Cohousing-L Mailing List: Participation Agreements--an example

[Joani Blank (joani]

Friends,

It's been ages since I've read or posted to this wonderful listserve. I'm
at least three weeks behind.  A member of Sunward Cohousing asked me this
week for a copy of Doyle Street's Participation Agreement which I sent to
her. When she wrote back asking if I knew of other communities that
utilized such a document, I suggested that she post a request here for your
responses.  

Then I decided to just post the whole thing here since in the last few
years I've sent it to individual communities perhaps a dozen times.  I'm
not sure if Sandra is a subscriber or not, so if you do decide to share
your participation agreement please send it direct to her at
lindo [at] compuserve.com. Use your judgement about posting it to the whole 
list.

[Doyle Streeters: A few words have been changed to clarify and to protect
the innocent <smile>]

                                Imaginary CoHousing
                                 Participation Agreement 

I reside (or intend to reside) in the Imaginary CoHousing Community in
Perfection, California.  
I am aware of the nature, goals, character and history of Imaginary
CoHousing and I intend to maintain and enhance its strong sense of
community and cooperation. 

I understand that as a resident I am required to abide by the Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), By-Laws and House Rules of the
Imaginary Condominium Association, and I agree to do so.  

I further understand that if I lease or sell  my unit, my prospective
tenant(s) or buyer(s) is/are expected to undergo an orientation process
pursuant to the CC & Rs.  (Signing of this Participation Agreement is
voluntary).

I fully support the Community's aim of shared and cooperative living.
Therefore, I pledge to participate in activities of the Community on a
regular basis, including (but not limited to):. 

1. Management of our community through the Condominium Association. I
understand that I am expected to play an ongoing role in the Association
(and if an owner to serve on the Board of Directors). I know that if I want
to have a say in the decision-making process, it is my responsibility to
participate in Association meetings.  

2. Preparation of common meals. I understand that every adult resident (18
or older) shares equally in the preparation and clean-up of common meals on
a rotating basis.  I agree to do my share, regardless of how frequently I
sign up to eat those meals. 

3. Maintenance and improvement of the community property. We self-manage
and maintain our property.  In order to keep it in the best condition
possible, it is necessary for all residents to participate in the ongoing
maintenance of the common areas, and I agree to do my share

The continued success of the Imaginary CoHousing Community depends on the
active, continuous participation of its residents. I hereby pledge my
active, continuous involvement in the community. 

Signed:_________________________________  Unit #_________
Date:_________________

Joani Blank
late of Doyle Street CoHousing, currently residing in Old Oakland
Cohousing, that's in sunny northern California.