Cohousing-L Mailing List: Standing for Inclusion

[Kathryn Lowry (kathryn.lowry]

Hello all,

I’m reaching out to connect with others who have faced the challenge of
standing for inclusion in communities where efforts toward equity are
sometimes perceived as a threat.

In my cohousing community, I’ve found that raising concerns about fairness
— particularly around how families with children are treated in shared
spaces — can be misinterpreted as combative or divisive. It has been
disheartening to see advocacy for equity framed as conflict, when in fact
my intention is to uphold the values of belonging and shared responsibility
that cohousing is built upon.

I’d love to hear from others who have navigated similar dynamics:

   -

   How have you sustained your commitment to inclusion when neighbors push
   back?
   -

   What strategies or language have helped keep the focus on equity rather
   than personalities?
   -

   How do you care for yourself when the work of holding boundaries around
   fairness feels isolating?

I believe many of us are here because we value communities where *all*
households feel welcome and respected. If you’ve been in a similar
position, I’d be grateful to learn from your experience and connect around
these challenges.

Warmly,
Kathryn Lowry