This paper explores the innovative potential of the Crossing Cultures initiative in Belmonte Calabro, Italy, as a pioneering model for rural revitalisation through university engagement. Since 2016, Crossing Cultures has addressed socio-economic challenges in Calabria by integrating education, local involvement, and architectural practices. This collaborative effort, involving students, local residents, an NGO, and an architecture collective, has fostered knowledge exchange and community resilience, particularly in tackling the issues of migration and depopulation. The paper outlines a governance framework based on Communities of Practice (CoPs), designed to empower residents through peer learning and capacity-building initiatives. Drawing from nine years of experience in Belmonte and research on other self-governing initiatives, the framework is structured into four stages: "Rupture," "Activation of Place," "Negotiations and Communities," and "CoPs and the Government." These stages are proposed to guide the development of resilient communities by fostering local autonomy, accountability, and cultural integration. Crossing Cultures has successfully completed the first two stages, and the paper details plans for further development by engaging local mayors and key stakeholders in a roundtable discussion. This discussion will explore the final two stages of the framework, focusing on community-led governance and long-term rural sustainability. By empowering local communities and attracting a younger, diverse population, the initiative aims to create a sustainable model for rural regeneration that can be replicated in other depopulated areas. The framework offers a blueprint for enhancing social sustainability, with the ultimate goal of securing the village’s resilience and vitality for future generations.