The ICSA thirteenth international conference will explore strategies that intentional communities use to promote the inclusion and empowerment of persons of diverse abilities, cultures, races, economic backgrounds, religions, ages, genders, and sexualities. It will explore intentional communities and community movements that focus on the experiences of groups that have historically been marginalized—as, for example, the Camphill movement does for persons with intellectual disabilities.

What can the field of communal studies learn from the unique experiences of such communities? What are the implications of community choices that seek to increase or to limit diversity? How have communities succeeded or failed in their efforts to increase diversity or strengthen inclusion? Under what circumstances is it appropriate or necessary for an intentional community to limit certain forms of diversity? What is the relationship between the mere presence of previously excluded persons in a community, and the full inclusion and empowerment of those persons? What lessons might intentional communities share with other persons and organizations committed to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment?

Registration fee is $250, which includes meals but not housing. Limited housing will be available onsite at the host communities, with additional possibilities at nearby hotels. Participants who wish a deeper immersion in Camphill life may participate in a pre-conference immersion experience on July 15-17 for an additional $50. Participants who wish to experience a few other, nearby intentional communities may join a post-conference tour on July 22-23, with cost and details to be announced later.

The ICSA is a forum for exchanging scholarship, information, ideas and experiences on intentional community. Its purpose is to provide a common framework for a scholarly exchange of information regarding communal life; communes, intentional communities, kibbutzim and other collective communities throughout the world.