Research Questions: Spring/Summer 2026 UK/EU Project
Guiding our field study into living models of sanctuary and community
Why Questions Matter
Every community begins with a vision. Some grow strong roots and bear fruit across generations, while others falter under pressure. By asking the right questions — and listening deeply to the answers — we begin to see the hidden patterns that make collective life resilient, compassionate, and enduring.
WholeFam’s research is guided by questions across five core dimensions. These are not only for our team in the field, but also for anyone seeking to plant the seeds of a sanctuary or community of their own.
1. Vision & Purpose
- What is the founding story of this community?
- How do members articulate their shared purpose today?
- How is vision held: by a founder, a council, a tradition, or a living process?
- What practices keep the original spark alive while allowing for growth and change?
2. Governance & Decision-Making
- How are decisions made (consensus, majority vote, rotating leadership, etc.)?
- What roles or structures exist for conflict resolution?
- How do members balance individual freedom with collective responsibility?
- What happens when a leader leaves, passes on, or new members arrive?
3. Economy & Stewardship
- How is the community sustained financially?
- What is the relationship between work, livelihood, and contribution?
- How is land held — individually, collectively, in trust, or through another model?
- How are external relationships (donors, partners, governments) navigated?
4. Daily Rhythm & Culture
- What does a typical day look like here?
- How is silence, celebration, or spiritual practice woven into daily life?
- How do art, food, and shared rituals shape belonging?
- How are new members integrated, and how are farewells handled?
5. Ecology & Longevity
- How does the community care for its environment and resources?
- What systems (food, water, energy, housing) create self-reliance?
- What challenges have threatened survival, and how were they met?
- What lessons would the community pass on to the next generation?
Our Commitment
By holding these questions at the heart of our research, WholeFam seeks to:
- Gather insights from communities already pioneering new ways of living.
- Identify common threads and key differences across models.
- Create open-source guides to help future communities avoid pitfalls and build on proven wisdom.
This inquiry attempts to aggregate and honor what has been learned to ensure it can ripple outward in practical ways for the benefit of many.