Who We Are
Our Mission
We are a values-grounded community modelled on faith traditions at their best and legally structured to be governed by our members. Through regular gatherings, shared experiences, celebration of our values, and care in action — within our community and beyond it — we build a place of belonging, shared meaning, practical guidance, and solidarity. One that’s open to all people, of every generation and background, who believe in a better future.
Our Vision
We aspire to become a home its people hold close to their hearts. A foundation from which they can build and celebrate their lives wherever they go.
Sturdy enough to be a shelter in hard times. Rooted enough to resist forces that isolate, deplete and endanger. Strong enough to be a force for good.
Our Values
Family, Community, and Belonging
Stewarding and strengthening the webs of care that hold us.
Human Dignity and Thriving for All
The inherent worth and equality of every person, and the conditions that let each of us flourish.
Living Sustainably
Working towards harmony with living things and the natural world.
Being Good to Each Other
The ongoing work of showing up for each other and acting with character and integrity.
Contribution and Service
Vocation, volunteerism, and giving back. The tangible ways we contribute to our communities and society.
Seeking Truth
A commitment to science, evidence and honest inquiry.
A Fair and Free Society
Power is shared, checked, and accountable to those it affects.
Meaning and Fulfillment
The celebration of love, joy, spirituality, wonder, beauty, ritual, story, laughter, movement, music, art, sport, food, play and everything else that makes a life worth living.
What we do
We are a community modelled intentionally on the rhythm and social life of many faith communities. If you understand what a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple is, then you probably understand what we’re trying to do.
We gather regularly
Twice a month, we come together for our core meetings that include:
- a short talk from a member or expert on something that matters in day-to-day life
- mindful practice, shared song and ritual
- the democratic business of governing our society
- social time together with music, art, games, walks, the kids playing, an afternoon at the community centre or a trip to the beach. Whatever the season and venue allows.
- a shared meal to close
Attending at least one of these core gatherings each month is the simple, central expectation of membership in our community. See what's expected, and what you can count on, at a glance →
We build connections that last
Our community is a place for people who share our core values to meet. A platform for friendships, relationships, partnerships, and collaborations — along with organized social gatherings with no program, just fun and people.
We show up for each other
A community that notices when someone is in need, and looks out for its people through the ordinary hard stretches of life.
We contribute outward
We give back to the communities beyond our membership through partnerships with like-minded organizations, charity drives, and regular volunteer activities we do together.
We mark the moments that matter
We celebrate the seasons and holidays together, and mark the big milestones in our members' lives.
We govern ourselves democratically
Members vote on leadership, resolutions, and the policies that shape our community. Leadership and financial practices are held to the highest standards.
We are a shelter in a difficult world
It's becoming apparent that we are living in a difficult time, and the values at our core — human dignity, truth, fairness, care for each other and the living world — are under real pressure. Gathering regularly with people who share those values and practicing them together helps us stay happy, healthy and strong.
Still not sure what all this actually looks like?
Who is this for?
If what you’ve read so far resonates — our mission, our values, our idea of what this looks like, and what membership asks of you and gives you in return — then this is for you.
And if you’re wondering whether that includes you specifically:
Young people
Looking for people who take the same things seriously, and a place to find your footing? You're welcome here.
Parents and families
Wanting community around you and support to raise your kids inside? You're welcome here.
Couples
Wanting community around your relationship, so neither of you has to be the other's everything? You're welcome here.
Single, by choice or by chance
Community shouldn't require a plus-one. Come complete as you are — you're welcome here.
2SLGBTQIA+ folks
Looking for a place where you belong, no questions asked? You're welcome here.
Seniors
Time to give and looking for something to be part of, with a role that's yours? You're welcome here.
People living with disabilities
We're committed to making our core gatherings as accessible as we possibly can. You're welcome here.
People of every culture and faith background
You don't need to leave your heritage at the door. If our values speak to you, you're welcome here.
Newcomers to the city
Starting from scratch in Vancouver? You guessed it, you're welcome here.
Someone we forgot?
The list isn't exhaustive. If you believe in a better future, you're welcome here.
There is one caveat we need to be honest about up front. We’re committed to growing sustainably, and in the early years we may find ourselves having to limit our growth while we build sturdy foundations. We’ll know more as we get into things.
Our big dreams
Not plans, just the kinds of things we’re thinking about for the future as a “wouldn’t it be great if someday we had …”. Whether Bedrock achieves all or none of these dreams, it will still be a worthwhile community.
Places of our own
Warm, welcoming buildings the community owns together, with a hall that can host a wedding or a celebration of life, a kitchen, a library, gardens to tend, rooms where kids can tumble and teenagers can hang out.
Chapters in other cities
So a member who moves for work or school or love can walk into a gathering somewhere new and find familiar rhythms and people ready to know them.
Programs for every stage of life
Kids and teens growing up here, young adults finding their footing, couples, parents, seniors staying connected and contributing.
Guidance worth trusting
Resources shaped by experts and lived experience on the questions that matter: parenting, caring for aging parents, partnerships and the other big chapters of a life.
A growing shared culture
Songs, stories, readings, rituals, and celebrations made and chosen by our own members, growing richer over time.
Support that catches people
Practical, organized, funded and offered without shame, when a hard stretch hits.
Ethical businesses that serve the community
Member-owned enterprises that create meaningful work, fund the community's work, and model what it looks like to do business with values.
Cohousing
Homes clustered around shared spaces, where members who want to can live as neighbours.
Recognized standing as a community of conscience
The kind of civic recognition that could one day let us officiate our members' weddings if they choose.
A community that lasts
Children who grow up here one day maybe choosing to raise their own children here.
A voice for good
Organized and confident enough to show up in civic life for the things we believe in, and to help make things better.
As we grow into things, we’ll build whatever feels natural to the community we’re becoming.
