Cohousing Process

INTENTION:
To create a multi-generational, residential neighborhood in an agrarian setting.

Recommended Resources:

www.cohousing.org

INTRODUCTION TIMELINE MINUTES PICTURES

INTRODUCTION:
There was once a Guy, and a Juliana, who wanted to save their 4th generation family farm from the runaway development engulfing the Chelan Valley. And they wanted people around to have fun with, doing things like art and music and playing games.  And they wanted people to experiment with about how to live a more sustainable life, and maybe they even dreamed of creating an example that would help our world move a step forward.

Sometime in March, 2006 this Guy, and this Juliana, went on the radio and told everyone about their dream, and invited everyone to a presentation replete with Powerpoint pictures showing where a cohousing community might one day exist on Sunshine Farm. A couple of dozen view lots were sketched in at the top of the farm.  These would provide cash for putting in roads, and sewer anc such. Down lower on the property, closer to Lake Chelan, was a spot for the Sunshine Institute.  This Guy and this Juliana had already been thinking a lot about the future of their farm.  Over twenty people heard this dream.

Then came March 26.  Over 25 people gathered at the farm for a potluck and conversation about whether there was interest in this cohousing dream. 

There was interest.

There is interest.

Minutes from this first meeting record "exceptional food," a commitment to meet every other week for the spring, and the following quote.

"Every cohousing neighborhood we have talked to has stressed the need to start with Relationship, Vision, and Process.  These are the glue that sustain a community for the long haul, and we are committed to spending ample time on these important basics.  

Relationships, of course, are the bonds we nurture between each other over food, out on the land, and in meetings.  Vision is the shared set of values and directions that we agree upon as a group.  And Process is the means to developing this mission and making future decisions.  There is much work to do, but many excited minds and hands to put to the task."  

WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE

As Available:

  • Vision Statement.
  • Understanding of Membership.
  • Membership List
  • Infrastructure News: Permits, sewer, water, road, layout, community design, house design.
  • Move-In Party Photo Album