About MCA
Amy Kemp founded Model Communities Association in response to the growing inequity she saw around her. She envisioned a way to create an affordable housing solution that incorporated the ideas of sufficiency and equity to create a unique collaborative community.
We Offer...
A means to connect autonomous, equitable, collaborative and shareable arrangements of any style and in any location. This is a first-hand means by which entities exchange information and resources while building trust that is grounded in first-hand experiences.
Our Mission
Model Communities Association (MCA) cultivates, fosters and facilitates equitable, shareable, collaboratively governed arrangements, studying their economic and social impact.
Our Vision
MCA envisions enlightened individuals living in conscious, independent, happy and healthy communities, and exchanging resources within an optimized economic structure that addresses all needs of those inhabiting this vibrant, diverse planet with ample resources available to sustain current and future generations.
The Unincorporated Association
Within this vision, Amy wanted to create a nonprofit, but the hierarchical structure of the nonprofit corporation worked directly against the collaborative, flat structure she wanted to use. This collaborative environment empowers those in the association, giving each person equity. Within a collaborative decision-making structure, an agreement must be reached with every person involved to result in a decision that equally benefits all.
Also, the nonprofit corporate structure represented an undue burden for those who struggle with monetary resources.
Thus, she settled on the idea of unincorporated associations as the legal structure.
What is an Unincorporated Association?
An unincorporated association is a group of people who agree to work together for a common purpose. These associations exist everywhere as clubs, neighborhood associations, and a plethora of other options. You have probably belonged to one at some point in your life and not even thought about it. Most are formed for nonprofit reasons, such as gathering funds for a charity.
In several states across the US (including North Carolina where MCA originated), unincorporated associations are recognized as legal entities. Most often, these associations are nonprofit.
As of this writing, states that recognize unincorporated associations are Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, North Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Each of these states has its own regulations and rules as to what constitutes an unincorporated association. Wherever you are choosing to use this structure, it is worth your while to talk to a lawyer to make sure you are operating within boundaries that feel comfortable for you.
Why Unincorporated Associations?
By using the unincorporated association, interested parties can form their arrangements with simple agreements. Using this structure allows them a low-cost and flexibly formed system of self-governance.
However you choose to integrate the Model Communities Association structure, we hope you find guidance and inspiration within this site.
We've created several documents that outline MCA's unique structure and potential. Take a few minutes to read and gain a deeper understanding as to why we exist and some of our aspirations:
Begin Your Community Journey
Connect with MCA to learn more about joining, participating in, or creating a collaborative living arrangement.
✨ There is no cost to join.