You want to explore sociocracy in communities
You are already part of a sociocratic community
Ecovillages, cohousing, communes, cooperative housing and other intentional communities are now widely using sociocracy as their governance system. An intentional community is a group of people who decide to live together, whether on the same land or in the same building, to carry forward a mission common to all the residents. The mission can either be environmental, social, spiritual, or all of those. They often strive for sharing the power, and often struggle with the challenges of such a culture shift. Sociocracy answers many questions, like “how can we get things done efficiently”, “how can we distribute power and make sure every voice is heard”, “how do we share responsibilities” and “what is the best format for a meeting”. This page is dedicated to support you in your sociocratic community journey, from discovering sociocracy, to implementing it in your community.
Are you already a sociocratic community?
We have resources for you!
Sociocracy in Communities Conferences
Become a speaker at our November 2024 conference – submit your talk!
Past conferences
Get access to the recordings of our past conferences for intentional communities.
Where is sociocracy used?
Represents Ecovillage and Co-housing Organizations using Sociocracy
Member Communities
- Green Grove Cohousing
- Kawartha Commons
- Rachel Carson Ecovillage
- Cohousing Hamilton
- Adams Creek Cohousing
- Treehouse Village Ecohousing
- Prairie Hill Cohousing
- The Coastal Village
- Columbia Ecovillage
- Lookout Arts Quarry
- Altair Ecovillage
- Bridport Cohousing
- Westwood Cohousing
- Blueberry Commons Farm Cooperative
- Common Ground Ecovillage
- Atlan Center
- Urban Coup
- Port Townsend Ecovillage
- Tiny House Community Bristol
- Jesus People
- Irresistible Community Builders
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to use Sociocracy in intentional communities?
Sociocracy (also referred to as Dynamic Governance) is used in dozens of communities and ecovillages worldwide. Depending on how your culture is set now, there is definitely a learning curve. However, that learning is often experienced as liberating and clarifying.
We have noticed that sociocracy is easiest to implement in a forming group. Yet, even communities that have used consensus for decades have been able to switch and enjoy smooth, action-oriented and connecting governance.
How do I start using sociocracy for my intentional community?
Read and watch the information on this site. If you are interested in suggesting sociocracy to your community, make sure to read The Sociocracy Starter Kit first. You will notice that it suggests to involve other people in your exploration as early as possible.
Case studies about sociocratic intentional communities
-
Bridport Cohousing and Sociocracy
“What is in store for Bridport Cohousing and Sociocracy? ‘We’ll just get better at it!’ laughs Judith. ’Nobody has suggested dropping it. The opposite in fact – using Sociocracy has helped us attract new members.’”
-
Case study of Treehouse Ecohousing
Treehouse Village Ecohousing is a project to build a cohousing community, the first in Atlantic Canada. It officially launched on Sept 29, 2018 with a first public meeting.
-
Sociocratic Cohousing Community: Cohabitat Québec
An urban sociocratic cohousing community in Quebec, Canada, that values non-violent communication.
Featured Articles
-
Meeting Posters for Sociocracy
Better meetings start with a clear process. These free downloadable meeting posters can help keep your group on track.
-
Sociocracy and Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
Sociocracy and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) are often used together. For a good reason! The essence of Nonviolent Communication is “Everyone’s needs matter”. The essence of sociocracy is “Every voice matters” […]
-
The Difference Between Whole-Group Consensus and Dynamic Governance/Sociocracy
A recurring question in our teaching is to describe the difference between consensus and consent, and between whole-group consensus and Dynamic Governance (sociocracy) used in a community or a cooperative. […]
Training for intentional communities
Online courses
Our most popular training with intentional communities are the two following ones. Our sociocracy courses are online, self-paced, and they could be taken individually or as a group. Take the quiz if you would like to discover other types of training that fit the exact level of your community.
Sociocracy basics video led course
2-4 hour sessions to learn by practicingwith your own group, at your pace.
Interactive introduction to sociocracy
25 minute video free!
Test your level
Would you like to discover other types of training that fit the exact level of your community?
Would you like to have customized training for your community, online or in person?
From your very first discovery to continuing education, our trainers specialized in Intentional Communities can design a personalized program for you.
Book a free 30-min session to discuss your needs.
Audrée Morin, trainer in training
Location: Canada, Language: French and English
Jerry Koch-Gonzalez, certified sociocracy consultant
Location: USA, Language: English
We exist to support you with your sociocracy implementation!
How is governance going in your community?
Are you curious how well your community is doing with sociocracy? Here is a questionnaire that you can use as a regular evaluation tool for continuous improvement.
How often do you do rounds? Are all your circles double linked to the general circle?
How often do you use the consent decision-making process?
Fill out the community governance audit form and get your decisions, structure, culture, feedback and overall “sociocraticness” scores.
Join our community of practice —find your people!
We gather monthly to support each other in using Sociocracy in our co-housing, ecovillages or other intentional communities. We discuss themes such as how to implement Sociocracy, conflict resolution, policy vs operations, managing objections, and much more.
This community of practice will allow you to find companionship and build relationships with other sociocratic communities, like Port Townsend Ecovillage (OR), Cherry Hill Cohousing (MA), Bridport Cohousing (UK), Eden Community (TX), and Kawartha Cohousing (ON-CA).
Join Advocates for Sociocracy in Community!
It’s a drop-in group, and we’d be delighted to meet you and learn about your community in our next session.
Attend a first session to try it out!
Organizational Learners
Organizational Learner communities receive many benefits as an organization and as individuals!
- discounts on trainings, books, and coaching,
- access to our communities of practice meetings and online discussion forum, and
- being connected with sociocratic communities all over the world!
The annual fee for organizational membership starts at $150.
Is your community interested in joining Organizational Learners?
Your first step is to talk with Audrée, the Intentional Communities Organizational Learners Administrator. She will orient you to the benefits, payments and subscription process of the program.
Facilitation services for intentional communities (new!)
- Are you just starting with sociocracy and would like a professional to facilitate your first meetings in support of your implementation process?
- Or do you have a complex issue for which you could use a guest facilitator?
That’s what our “Find a Facilitator” service is for! Fill in the form, and a facilitator will be assigned to you. You can make a special request for one of our certified facilitators specialized in Intentional Communities:
Contact Us!
Audrée Morin
Administrator and Leader of the Intentional Communities Circle
Certified Facilitator, trainer in training
Contact her for guidance about SOFA offerings and services for your sociocracy learning and implementation
Dem Steve
Secretary and writer of the Intentional Communities Circle
Secretary and writer of the Intentional Communities Circle
Certified Facilitator and trainer
Kathleen Walsh
USA North West Ambassador
Certified Facilitator, trainer in training
Contact her if you’re part of an intentional community in Washington or Oregon states, and you want guidance about SOFA resources for your sociocracy learning and implementation
Neil Planchon
California Ambassador
Contact him if you’re part of an intentional community in California, and you want guidance about SOFA resources for your sociocracy learning and implementation
Jerry Koch-Gonzalez
Co-founder of Sociocracy for All, Certified facilitator, trainer and consultant
Contact him if you need an experienced sociocracy consultant for your sociocracy implementation
Sign up for the SoFA newsletter
And receive high-quality content directly in your inbox!
