We Strengthen Communities
We facilitate creating micro-communities, called Villages, using our Gathering Model and free Village Platform. Villages are community led, self-sustaining groups whose primary aim is to promote connection and belonging within existing communities.
VillageCooperative
VillageCollaborative
VillageCorporation
VillageConnector
We're all of them. We're VillageCo
Here, we practice community leadership.
Our Vision
A world where everyone feels a sense of belonging to a local community, where they can connect with anyone, have meaningful conversations, and take intentional action to make a difference.
Our Mission
To provide the tools and support that groups need to form Villages and root them into neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.
Our Practice
Village Members practice activities such as gathering, sharing, and taking roles. These practices are known to build a sense of belonging and connection within existing communities.
Our Village Gathering Model provides a space for this practice on a regular and local basis.
Check out our MeetVillage.org website for more details on how the Village Gathering Model works, and what it's like for participants.
NOTE: This website is currently in development!
Belonging, As A Practice
Belonging is not something you can purchase or inherit. Because we grew up in a consumer-focused society, our skills and behaviors that cultivate belonging need work.
Belonging is a two-way street - it’s something you create and cultivate with others. For belonging to exist, it's important for you to feel welcomed and seen by others, and also important that you are engaged with and accepting of others.
It's not easy to put ourselves out there, and it's not easy to accept others who are very different than us.
This is what we mean by practice - we are not perfect at it, and it takes time to work on these skills.
We Did It!
Watch this short 5-minute event summary
On October 20th, 50 supporters of Village gathering in-person and virtually to support the continued work of Village.
We raised $2,250 to support our growth! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this event!
Learn More
Our Toolkit
Once you get people together, what then? How do we create and hold space that is open to all people and ideas?
A key 2023 project is to bring our toolkit (currently in Beta) to a Version 1 for public release. The toolkit includes everything a group needs to organize a Village in their community, from software to agendas. It's been crafted over the years with input from dozens of community organizers working in a variety of settings.
Our Journey
What makes Village different? How have we learned from our past community building experiences?
Village was born years ago and nurtured by the passions and work of many individuals who came together in 2020 during the COVID lockdowns. What emerged was something none of us could have done alone. Look below for a list of our co-creators.
Click here for a short 4- minute video outlining our history and milestones of the last few years.
Our Plan
What is our vision? How do we build a Village building structure as a Village?
This 10-minute video was recorded during our 2023 launch fundraiser and outlines the value and future of Village as told by Members and the VillageCo Board of Directors.
Our approach is informed by Asset Based Community Development, Sociocracy, and Open Space Technology.
Podcast Interview
Village Co-Founder Jason Sears is interviewed by Village In The City founder, Mark McKergrow in this podcast to talk about the Village, how it works, our social gathering model, and what we've learned so far.
Feature in The Big Idea Lab
Feeling Alone and Disconnected? It Might be Time to Join a Village
"As the world has grown larger, so have the cracks that people can fall into. The Village Revolution is all about stitching our communities back together and shrinking those cracks."
Village Projects
Operating since April 2020, Village Seattle has over 80 members who gather virtually once a week, and in-person monthly. Our members regularly host events including hikes, volunteering opportunities, and potlucks.
Village Second Chance is a community of board members, staff, volunteers, and people affected by or concerned with prison systems. This community is co-led by incarcerated people and focuses on bringing mercy to our justice system.
Village Central District is a rooting-down project aiming to foster a sense of belonging at the neighborhood level in Seattle.
Operating since August 2022, Village Boise is just getting started! We've had monthly potlucks and gatherings in the park and at our winter home at the Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship. Request an invite here.
Village Family is an idea to use the Gathering Program in a family reunion-style event. 8 Family gatherings have been conducted virtually with two families.
At VillageCore we steward and grow our Villages by recruiting members, expanding role experience, and addressing any issues related to Village.
Testimonials
2021 Tesimonials
In this video, Village Seattle members share their
favorite parts and the value they get from being a Member.
2022 Testimonials
In this video, early investors in VillageCo share why
they support the continued growth of Village
Stay Informed & Show Support!
Our Team
Board of Directors
Christine Callo, President
Sarah Groat, Vice President
VACANT, Treasurer
Jason Sears, Secretary & Administrative Director
(Schedule with Jason)
Michael Scullin
Ariele Gold
Emma Sutton
Cory Ramsay
Maurice Kwatch
Circle Members
Bill Huselman
Tiffany Lorraine
Iulia Bejan
Isaac Curtis
Jordan Roberts
Rob Trebor
Abby Wellman
Kevin Triplett
Jarrett Thorsted
Rob Trebor
Abby Weltman
Calli Johnson
Advisory Circle
Stephen Silha
Kate Thompson
Bridgid Normand
Andre Stone
Corbin Charpentier
Cindy Black
Other Village Seattle
Co-Founders
Jordan Lyon
Ann Stadler
Jennifer Fuqua
Camille Adkins-Rieck
Peggy Holeman
Simar Preet
VillageCo - a transparent 501(c)3 Nonprofit
Tax ID 88-3999613
Links: Bylaws | Incorporation Letter | Sociocratic Leadership
9169 W State Street, Suite 867
Boise, ID 83714-1733
Text & Voice: (208) 917-2766