15th International Communal Studies Association (ICSA) Conference:"Intentional Community Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty"

Location: Lebensgarten Ecovillage, Steyerberg, Germany

 The International Communal Studies Association (ICSA) invites scholars, practitioners, and theorists to participate in our upcoming conference, “Intentional Community Resilience in an Age of Uncertainty” that will occur at Lebensgarten Ecovillage, Steyerberg, Germany, on July 10-12, 2026. 

Intentional communities – communes, co-housing, ecovillages, collectives, and other forms of collaborative living— are navigating an era of profound economic, social, political, and environmental turmoil. This conference will explore how these communities cultivate resilience in the face of pressing contemporary challenges and offer lessons to the broader society for effective social change. We seek in-person papers, panels, and workshops that examine how these communities foster climate resilience, advocate for democratic principles, mitigate the loneliness crisis, work toward peace, promote economic equity, preserve the communal spirit, and seek solutions to urgent global issues. Join us as we consider the crucial roles of intentional communities in shaping a better future.

Proposal Submission Deadline: November 1, 2025.  Here is the link to submit proposals.

While proposals that align with our 2026 theme of resilience are particularly encouraged, we welcome any and all proposals associated with contemporary and historical intentional communities, for the following conference formats: 

• Academic paper (a 20-minute scholarly paper).

• Panel (a group of two to four presenters in a 90-minute thematic panel, submitted as one proposal, typically with a scholarly focus).

• Workshop (a 60-minute session offering practical ideas for communities).

• Cultural/artistic event (a 60-minute cultural/artistic session led by the submitter – e.g., music, storytelling, poetry, etc.).

• Interactive event (a 60-minute session moderated by the submitter promoting audience participation – e.g., yoga, casual conversation, thematic discussion).

The program will be publiched in due course.