Applications, internet treasures, and Le Creuset-based icebreakers.
Applications are officially open for our next Community Council gathering.
In April 2026, after the success of our 2025 program, we will gather a small group of experienced community leaders, program designers, and relationship-driven founders for four days together in Normandy, France.
If you've spent your career building community, holding complexity, or trying to help others belong—this is for you.
Community Council is designed for people who create and hold space for others. It is a chance to step out of execution mode, reflect alongside peers who understand the weight of the work, and leave with clarity, perspective, and renewed energy.
The agenda emerges from what you're actually working through. Not what sounds good in theory. The real stuff. How to scale without losing intimacy. What to do when your community outgrows you. How to hold boundaries when your work is all about connection. The challenges that don't have easy frameworks.
We work on these questions together. Peer to peer. With the generosity and honesty that only comes when everyone in the room understands the assignment.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen over long meals, walks through the grounds, quiet corners, and conversations that do not fit neatly into a framework.
You'll leave with clarity. Real tools, not just warm feelings.
I can't promise it will solve everything, but I can promise you'll feel less alone.
Spring 2026 Details:
Dates: April 21-24
Location: Château de Courtomer, Normandy France
Deadline to apply: February 13th, 2026*
*Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Curious what it actually feels like? Last year’s recap video offers a little window into what it’s like to be there in France.
Questions about the process or the program? Explore our FAQs or simply reply to this message, I'd love to hear from you.
→ Apply to Join
📚 Community Book Club 2026
Our Community Book Club is having our first gathering on January 27th to chat about Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. You can sign up to join us this month, or to get a sneak peek at what the next book will be!
💎 Internet Treasures:
- Circle's 2026 Community Report: A grounded look at where community is heading next. The report highlights a shift toward real-life connection, small groups, emotional safety, and designing for depth over scale. Fewer people. More care.
- How to Build a Village – NPR (feat. Priya Parker): A short, generous listen with the gathering GOAT herself on where to actually start when building community in your own life. (I'd like to raise my hand to join the next tomato tart gathering!)
✨ Something to Try
Team meeting icebreakers do not have to be personal trivia or forced small talk. Lately, I have been experimenting with simple photo grids instead.
You show a grid of images and ask people to pick one:
Which Le Creuset set are you?
Which LEGO set would you build this weekend?
It works surprisingly well because it's low pressure, visual, and easy to answer. No one has to be clever on the spot or share anything overly personal, but you still get little glimpses into taste, mood, and personality.
A small shift, but it consistently leads to more relaxed conversations and better energy at the start of meetings.
That's all for this edition, as always, I'm so glad you're here!
Until next time—keep gathering with intention.
—Christina
Founder, Community Council & BoardingPass
