The Kaliflower Commune

The Kaliflower Commune was not just a single commune but part of a broader network of communal living projects that thrived in San Francisco during the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s.

The Kaliflower Commune, known for its significant role in the American counterculture movement, was not just a single commune but part of a broader network of communal living projects that thrived in San Francisco during the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. It stood out for its innovative approaches to communal living, its engagement with the wider community, and its influential free newsletter, "Kaliflower," which became a vital communication tool among communes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Origins and Ideology

Kaliflower emerged in the context of the "back-to-the-land" movement, the counterculture's explosion, and the hippie movement's height. Named after Kali, the Hindu goddess associated with empowerment and transformation, the commune reflected a deep commitment to communal living as a form of social and personal revolution. This commitment was rooted in ideals of sharing, egalitarianism, and the rejection of conventional capitalist and materialist values.

The commune was started by the Sutter Street Commune in 1967, which later evolved into the Intercommunal Free Association (IFA) by the late 1960s. The IFA aimed to foster a network of communes that could support each other with goods, services, and information, fundamentally challenging the prevailing socio-economic norms through a shared economy and collective living.

The "Kaliflower" Newsletter

One of the most enduring legacies of the Kaliflower Commune was its weekly newsletter, "Kaliflower." Launched in April 1969, it was named after both the commune and the flower associated with the goddess Kali. The newsletter became an essential medium for communication among communes, sharing resources, and coordinating collective actions and services, such as free food distribution, medical care, and legal assistance.

"Kaliflower" was notable for its unique aesthetic, incorporating vibrant artwork, experimental typography, and a distinctive DIY ethos. Its content ranged from philosophical musings and practical advice on communal living to announcements of events and projects. The newsletter was distributed for free, embodying the commune's commitment to freely sharing resources and information.

Communal Practices and Projects

The Kaliflower Commune and the broader IFA network were experimental in their approach to communal living. Members shared resources, labor, and responsibilities, striving for a model of living that was both sustainable and radically inclusive. The communes involved in the IFA network engaged in various projects aimed at self-sufficiency and community service, including collective kitchens, gardens, and workshops.

One of the most innovative aspects of Kaliflower's approach to communal living was its emphasis on intercommunalism—the idea that true communal living extended beyond the boundaries of individual communes to include a network of communities supporting each other. This philosophy was put into practice through the free exchange of goods and services among communes, facilitated by the "Kaliflower" newsletter.

Legacy

The Kaliflower Commune and its associated network of communes left a lasting impact on the American counterculture and the broader communal living movement. While many communes of the era eventually disbanded, the ideals and practices of Kaliflower influenced subsequent generations interested in alternative lifestyles, cooperative living, and community-based economics.

The story of Kaliflower also highlights the creativity, innovation, and radical idealism of the 1960s and 1970s counterculture. The "Kaliflower" newsletter, in particular, stands as a testament to the power of community media as a tool for social and cultural transformation. Today, Kaliflower is remembered not only for its unique approach to communal living but also as an emblem of a time when communities across America sought to live out their visions of a more equitable and interconnected world.