Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Orientation, Need tips about

[Rob Sandelin (robsan]

One thing I would suggest is to have both a male and female at 
orientations.  People react differently and respond differently to 
different types of presenters and tend to be most comfortable with 
"someone like me.".   Also be sure to look at style differences in 
presenters.  A young, fast talking, aggressive sales-man and an older, 
mellow woman make totally different impressions on people and reflect 
on your efforts.

Focus on people more than buildings if you can.  Talk about the things 
you do, or intend to do together as much as, if not more than, the 
physical building stuff.

Make orientations potlucks and hold them in a place where people can 
spend a small amount of time preparing food together.  There is 
something amazingly bonding about eating together which I do not 
understand but recognize as truth.

Make orientations interactive by asking participants who show up, why 
they came, what they want, who they are, etc.  Don't let people leave 
as strangers, rather spend a small amount of time, maybe with some sort 
of warm up exercise, getting to know each other.  Each orientation 
session should be a small community building session as well.  This 
makes a huge impression on people.

Rob Sandelin
Sharingwood