities secure land, build housing, and expand their impact.

5. Dream Your Own
If you’ve felt the pull to live more closely connected to people and land, begin exploring what it would look like to start your own project. You don’t have to have it all figured out — every village begins with one step.

Ready to get involved? Join the Appalachian Village Network to learn more, meet others, and take your first step into community.