Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: FIRST POST Questions and sort of statement (Wayne Tyson)

[Neena Jud (harmony]

Re: FIRST POST  Questions and sort of statement (Wayne Tyson)
 
This has been an interesting discussion, and I look forward to reading more.
I appreciate that it is a cordial discussion. That enables others to learn
and absorb the concepts so much better.
 
One consideration that I would like to add when thinking about the "No
rules." concept, is the affect of time on the community. What is going to
happen in 20 years when the kids are grown (and hopefully have learned
respect in those growing years) and new people have joined the community? I
suggest watching the movie "The Village" by M. Night Shyamalan, then get
into discussion with your group.
 
Rules exist in the outside world. Rules need to be talked about. Whatever
document you develop for your community should somehow address rules - more
for the benefit of future generations rather than right now.
 
My experience in this comes, not from being in a co-housing community, but
by being involved in a community of people who manage a nature preserve in
exchange for the benefit of using it for camping. This piece of property has
been under "our" control for 21 years. Four years ago, we created a
non-profit organization to take ownership of the property. Right now three
of us are trying to hash out an amendment to an agreement that clarifies
some things for future generations.
 
The whole reason any of us first came to this property was to "play", to
relax and enjoy ourselves away from civilization. Over time, we realized
that we should pitch in and help take care of the place so that it stays as
nice as it is. This led to organization, and documenting the organization
(which are trappings of the civilization from which we enjoy being away). It
helps to have annotations that explain how or why certain decisions were
made. These form the guidelines for the future, and help the younger members
understand how this preserve developed.
 
Just another thought to throw into the mix.
 
Neena Jud