Residency Application
We usually respond within a month
The Admission Criteria
Our admission criteria are based on optimizing for diversity in demographics and background, while still honing in on some common shared life experiences, values and ways of being and relating, in order to create the thriving culture and community we aspire to build, grow and share with the world.
Residents are selected based on:
- Alignment with the five general criteria
- Ensuring diversity of demographic and professional area
- Contribution to a culture of authenticity, joy and co-creation
The five general criteria
1. Global Systemic Impact
Engaged in purpose-driven work, showing a strong intent to create positive change and a desire to grow their impact. Preferably across national borders. This can be expressed through a vast variety of professions, including scientists, artists, and philosophers, and not only impact entrepreneurs, business leaders or non-profit professionals.
.
2. Personal Growth and Self-Awareness
Deeply committed to personal growth, with rich experiences in self-reflection, therapy, or spiritual practices. Openly embraces growth areas with grace and courage. Actively engaged in self-development, having explored practices like therapy or mindfulness, with a willingness to expand and deepen this journey.
3. Embodiment and Presence
Radiates a sense of grounded presence, attuned to their body and emotions, as well as to others around them. Has an established own ecology of embodiment practices like yoga, mindfulness, or somatic awareness, and shows growing embodiment and presence, balancing cognitive approaches with emerging practices that connect the mind and body.
4. Sense of Love and Care
Naturally radiates love, empathy, and a nurturing ability to hold space for others. Their warmth and compassion inspire meaningful connections. Displays care and kindness in interactions, with opportunities to cultivate deeper consistency and expressions of empathy.
5. Community Living Experience
Previous experience of community living (e.g., co-living, eco-villages, intentional communities), demonstrating an understanding of shared responsibilities and a willingness to learn and contribute to a thriving communal environment.
Professional Backgrounds
These are some of the backgrounds we are intentionally looking to have a balanced mix of residents from. These are just some examples, and we are more than open to other backgrounds.
1. Leadership and Strategy
- Social Entrepreneurs: Founders of impactful organizations, non-profits, or social enterprises that address global challenges.
- Business Executives: Leaders from sectors like sustainability, corporate responsibility, or innovation-focused enterprises.
- Visionaries and Futurists: Thought leaders who forecast societal, technological, and environmental trends, pushing for systemic change.
2. Technology and Innovation
- Tech Founders: Creators of startups using technology to address problems in health, environment, education, or society.
- Blockchain and Web3 Innovators: Professionals using decentralized technologies to promote transparency, inclusion, and equity.
- AI Researchers or Developers: Those focused on ethical AI or AI for social good.
3. Community Builders and Facilitators
- Community Organizers: Individuals with experience creating inclusive, supportive communities—especially in activism or grassroots movements.
- Coliving/Coworking Space Founders: Pioneers in designing spaces that foster collaboration and shared living/working environments.
- Conflict Mediators: Experts who can facilitate communication, empathy, and collaboration between diverse groups of changemakers.
4. Artists and Creatives
- Socially Engaged Artists: Visual artists, filmmakers, or musicians creating work that raises awareness around global issues.
- Designers and Architects: Particularly those interested in sustainable architecture, public spaces, or biomimicry.
- Performers and Storytellers: Actors, writers, or poets who inspire change by amplifying voices or showcasing underrepresented perspectives.
5. Psychology and Well-being
- Psychologists and Therapists: Specialists in mental health, community psychology, or trauma recovery who can provide emotional support.
- Life Coaches, Mindfulness and Wellness Experts: Practitioners who focus on well-being, resilience, or helping others live with purpose.
- Social Workers: Professionals with experience addressing inequality, providing care, or supporting vulnerable communities.
6. Sustainability and Environment
- Environmental Activists: Advocates for renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, or zero-waste lifestyles.
- Sustainable Agriculture Experts: Individuals focused on permaculture, regenerative farming, or urban farming solutions.
- Circular Economy Innovators: Professionals finding ways to reduce waste, repurpose materials, or create sustainable business models.
7. Educators and Knowledge-Sharers
- Educational Innovators: People redefining education through new methodologies, experiential learning, or inclusivity.
- Philosophers and Ethicists: Thinkers focused on the intersection of morality, societal impact, and change.
- Workshop Facilitators: Experts in running transformative workshops that catalyze personal and collective growth.
8. Finance and Philanthropy
- Impact Investors: Individuals or groups directing capital toward enterprises with measurable social and environmental impact.
- Philanthropists: People or organizations funding innovative projects for global good.
- Economists: Thinkers focused on social justice, global economies, or reshaping capitalism toward sustainability and equality.
9. Global and Local Changemakers
- Policy Advisors or Advocates: Individuals who work with governments or NGOs to craft progressive policies on climate, equality, and justice.
- Journalists and Media Activists: Writers, podcasters, or filmmakers who cover transformative stories that inspire action.
- Local Community Leaders: People creating change on a regional or national scale, often serving as a bridge between local efforts and global movements.
10. Culture Shapers and Social Influencers
- Cultural Anthropologists: Experts who study human behavior and culture to inform projects that drive inclusivity and social impact.
- Influencers and Public Figures: Prominent individuals with platforms that reach large audiences and promote global movements for change.
- Social Media Strategists: Experts in using digital platforms for advocacy and raising awareness of pressing issues.

About Emerge Lakefront
A residential community program and institute of inner development for global impact.
100 carefully curated global change-makers and thought-leaders come together based on the idea that in order for humanity to solve the complex challenges of our time, we need a collective and cultural inner shift in how we see ourselves, others, and the planet, as one interconnected system.
We want this place to be a strong, global beacon of hope and inspiration in the emergence of the world our hearts know is possible - a world where we live, create, collaborate and organize from a place of connection and care for each other, and all life on our planet.
Residency Application
Loading application form