Cohousing-L Mailing List: more "co"

[Hans Tilstra (tilstra]

Cohousing has made it to a national newspaper in Australia. Graham Meltzer
(http://www.aiid.bee.qut.edu.au/~meltzer/) is starting to publish now that
his work on cohousing has been recognised with a Phd. Here's a sample of his
take on the effects of cohousing on people:

In cohousing, 'moments' in the empowerment process toward more effective
environmentalism may include:
1. taking a smaller dwelling because workshop, guest room and library are
shared;
2. learning to compost and recycle because convenient managed systems are
provided;
3. taking the lead from others more practiced or committed, and learning the
basis for such practices;
4. forging trusting relationships with neighbours, which allow the sharing
of resources; and in the process,
5. becoming less attached to personal possessions and the status of wealth;
6. growing instead to appreciate mutual support and the benefits of
collaboration;
7. feeling bonded to, safe within, and developing a sense of belonging to
the group;
8. expressing personal values more freely, because they are accepted by a
sympathetic group;
9. participating increasingly in the ongoing management of the community and
its systems;
10. being motivated to contribute to the improvement and maintenance of the
surroundings; and,
11. feeling valued for that contribution and a strengthened sense of
personal efficacy.

Thanks Graham!
Hans