Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Selecting members

[Rob Sandelin (robsan]

Bob & Ruth wrote:

In addition, we are wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom on
what one does when someone joins the group who is inappropriate for
the group but does not respond to "vibes" telling him/her that fact.
We have been told that most groups end up being self-selecting, but
we are concerned about the damage that an inappropriate person can do
to a group. Ideas on "admission" and "de-admission" would be
welcomed.

Whew!  This can get interesting.  Legally in America you probably want 
to organize originally as some kind of non-profit corporation with the 
goal of land development.  Then write up some bylaws about the process 
you want to use for people to become members of the corporation (must 
be approved by membership vote, the board, etc.)  This is probably the 
safest way to build an early membership criteria in America but even 
then who knows what sort of discrimination type laws you might be up 
against.  (remember all those posts about the fair housing law?)

Of course, in Israel, you probably don't have those problems and can 
write up any sort of approval process you want.  I would however write 
it down, make sure it is clear, and make sure everyone understands it 
well so there are no misunderstandings.  I would recommend some sort of 
commitment process to becoming a member defined  as number of meetings 
attended and a dollar amount.  If you have a values or principal 
statement, I would include the signing of that as part of becoming a 
member also.

Rob Sandelin
Sharingwood