Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Shelf Life of Decisions

[Bonnie Fergusson (fergyb2]

    I think the number one most important policy to
get clear agreement on before move in is common meal
universal participation in the cooking rotation.  Once
you get agreement on that your common meal program
will work even if the details of it changes
periodically over the years and a smoothly working
common meal program means regular opportunities to
keep up with each other and stay connected in the ways
that build community.  The specifics of which days and
how many cooks etc. don't matter as much as the
universality of participation and the regularity of
it.
    Consensus and conflict resolution and meeting
facilitation training for all or as near to all as you
can pull off before move in is also to be highly
recommended.  There will be conflicts and
disagreements and people will sometimes dissappoint
you but it's how you deal with those things which
makes or breaks the community, so pump up your skills
before move in.
    And last but far from least, figure out how to
celebrate and have fun together. 
             Bonnie Fergusson
             Swan's Market Cohousing
             Oakland, CA 


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