https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlMDckgqU30 Here's a great video by the PeakMoment youtube account that talks about why 10% of communes succeed and 90% fail. If you're interested in what it takes to make a successful intentional community you should DEFINATELY check this out. The account also have other extremely detailed video interviews on subjects that greenthumbs would love to hear.
I don't know if it has to be a full-blown commune, but the principles in this video are great for any community oriented thing. Like, imagine if one person in the neighborhood could buy bulk foods and cook breakfast for all the schoolchildren every morning? Or maybe a neighborhood pig roast. What is important is the way we interact with each other.