The East Wind Community

The East Wind Community is a notable example of the intentional community movement that has evolved over decades.

The East Wind Community is a notable example of the intentional community movement that has evolved over decades, reflecting broader social, cultural, and economic shifts within the United States and beyond. Situated in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, East Wind is part of the Federation of Egalitarian Communities, a network of communal groups that adhere to principles of income-sharing, egalitarian governance, and sustainable living.

Formation and Philosophical Foundations

East Wind was established in 1974, inspired by the principles of communal living and the back-to-the-land movement that gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. This period in American history was marked by a profound questioning of mainstream societal values, including consumerism, materialism, and the traditional nuclear family structure. Individuals and groups sought alternatives that emphasized shared values, collective responsibility, and a closer relationship with the natural environment.

The founders of East Wind were influenced by the ideas of Koinonia Partners, a Christian communal farm in Georgia, and Twin Oaks Community in Virginia, one of the most successful and enduring intentional communities in the United States. Like Twin Oaks, East Wind adopted the communal living model based on the principles outlined in B.F. Skinner's utopian novel, "Walden Two," which proposed a society organized around shared labor and resources, and decision-making by consensus or democratic vote.

Community Structure and Governance

From its inception, East Wind has been committed to a model of income-sharing, where all earnings and assets are pooled and managed collectively for the benefit of all members. This approach extends to the governance of the community, which operates on a democratic and egalitarian basis. Decisions are made through a consensus process or by democratic vote, with community meetings serving as the primary forum for discussion, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Members contribute labor to the community's various enterprises and maintenance tasks, with work expectations adjusted according to individual abilities and community needs. In return, members receive housing, food, healthcare, and personal spending money from the communal funds.

Economic Ventures and Sustainability

Over the years, East Wind has engaged in various economic ventures to support its community and principles. These have included agriculture, livestock, woodworking, and most notably, the production of nut butters through their business, East Wind Nut Butters. This enterprise has become a significant source of income for the community, exemplifying the potential for successful, sustainable businesses within an intentional community framework.

Sustainability and environmental stewardship are central to East Wind's philosophy. The community practices organic farming, renewable energy use, and resource conservation, striving to minimize its environmental footprint and live in harmony with the surrounding Ozark ecosystem.

Challenges and Evolution

Like many intentional communities, East Wind has faced challenges over the years, including internal conflicts, management of resources, and navigating the balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility. The community has evolved through these challenges, adapting its structures and policies to reflect both the lessons learned and the changing dynamics of its members.

Legacy and Influence

East Wind Community remains a vibrant example of intentional communal living, with its success and longevity serving as a model for other communities and individuals seeking alternatives to mainstream societal norms. It contributes to a broader dialogue on sustainable living, economic alternatives, and the possibilities of creating societies based on shared values and cooperative principles.

The experience of East Wind offers valuable insights into the complexities, challenges, and rewards of communal living, providing inspiration and practical lessons for future generations exploring similar paths.