Re-Villaging Our Communities

City Repair, an organization founded in Portland, OR by architect Mark Lakeman first began with projects which were first termed "intersection repair."  Since then, the organization has created a wave of community building events across the US and Canada.

This year City Repair recently hosted the Village Building Convergence, a 10-day event that included performances, ceremonies, volunteer opportunities, workshops and presentations centered around a return to neighborhoods and community building.

The East Coast will host the first annual Ashevillage Building Convergence in Asheville, NC as a shorter version of the west coast event. Speakers include Starhawk and Julia Butterfly Hill. As with the Portland event, the volunteer workday on Saturday, June 21, includes many permaculture, natural building, and alternative energy projects at locations around the city. As neighbors work together on jointly appreciated public spaces, they learn the importance of their connection both to place and to each other. Those from out of town are encouraged to visit and take inspiration back to their home communities. The PR company, Sensible City, has graciously provided an online space about the Ashevillage Building Convergence for those who could not attend in person to visit and learn from the event via digital media.