Reflecting on the response Revillage has received

A few months ago, we began sharing more seriously about Revillage. Since then, more than 600 people have joined our email list, and I’ve sent out the first two monthly updates.

The marketing plan for Revillage is simple: just one honest, transparent email each month. In these updates, I share openly about our progress, our struggles, and the community we hope to build. So far, the response has been nothing short of incredible. I’ve received more than 60 thoughtful and encouraging replies, and each one has meant a lot.

As I mentioned in the last email, starting something like this can feel big and uncertain. Every bit of encouragement is deeply motivating. I really want to say thank you.

What people are sharing with us

Of course, some emails are just a quick thumbs up, which we love. But what has surprised me most is the depth and detail in many of the responses. One recent email was almost 1,500 words long (I checked) and full of insights about building community, along with concrete suggestions that we’re taking seriously.

What has also been unexpected is the number of people reaching out who work professionally with related fields like real estate, investment, community development, and rural revitalization. As someone who has long been passionate about urban planning, intentional living, and new ways of building community, these conversations are both inspiring and helpful.

Thanks to feedback and connections from people like this, I believe Revillage has a much stronger chance of becoming something real.

Most of the responses are from families who truly see themselves in the vision. Many have shared their own journeys, what they have learned from other communities, and the challenges they have faced. There is a lot of wisdom in these emails, and we are learning from each and every one.

Navigating feedback without losing the core vision

At the same time, receiving so many thoughtful messages can be a little overwhelming. Not in a bad way, but in the sense that there are so many different directions, philosophies, and lived experiences to consider. I want to be sure we are really listening while also staying grounded in our original dream.

Because building a community like this is not just about gathering ideas. It is about turning them into something real, something that works for real families in a real place. While we will keep learning from all the amazing feedback, we also need to stay clear on what matters most to us.

Do we have critical mass already? Why we are not moving just yet

One common theme in the feedback has been this question:

“Don’t you already have critical mass? Couldn’t we just make the move and figure things out as we go?”

It is a fair point. I have received a few versions of this message from people ready to dive in, eager to make something happen.

In my own career, I have jumped headfirst into projects before, going all-in without a plan. I have taken big risks. Ironically, the things I have been most passionate about, like Traveling Village, have taken years to develop. When something really aligns with my values, I tend to move more slowly and carefully.

So yes, I believe it could work to just make the leap. But there are a few reasons we are choosing not to. Right now, we are aiming for a timeline around 2027. Here is why:

• We are still learning from Traveling Village. Each new village we run teaches us more about what works and what does not. We plan to organize more, both to refine our approach and to use that knowledge in Revillage.

• Structure makes a difference. While I love the energy behind “just figure it out,” we have seen firsthand how strong systems and onboarding help a community thrive. Traveling Village now has a long onboarding process. Some find it excessive, but in reality, it helps everything run more smoothly when we are on the ground.

• The right people and places are still emerging. Since we started sharing, we have connected with amazing families and discovered new potential locations. I believe that by continuing to build in public, openly sharing updates and learning out loud, we will attract the right mix of people and find the perfect place.

We would love to hear from you

Part of our strategy for making Revillage a reality is finding the right people and the right place. That is why we love hearing from you. If you have ideas, thoughts, or you are from a village that might be a great fit, please reach out. We would love to hear from you.