Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: participation in decision making

[Emilie Parker (emilie.v.parker]

I just joined the [C-L] yesterday.  So I'm new and open to  everything and
excited about being part of this list serve.  At Louisville Artists
Cohousing in Colorado we are just one year old. So mostly we've been
becoming legal, and getting an architect, property and developer, board of
directors, non-profit status, bylaws, etc.  We need to find someone in our
group who can begin an intentional effort to build how we live together in
our community.  People are asking for more of that.  So far we've moved
forward fast and avoided a lot of bumps and it'd be great if we can do some
stuff now that will avoid pain later.  We spend time regularly about every
couple of month or so going over our values and those are really well
respected by all of us and our new board is going to finalize them this
month.  Our whole group is meets monthly and I'd like someone to take up
the role of leading everyone in making those meetings more interactive and
connected.  I've read a lot of good stuff on cohousing.org about it, but we
have not done much except have a few fun events.  so far showing
affinity/respect/gratitude, and other good stuff goes a long way.  Our
decision making system is working okay so far -- I consult everyone, we
form a small group and formulate a plan and then get everyone's consent so
it's worked okay to keep us moving ahead, but we need to make a major
decision this month on property.  The new board will probably make the
decision. What's the best temple for us to follow to build the
relationships and good-feeling patterns of interaction.


Emilie Parker
Louisville Artists Cohousing (Synergy Arts Creative Community)
Louisville, Colorado
303-317-4558
www.meetup.com/artist-housing-community




-----------------
Emilie Parker
emilie.v.parker [at] gmail.com
303-317-4558 main
240-350-8533 cell

On Wed, Jan 7, 2015 at 7:54 AM, Ann Zabaldo <zabaldo [at] earthlink.net> wrote:

>
> Hi Liz and all —
>
> Design of the buildings, while important, is only one part of the
> cohousing experience.  Design of how to live in your community is FAR more
> complicated and requires far more attention than bricks and mortar (which
> still requires a lot.)  My own experience building and living in cohousing
> is that we pay too much attention to buildings and not nearly enough to
> relationship building.  As new folks come into the community … a new design
> and pattern of living evolves.  Intentionally paying attention to the
> evolution of the community goes a long way in smoothing out the bumps and
> swales.
>
>
> On Jan 6, 2015, at 8:30 PM, Liz Ryan Cole <lizryancole [at] me.com> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > On Jan 6, 2015, at 8:20 PM, Jerry McIntire wrote:
> >
> > Many cohousers though want to be part of
> > the planning and decision-making. That basic participation is one of the
> > six key characteristics of a cohousing community.
> >
> > I am wondering how existing communities deal with bringing in new people
> who can't possibly participate in decision making design of an already
> built community.  Isn't the important participation in the life of the
> community?  thanks  liz
> >
> >
> > Liz Ryan Cole
> > lizryancole [at] me.com
> > Pinnacle Cohousing at Loch Lyme Lodge
> > Lyme, NH
>
> Best --
>
> Ann Zabaldo
> Takoma Village Cohousing
> Washington, DC
> Principal, Cohousing Collaborative, LLC
> Falls Church VA
> 703-688-2646
>
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