Evolving Racial Justice Strategies in Intentional Communities

Many intentional communities in the United States are predominantly white and typically fail to address the ongoing legacy of racism and racial injustice—both in society and within their own groups. How might communities shift from abstract ideals of diversity to specific commitments for addressing racism and racial equity, while making deeper connections between community, sustainability, and racial justice? In this paper, I will discuss the results of five interviews with members of intentional communities that are working for racial equity and inclusion. I will reflect on the successes and failures of these communities around racial justice work, and also harvest practical insights from the interviews for creating a collaborative group culture for addressing racism and building community relations of justice and equity. I conclude by arguing for the urgency of connecting sustainable community and racial justice within the intentional communities movement.