Cohousing-L Mailing List: decisions after move in- shared land and use

[Danielle Olson (study_tactics]

Our homes were finished the end of November 2001. 
When we moved in we had a large amount of work to do.
(cohousing is similar to childbirth in this respect;
the work doesn't end after birth) We had to finish our
off-mortgage projects.  We had to create committees. 
We had to decide what decisions needed the consensus
of the whole community and what needed committee
approval. We eventually decided that some decisions
could just be posted on email and on our decision
board in the common house. 
For example, a boy wanted a rabbit hutch for his
rabbit near his yard but out side of his limited
common area.  Was this a decision for a general
meeting or a decision board issue?  At the time we
heard this as a proposal at a general meeting.  Now it
would go on the decision board and the boy would email
his request.  He might set a date and time for an
informal meeting for those with questions.  Those
people who need lots of details can ask questions at
his rabbit hutch meeting.

 Here is an example of the multi-faceted decision
process we might use for issues outside of general
meetings( these are the steps: relationship building,
trust,decision board, email, small specific meeting). 


C. wanted to build a tree house in the woods.  First
he talked about it informally with people while doing
other things.   People responded favorably.  Then he
posted a meeting time for those people interested in a
tree house.  Next He sent an email out with the same
information.  People could talk to him or email if
they had concerns.  They could discuss the details
during his tree house meeting.  Some people don't need
a lot of information about a project before consenting
to it. Some people need hours of detailed explanation
with illustrations and time to debate before making a
decision. It all depends on the subject and how a
particular decision will impact the individual. 
Whether a person needs pictures and needs to ask many
questions or makes decisions with barely any
information can also be part of his/her personality
and learning style.  
Some people had a few questions about the house.  Most
people told him to go for it. They thought it was a
great idea. The people with concerns asked about cost
and safety.  He answered their questions.  We all
trust C. He built up our relationships with him. He is
trustworthy.  consequently, nobody really had a
problem with his tree house.  He built it this summer.
 It is a very appropriate place for the older school
age kids in the community.  They love it.  My 10 year
old likes to play there on nice days.  I helped C. a
couple of times, so I saw all the precautions he took
to make it safe.  C. spent extra time and energy to
make sure that it would be safe for the kids.  The
whole process was relatively smooth and efficient. It
didn't seem complicated.  I think though that it did
take several steps.
We recently celebrated our first anniversary since
move in. We have not finished many of the projects we
hoped to finish by this time. But despite that,  we
have accomplished a great deal during this year.
 I could use some clarification about the line that
separates general meeting issues, personal issues and
the fuzzy stuff in between. I would love to hear about
how other communities make decisions dealing with
shared land and facilities. 
Thank you
Danielle Olson
Songaia Cohousing
Washington state

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