About Us
The Asheville Communities Network (ACN) is a grassroots organization whose focus is to educate, network, and support the growth of intentional communities in Western North Carolina and the surrounding regions. The ACN holds monthly meetings the 2nd Sunday of most months, where various presenters and people interested in community come together, to network, learn, and help expand the community base we have been creating over the past 3 years. The ACN is also part of an online community, hosting a website, www.ashevillecommunitiesnetwork.com, and an interactive online “yahoo group” http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ashevillecommunitiesnetwork/. and now on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Asheville-Communities-Network/130490082062
History
On July 28, 2006 the Center for Creative Retirement at the hosted a seminar entitled "Intentional Communities for the 2nd Half of Life”. (See Resources page of website for conference summary). After the conference many attendees had a strong desire to see the conversations started at the conference continue.
On September 10, 2006 about 45 interested folks came together at the North Asheville Library to begin this group which was organized by Alex Mawhinney and Marianne Kilkenny as a result of the conference. A questionnaire was designed by Marianne and sent out to those interested, and the information was shared in a general way at this first meeting to inspire conversation and discussion about what people desired about living in community as we age.
The group continued meeting every three weeks September through January at the Library, then and, finally, at Grace Episcopal Church, where the meetings are held presently. (See the Resources section of this website for recaps of some of the group meetings). Many introductory meetings have been held for the new people who have heard about the group and were interested in joining. These introductory meetings give the background of how we got here and the background of Elder Cohousing, cohousing, intentional neighborhoods and intentional community in general.
Meetings have been bringing people together, introducing them to community living, and supporting groups interested in forming intentional communities. As a result, several groups have been formed and are in various stages of forming and building communities. (See the Communities Profile page on this website.)
In Fall of 2007 the Asheville Communities Network merged with the Intentional Communities of Asheville group to form the present Asheville Communities Network which focuses on "multi-generational" communities.
Through 2008 and 2009 meetings continued on various community topics. A potluck was always a part of each gathering.
The focus of the meetings continues to be communication, education, connection, and support. The meetings continue to be on the second Sunday of each month starting at 4 p.m.
Introductory sessions are held at the same location before the regular meetings for those who might be new to the concept and to what is going on in the area.
Leadership Group
Marianne Kilkenny, Leadership
Joshua Canter, Technical Support
Mary Silva, Leadership
Dan Watson, Leadership
Always looking for presenters and volunteers! 