Re: member of more than one group? | <– Date –> <– Thread –> |
From: Raines Cohen (coho-Lraines.com) | |
Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 16:02:19 -0700 (MST) |
Catya Belfer-Shevett <catya [at] homeport.org> wrote on ri, 24 Dec 1999 17:52:35 -0500 (EST): >I've noticed a few postings here that mentioned being involved with more than >one cohousing group... Is this common? Is it considered "bad form"? > >I'm thinking of getting involved in a couple of local possibilities, but >am not sure what the proper etiquette around that would be.. I'm one of the ones you saw. I'm involved in both an established group that is preparing to move in within a couple of months, construction almost complete (Old Oakland Cohousing at Swan's Market), and a new group (East Bay Cohousing) that doesn't even have a site yet and is just past its first year of getting organized and educated. Being in more than one group raises eyebrows (perhaps because we know how much time and energy and how many meetings being in one group requires... imagine doubling that!), but I think it makes sense for me. I joined the latter group because: (a) I joined OOCoHo "just" two-and-a-half years ago, so I missed its first few years of operation, lots of the design and initial group process. (b) It typically takes groups five years to go through the cohousing development process to the point of moving in. Will I want to live in downtown Oakland in five years in a studio loft? That's longer than I've lived anywhere but where I grew up. It's nice to have a "backup plan". I could always end up just investing in the latter group if they end up selecting a site/plan that doesn't meet my needs, or if I decide I prefer living at Old Oakland. (c) The latter group is mostly younger, more interested in community-development and environmental concerns. While part of this could be because they have yet to have their ranks reduced by a test of "can-I-afford-to-buy?", I like the people and I'm eager to retain a connection with them. (d) I'm interested in fostering connections between groups, and my experience with OOcoHo can help me provide information so the group doesn't make the same mistakes (it can come up with new, DIFFERENT mistakes to make!) So, to make it clear, these groups are not "competing" in any sense of the word... Swan's has been fully reserved for some time. At least one other OOCoHo member is also active in EBCOHO, although she was on the waiting list when she started. I highly encourage everybody to maintain both formal and informal communication and cooperation between groups, locally and regionally, to take advantage of opportunities for pooling resources, political influence, or purchasing power, to help educate the community about CoHousing, to refer inquiries, and the like. Something I have yet to propose to either group but will be inquiring about: looking at whether the shell LLC can be transferred to the new group (after distributing its assets when its business is wrapped up with Swan's and the Homeowner's Association is established) to save it the cost and time-delay of going through that process. Raines Raines Cohen <coho-L [at] raines.com> <http://www.swansway.com/> Catching up on the year's finances. Member, Old Oakland [CA] Cohousing at Swan's Market Where the fishmarket's trash is noticable a block away when it's not collected promptly! and Member, East Bay Cohousing [no site yet] <http://www.ebcoho.org/> Which needs some convincing to join TCN... ammo, anyone?
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member of more than one group? Catya Belfer-Shevett, December 24 1999
- Re: member of more than one group? Berrins, December 25 1999
- Member of more than one group? Sharon Villines, December 26 1999
- RE: Member of more than one group? Catya Belfer-Shevett, December 29 1999
- Re: member of more than one group? Raines Cohen, December 29 1999
- Re: Member of more than one group? Diane Simpson, December 30 1999
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