At Rooral, we design our coliving setup and experiences with deep purpose, layer by layer. This creates real impact for guests (colivers) and the village. Here's the breakdown, step by step.

1. Consent First: Honor the Village

We always start by asking permission. Before launching in a place like Benarrabá, we meet locals (mayor, neighbors, elders) to gain their approval.

This honors their space and roots. And if we get their approval and support, everything becomes easier and justified.

2. Co-Creation: Everyone Owns It

Next, we loop in voices from all sides. Weekly check-ins gather feedback from colivers and neighbors.

New initiatives? We invite to co-design them. This builds shared ownership. No top-down decisions. It turns ideas into "our" projects.

3. Dual Theories of Change: Clear Impact Maps

We use two guiding frameworks to track our impact:

One for colivers: Boost wellbeing, deepen rural bonds, spark personal growth.

Another one for the village: Revive economy (jobs, spending) and culture (events, stories) via steady visitors.

We map exact goals, steps, and metrics. This tracks progress, like "How many locals joined workshops?" "Do colivers spend less time on screens?"

4. Energy Balance in Activities

Workshops with locals should not be taken for granted. Colivers reflect: "What can I give back?"

Examples: Share food from home, teach a skill, join harvests, or volunteer talent (e.g. yoga class). Past your ideas here. It keeps exchanges fair and joyful.

The Big Shift: From Transactions to Relationships

These layers transform traveling. Guests move beyond "pay and stay" to true belonging. Villages gain temporary neighbours, not passersby. It becomes a win-win.

Author: Juan Barbed (Rooral)