2008 National Cohousing Conference Embraces Those Living in Community

The National Cohousing Conference has traditionally drawn a large crowd of folks who are searching for answers, advice, connections and community. Those somewhat new to the cohousing world are a valuable resource and an engaging group. Their questions and ideas push cohousing’s evolution and help keep the movement burning for future generations.

This year the conference will also address cohousing’s most valuable resource: those already living in community. The 2008 conference experience is geared toward helping those of you who’ve been living in community – whether for months or years or decades – to enrich your lives and the life of your group as well as to connect with each other.

Everyone who has been part of a group for awhile, either building or living in community, will want to check out Karen Gardner’s workshop, "Keeping the Flame." Karen will spend time identifying specific issues that affect workshop participants and will explore some keys to learning and growing together, resolving differences in vision, and working toward a common, dynamic and exciting future.

We are excited to have Chuck Durrett and Ruven Liebhaber presenting "Retooling Cohousing for Aging in Place." Chuck and Ruven will lead a world café-style discussion on key issues, and participants can return to their communities with a current, usable plan for beginning the retooling process right away.

Other pre-conference workshops will address essentials of communication and provide those just getting started with roadmaps of green building practices, legal issues and project management.

The conference’s extracurricular activities have also been planned to connect existing community members with each other as well as with those searching for community. The Saturday night dinner auction is always a great time to catch up and meet new friends. On Sunday, we’ll have time and space for informal gatherings, either by interest or group, so that you can continue discussions started during the formal program.

Coho/US is looking forward to seeing you and your community members at the 2008 National Cohousing Conference.