Celebrating “The Commons”

By Trish Becker, CohoUS Executive Director

As we approach the close of another transformative year, it's a pleasure to reflect on the milestones that have shaped our journey. In the spirit of collective celebration, I hope you take a few minutes to watch our 2023 Impact Report, a video summary of some of our favorite moments of the year.

Among the highlights of 2023, I'm particularly excited to share the success story of one of our most significant achievements – The Commons.

Launched earlier this year, The Commons is a monthly webinar series designed for both the cohousing-curious and seasoned communitarians. Offering free cohousing education, it has become a space where individuals can come together to learn, share insights, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.

Over the past year, The Commons has engaged nearly 500 individuals, becoming a hub for learning and networking. The webinar provides a Cohousing 101 education, serving as a valuable introduction for those exploring cohousing concepts. We then facilitate small group dialogues, enabling participants to share resources, exchange wisdom, and discuss their aspirations for intentional community living.

As we head into 2024, we are pleased to announce that The Commons will continue to be a vital resource for cohousing communities. We encourage you to integrate it into your networks by linking to it at https://bit.ly/2024CohoCommons from your websites, including it in newsletters, and offering it to those on your waitlists. By doing so, you not only amplify the visibility of your community but also play a role in supporting the broader cohousing movement.

CohoUS is proud to be part of this journey with you, and we remain committed to providing resources that empower and inspire intentional communities. The success of The Commons is a shared success, and by extending its reach, we collectively strengthen the bonds that define our cohousing community.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let's carry the spirit of collaboration and learning into the new year. Together, we'll continue building a future where cohousing is not just a concept but a thriving reality for all who seek it.

Learn more about The Commons

Your Story Matters: Share it with Us

Our strength lies not only in our shared accomplishments but in the unique stories that make each community within our network special. Today, I extend a heartfelt invitation for you to contribute to the narrative by sharing your personal experiences of life in community. By sharing photos, videos and anecdotes using our Story Collection Form, you allow us to capture the diverse tapestry of life in community. Whether it's a tale of overcoming challenges, a moment of shared joy, or the impact your community has had on your life, your story has the power to inspire and connect.

Support Cohousing with End-of-Year Giving

As we reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future, I also want to take a moment to express the importance of your continued support. The success of the Cohousing Association of the US relies on the generosity of our community members. Your end-of-year contributions enable us to expand our reach, provide resources for emerging cohousing communities, and advocate for policies that support our shared values.

To contribute to our ongoing mission and help us continue to build a movement that empowers communities across the nation, please consider making a donation before the year comes to a close. Your support ensures that we can amplify our impact and pave the way for even more stories of connection and collaboration.

Thank you for being an integral part of the cohousing movement.

Support Cohousing Today

The Cohousing Institute offers our past events on demand, so that you can learn anytime and anywhere!

Did you miss out on our Cohousing Resales event? Wish you had been able to attend our conversation on Demystifying Common Meals? Those programs and more are available to view on our Cohousing Institute platform! Sign in or register for an account today to and watch them whenever you want.

Featured on demand programs include:

Partners: Remember to use your 2023 discount codes to apply your discount. Each of these recordings is free for 2023 partners!

Non-partners: Consider becoming a partner for $150 to access upcoming programs as well as a library of over 200 on-demand recordings. Learn more here.

If you have any questions about how to register for an event, become a partner or set up your Cohousing Institute account please email cohousingassociationofus@gmail.com.

Learn More

2024 membership registration is open!

In 2024, enjoy an variety of enhanced benefits that will support your community journey, including an exclusive $100 discount for the 2024 National Cohousing Conference.

All 2024 CohoUS Memberships Include:

Free access to all online events
$100 off 2024 National Cohousing Conference in Denver, CO (for each member of your community)
25% off trainings and coaching through The Cohousing Institute
200+ recorded event sessions, sorted by event or topic
Highlighted Directory listing (available only to our members)
Support for the cohousing movement, CohoUS, and the many public services we offer

We have streamlined our system which means you do not have to wait for an invoice. Instead, you can pay directly through The Cohousing Institute platform by clicking the "Sign Up" link on our membership page. With your payment, you'll receive an invoice for your records and information on next steps to ensure you and your members can take full advantage of The Cohousing Institute platform.

If you have any questions, reach out to our Program Director Carolyn Pruitt at carolyn@cohous.org.

Helping our neighbors

How should cohousing residents help each other as they get older or suffer age-related injuries and illnesses? This is a hot topic in senior cohousing circles, sometimes referred to as “co-caring.” The guidelines for such assistance vary by community and may be based on a written agreement or offered informally. PDX Commons in Portland, OR, started a group called the Mitzvah Squad to coordinate help for neighbors when needed. (Mitzvah is a Hebrew word, one of whose meanings is “good deed.”)

Read the full article here

Upcoming events

Jan. 10 — The Commons, a free monthly gathering for the cohousing curious and experts, too; 10 a.m. Mountain Time; repeats on the 10^th of each month

Jan. 20 — Seniors in Cohousing Q&A, an informal facilitated conversation for those who are interested in senior cohousing and/or senior living in intergenerational cohousing; 10 a.m. Mountain Time; repeats on the 20^th of each month. Once registered, you’ll receive an email before the meeting with a link to join the call on Zoom.

The Commons

A (free) monthly gathering for the cohousing curious

(and experts too!)

Curious about cohousing but don’t know where to start? Want to meet with cohousing newbies and experts alike? This (free) monthly gathering will include a Cohousing 101 presentation and ample time to connect and ask questions. We’ll share cohousing lingo, best practices and more information on how to continue your cohousing journey. Join us once, or every time – we’ll be here every month on the 10^th at 10am MT.

Senior Cohousing Q&A

Want to learn more about what it's like to build, join, and participate in cohousing as you age? The Senior Cohousing Advocates Committee will be facilitating an informal conversation for those interested in senior cohousing and/or senior living in intergenerational cohousing. This (free) event will take place every month on the 20th at 10am MT.

Will you share your community stories with us?

Submit anecdotes, photos, videos and stories so that we can help tell the story of life in community.

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

Cohousing is part of a more sustainable, democratic and connected future.

To date, CohoUS has helped enable the development of over 200 cohousing communities in the US. These communities serve as examples of the sustainable and community-based neighborhoods our country will need in the future. Please support CohoUS and help us double that number in the next few years.

Your monthly gift will both support new initiatives as well as the continued nurturing of our communities and growth of our movement. As an Evergreen Neighbor, you can take pride in creating a legacy that will live on to support future generations.

Donations, as a community or as an individual, are accepted year round and can be made to:

Cohousing Association of the US

3860 Chase St

Wheat Ridge, CO 80212

DONATE