Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Definition of Outside Group

[Chris ScottHanson (chris]

It seems to me that a group, with which one of your members has an  
affiliation, is automatically NOT an "outside group."  In this case I  
would suggest only asking for a donation for any use of common space  
that is repeated.  I would make sure that it is clear that the member/ 
sponsor is fully responsible for clean up and return of the space to  
better-then-you-found-it condition.  The group is a guest of your  
member, and like a guest in their home, should be covered by their  
own home owner's liability insurance for their own parties or functions.

It would seems to me that any group (with one exception) which does  
not have a member of your community as an affiliate, should be  
considered an "outside group," and should be charged money, varying  
if you want for profit and not-for-profit groups.  Outside groups not  
sponsored by a member, should provide evidence of their own liability  
insurance.  It is understandable that some cohousing groups find it  
is not practical to make their facilities open to "outside groups" at  
all.

The exception that I can think of is the condition when an  
organization, such as a cooperative bank, who sponsored the creation  
of your community in the first place, seeks to use your facilities  
for one of their Board Meetings.  I would think you might welcome  
them cordially, and put on a catered spread for them.  At a minimum,  
you might want to find a member who would be willing to be the  
sponsor for their event.

Chris

On Sep 5, 2007, at 6:07 AM, Dave and Diane wrote:

> Hi there, fellow coholanders!
>
> I have a question about how other cohousing groups define the term
> "outside group" for the purpose of determining what groups can use
> the common facilities (great room, living room, guest rooms, etc.)
>
> 1) Is "outside group" meant to be a group that is totally
> unafilliated with your cohousing community and asks out of the blue
> if they can use your spaces?
>
> 2) Is "outside group" a group that maybe one or two members of your
> community belong to but is not a community-based group? (Such as
> membership committee, landscape committee, etc.)
>
> 3) Do you charge either of these groups for the use of the space? If
> so, is liability an issue?
>
> 4) What factors do you use to determine whether a group is for-profit
> or non-profit?
>
> If you have any policies that you have written up on this item I
> would love to have them!
>
> Thanks very much,
> --Diane Simpson
>
> outreach facilitator
> jp cohousing  617-522-2209
> Box 300420 boston ma
> http://www.jpcohousing.org
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