Cohousing-L Mailing List: Membership decision

[Juva DuBoise (juva]

"> how do you decide, who can become a new member in your community?"

 

We decided at the very beginning of our process of creating community that
we wouldn't decide who can become a member..instead we want people to choose
us.  We spend a year getting VERY clear about our Vision and Values.  We use
these as the foundation for who we are.  So this is the first thing we ask
those interested in us to do.read our Vision and Value statement and visit a
meeting.  If that fits with what they are seeking, we then give them a
"buddy", a current member who has had consensus training and gone through a
13 week Non-Violent Communication training (required by all members.  This
buddy is their main contact and answers questions, spends some time with the
potential member.  We then require that they take 4 to 6 weeks in getting to
know us as people, attend a couple each of social events, business meetings
and committee meetings.  Near the end of the 4-6 week period and before they
become a member we have a "clearness committee".  This is a (Minimum) 2 hour
meeting with their buddy, another community member and the potential member.
During this time we go through our policies, Vision and Values, review bylaw
etc. the second half of the meeting is to HEAR what their dreams and hope
are for community. It there are concerns we find out what the needs are
behind the concern and work to find a solution.  Only one time can I think
of that we worked at letting the individual know that this was not a good
match.  Other wise it has been a smooth process of people joining that match
with us and others choosing to find a better fit else where.   We have a
wonderful community which is supportive and connected.  True we aren't
living together (closing the construction loan this week and starting to
build with in a week or two -YEAH!) but are already a strong community!  It
is true, I like us a lot!

 

 

Juva

Ah, Community - check it out!

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