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We welcome blog submittals of cohousing stories, reflections, celebrations and issues. Send them to us, or contact us to become a regular blogger here.

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Connect or Get It Done?

Submitted by gimnig on

Karen Gimnig

The following question was asked on a WebChat on Oct 18, 2018. We didn’t have time to answer it there, so Karen is offering the answer here.

Question:
Is there a way to get folks who are extremely focused on "getting a lot done" -- especially leaders/facilitators who make very packed meeting agendas down to the minute and are worried that they need to build membership ASAP in order to get to actually living in community ASAP -- to slow down and focus on connection? Or, is this a basic mismatch of values and I should seek another community?

2nd WebChat - video available

Submitted by gimnig on

Karen Gimnig

Last week we enjoyed our second WebChat.

Karen Gimnig shared about the value of Getting Connected and strategies for making it happen faster. After a short presentation, questions ranged from managing speakers in meetings to balancing work on connection with decision-making.

Video available here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWv9NEZB4Po

Many participants asked for a write-up of the basic mirroring exercise Karen introduced in her talk, so we’re including it here:

Cohousing: Making the World a Better Place

Submitted by gimnig on

This fall I got to spend some time with long-term cohousers. I asked them “Why cohousing?” As expected, they told me about neighborly support, caring for the environment, common meals, and all sorts of details of why it’s enjoyable to live in cohousing. What felt more important, though, were all the reasons the world needs more cohousing.

First WebChat a great Success

Submitted by gimnig on

The Cohousing Association of the US

The Cohousing Association of the US was delighted to host Jerry Koch-Gonzalez of Sociocracy for All for the first in our series of WebChats. Over 70 people attended the program, including groups that gathering in their common house to watch together. We always love to see cohousing in action.

Jerry started the evening with a short presentation of facilitation skills and techniques. He then answered questions from participants about everything from power and privilege to community connection. We all learned a lot and now you can too.

NE Summit a Great Success!

Submitted by gimnig on

Karen Gimnig

Last weekend’s NE Summit kicked off with a day of pre-conference intensive workshops hosted by Pioneer Valley Cohousing in their common house. We filled every room with 2 full day and 7 half day workshops. We were greeted by cohousing in action with community members on hand to welcome us while others were working to maintain their community or going about their daily lives.

Webchats are Coming!

Submitted by gimnig on

Karen Gimnig

This fall The Cohousing Association is rolling out another great opportunity to learn about cohousing. We will be hosting sessions with process and facilitation professionals to share their expertise and answer your questions. We hope you will take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to receive support from your greater cohousing community.

Intensive Offering: Attract the people you want to join your cohousing community

Submitted by JennyG on

Alan O'Hashi, NE Cohousing Summit Presenter

FADE IN:

INT. COHOUSING CONFERENCE ROOM, DAY

Are you starting a cohousing community and want to know where to start? Do you live in an existing community, and want to revisit your mission?

Sign up for the "Telling Your Community Story" half-day intensive workshop by Alan O'Hashi

For startups, some will say tie up the land first, which is true. Some will say have a meeting to get people interested, which is true. Some will say, get an architect, which is true.

Cohousing Conference at My Home – Then and Now

Submitted by Mary Kraus Architect on

The Northeast Cohousing Summit is coming to Amherst, Massachusetts, and that sure brings back memories for me! Want to know why? Almost two decades ago, in October 1999, the National Cohousing Conference was hosted by two Amherst communities: my home community of Pioneer Valley Cohousing, and nearby Pine Street Cohousing. For three glorious days, people interested in cohousing – aspiring cohousers, professionals, and members of existing groups – descended on our communities and filled the air with their energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity about cohousing.

I've lived in cohousing for 14 years. Here's why I never want to live elsewhere.

Submitted by JennyG on

JennyG, Re-post from Business Insider

Great article on cohousing's benefits from a long-time resident, published in Business Insider last week.

"At our condo complex, we live a completely different lifestyle. It's common for neighbors to bring dinner to a table on the patio and eat together. We often pop into each other's homes to borrow something, to ask a question, or just to say hi.

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