Cohousing-L Mailing List: Sociocracy for UUs — 1 Intro Session (Sept 22) + 6-Session Workshop (Oct 7–Nov 11)

[Neil Planchon (nplanchon]

Hi all,

Sharing two upcoming sessions on Sociocracy — a consent-based, shared-power 
approach to governance — offered with Unitarian Universalist communities in 
mind, but open and welcoming to anyone in cohousing or intentional community 
interested in the topic.

1. Shared Power, Shared Purpose: An Introduction to Sociocracy for UUs
Making Decisions that Make a Difference

📅 Tuesday, September 22, 2026
🕓 4:00–5:30pm PT / 5:00–6:30pm MT / 6:00–7:30pm CT / 7:00–8:30pm ET
🎤 Facilitated by Rev. Renee Ruchotzke (UU Consultant) and Rev. Sarah Prickett 
(Northwoods UU Church)

A no-experience-needed introduction for leaders, staff, and congregants curious 
about consent-based governance. We'll cover the basics of Sociocracy, hear real 
examples from UU settings, and leave with ideas for what this could look like 
in your own community.

🔗 Register for the intro se 
<https://www.sociocracyforall.org/product/introduction-to-sociocracy-for-unitarian-universalists/>ssion
 - https://www.sociocracyforall.org/unitarian-universalist-sociocracy/

2. Practicing Shared Decision-Making: A Six-Session Facilitator Workshop
Governance as Spiritual Practice

📅 6 Wednesdays, October 7 – November 11, 2026
🕓 4:30–6:30pm PT / 5:30–7:30pm MT / 6:30–8:30pm CT / 7:30–9:30pm ET
🎤 Facilitated by Rev. Renee Ruchotzke and Anne Sheridan (Certified Sociocracy 
Trainer)

For those ready to go deeper after the intro session, this workshop builds core 
facilitation skills — running consent-based meetings, holding rounds, handling 
objections, and selecting roles by consent — while exploring governance as part 
of shared ministry and anti-oppression work.

💰 $100 for the full series, additional donations welcomed
🔗 Register for the six-session workshop 
<https://www.sociocracyforall.org/product/practicing-shared-decision-making-a-sociocracy-workshop-for-uu-communities/>
 - https://www.sociocracyforall.org/unitarian-universalist-sociocracy/

Hope to see some of you there!



Neil

Sociocracy For All. Cohousing Research Network. 

Swan's Market Cohousing, Oakland CA. Cascadia Commons, Portland OR - heading 
North in 2027