Cohousing-L Mailing List: help on new member guidelines

[Brian Lavendel (lavendel]

We're a brand new and tiny cohousing community in Madison, WI. Four=
 two-bedroom units--so far three couples (one with children).

We are currently seeking members for the 4th unit and could use some=
 guidance from groups that have experience deciding on new members. (New=
 members will rent for the first year or so, with rent toward equity if they=
 want to stay and we agree. Also, we use the consensus process for=
 decisionmaking.) We have several questions:

What is your application process? (We ask them to come to a few potlucks at=
 which we get acquainted and ask a few casual questions.) How do you make a=
 decision about new people? What criteria do you use? What about references=
 or a personal statement? Have the criteria been formalized and do you let=
 the applicants know what they are? Are personality conflicts or intuition=
 or "not liking" someone acceptable criteria for denying their application?=
 What about hearsay?

(Feel free to respond off-list if you'd rather not jam up the listserv.)

Thanks for your help!

************************************************************
Brian Lavendel                          608/249-4178
3406 Dawes St                           fax   249-3379
Madison WI 53714-2217                   lavendel [at] bigfoot.com