Ecovillage Gatherings
Ecovillage gatherings are events that bring together people who already live in, or are interested in living in, sustainable communities. These gatherings are usually held in ecovillages or other intentional communities for 2–5 days.
You can participate in a variety of activities such as seminars, discussions, and tours. Seminars may cover topics such as permaculture design, natural building techniques, community governance models, nonviolent communication, and sociocracy. Discussions often focus on issues like climate change, social justice, or sustainable agriculture. Tours of settlements typically showcase ecovillage infrastructure and features such as renewable energy systems, organic gardens, or composting toilets. In addition, gatherings may include activities such as cleaning local areas, planting gardens, musical programs, and more.
Why attend an ecovillage gathering?
Learn about sustainable living: Ecovillages are communities that prioritize ecological living and share their experience. You can learn sustainable practices such as renewable energy, waste reduction, permaculture, biodynamics, and eco-friendly construction technologies.
Connect with like-minded people: Ecovillage gatherings bring together people who share a vision of a more sustainable future. You can make new friends and expand your social network.
Explore alternative ways of living: Ecovillages offer alternatives to mainstream culture, focusing on community, cooperation, and ecological responsibility. At the gathering, you can learn about different communities and understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Participate in workshops and activities: Ecovillage gatherings include seminars and discussions on a wide range of topics related to sustainability, community building, and personal development. You can gain new skills, share your knowledge, and contribute to the community.
Experience community life: Ecovillages are built on principles of community and cooperation. This may be your first opportunity to experience a sense of belonging and participation in something larger than yourself, or it may become your new reality.
GEN Ukraine organizes both closed and open gatherings.
Closed gatherings are working meetings where organizational development and operational issues are addressed.
Open gatherings are events where everyone interested is invited.
Since 2018, GEN Ukraine has held 5 open gatherings:
June 28–30, 2019 — Summer Ecovillage Gathering, “Obyrk”, Chernihiv region (event photo report)
February 1–4, 2020 — Winter Ecovillage Gathering, permaculture meeting and conference at “Ukraine” University, Kyiv (photo report)
August 14–16, 2020 — Summer Ecovillage Gathering, “Obyrk”, Chernihiv region (photo report)
July 30 – August 4, 2021 — Summer Ecovillage Gathering, “Novyi Mayapur”, Dnipropetrovsk region (photo report)
February 11–13, 2022 — Winter Ecovillage Gathering at “Ukraine” University, Kyiv (video report)
Additionally, there were 3 regional coordinator gatherings for the “Green Road” project in December 2022 held in:
Zeleni Kruchi, Kyiv region
Masters Settlement, Dnipropetrovsk region
Busha, Vinnytsia region
These events were especially significant as they took place during nationwide blackouts and often without communication. In the darkest period of the year, they became a source of hope, support, and unity for many active community members of the Network.
2 working gatherings:
September 2022, “Charivne”, Cherkasy region — During active wartime conditions, the first working circles of the Network were formed to develop an organizational structure based on sociocracy. Together with Network coordinators, they began documenting processes and updating community data for the website and catalog.
March 2023, “God, Free School”, Vinnytsia — This gathering became a milestone in the Network’s history due to the first elections to the Settlement Council working group, with delegates nominated and elected using sociocratic principles.
GEN Ukraine delegates also participate in European gatherings.
More about the 2022 European gathering in Denmark and participant impressions can be found via the provided link (photo report available).
We support principles of sustainable development, social and ecological responsibility, and community building. Our gatherings are a valuable resource for anyone interested in creating a more resilient and fair world.
