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OUR VISION & MISSION
OUR VISION & MISSION
Our Vision
Our Vision
A locally connected world.
A locally connected world.
We envision a world where everyone feels a true sense of belonging within their local community, a place where connections are genuine, conversations are meaningful, and every individual can take intentional action to create positive change.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Cultivating Meaningful Community.
Cultivating Meaningful Community.
We empower groups with practical tools and thoughtful guidance to build Villages, communities that are deeply rooted in neighborhoods, workplaces, and families, fostering stronger connections and lasting impact.
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
Village's first logo, 2019
Village's second logo, 2020
Village's current logo
Building a Locally Connected World, Together
Building a Locally Connected World, Together
Village began with a simple yet profound question: “How do we support one another?”
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, as loneliness and isolation deepened, a small group of community activists in Seattle came together to rekindle human connection. What started as a few people gathering around a shared purpose soon blossomed into Village Seattle, a vibrant hub for collaboration, belonging, and renewed hope.
Meeting week after week, the group grew organically. Everyone was encouraged to participate, experiment, and contribute their unique gifts. From this, a simple co-facilitated gathering model emerged, one that proved adaptable across settings, from workplaces and nonprofits to neighborhoods and families.
By the end of 2022, this grassroots movement had evolved into VillageCo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding the reach of the Village model. Supported by a close-knit network of volunteers, contributors, and mission-aligned investors, VillageCo continues to nurture communities of connection and care.
In 2024, VillageCo launched its most ambitious initiative yet: the Village Builder Cohort, a peer-learning and training program that empowers individuals and groups worldwide to create a Village where they live. Central to this program is the Village Toolkit, a practical set of tools and practices designed to help communities grow, sustain, and thrive.
In 2026, VillageCo is continuing the Village Growing cohort experiment in order to formalize our sustainable community organizing model.
Village stands as a living example of the transformative power of community, embodying connection, co-creation, and the shared vision of a locally connected world.
MEET CO-FOUNDER, JASON SEARS
MEET CO-FOUNDER, JASON SEARS
"Relationship building is the means and the end"
-Jason Sears (Co-founder and Administrative Director of VillageCo)
THE 5 PRACTICES
THE 5 PRACTICES
THE MOST BASIC AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A VILLAGE
THE MOST BASIC AND ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A VILLAGE
Practice 1 - We Gather
The Gathering is 1-2 hours, offered to all Members on a regularly recurring basis. Gatherings are open to Visitors and are co-facilitated by Members who take roles. We gather to foster and deepen connections, discuss important ideas, and get more involved in our community.
Practice 2 - We Ground
Villages help guide participants into a more centered and relaxed state. The Grounding brings members through a brief meditative experience that focuses the mind, body, and breath on the present moment. Groundings may use a variety of media and methods.
Practice 3 - We Acknowledge
Villages discuss important issues. The Acknowledgement is a short presentation by a Member that brings to light an injustice or privilege relevant to the community.
Practice 4 - We Connect
Villages connect members one-to-one. Community Connections are brief interactions between randomly assigned pairs to discuss a given prompt. They happen multiple times in the first half of a gathering. These discussions are designed to create, sustain, and deepen relationships within the Village and the broader community.
Practice 5 - We Open Space
Villages hold space for member-led topics and activities. Open Space Conversations are small groups convened by participants. After brainstorming topics, breakouts are established, which all members may pick. After breakouts, the group reconvenes to share summaries of discussions.
OUR CORE VALUES
OUR CORE VALUES
Feeling Purposeful
Feeling Purposeful
"I feel valued as an active contributor. I help organize and evaluate what the Village is. It feels very comfortable."
- Ariel
A Safe Space to Share
A Safe Space to Share
"All gatherings have been meaningful to me. The first stands out - I ended up crying in front of people I didn’t know - it was an emotionally vulnerable moment - I felt safe doing that."
- Iulia
A Place to Grow
A Place to Grow
"For me, it’s also a place to grow a little - taking on roles, trying out new things, a sense of encouragement to participate, feels like a safe place to do that.
- Sarah
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