Cohousing-L Mailing List: About Diversity (was paying for childcare)

[Don Westlight (don]

One of the best ways to build community is to systematically address
barriers to participation, whatever these might be.

If a coho community wants parents to participate, the best thing is to put
a childcare line-item in the yearly budget.  This is simple, not a big
expense, and serves to provide stability for families so they can
participate in full group meetings.  The clear alternative is to have
fewer families with children. (if any...) 

Similarly, if a coho community wants participation from people with
disabilities, at least some percentage of the community and all meetings
must be accessible, even if this costs more.

If a coho community wants participation from morning people, meetings must
end at a reasonable hour.

If a coho community wants participation from religious people, meetings
must not occur during times of religious observance.

If a coho community wants participation from people with food allergies,
these must be taken into consideration to some degree in any meal programs
or potlucks.

If a coho community wants participation from people across the economic
spectrum, some housing costs must be subsidized or rental arrangements
created.

These are all manifestations of a core value: Diversity.


        -Don

Don Westlight, Cascadia Commons, Portland OR



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