Governance
Table of Contents
Presentation
We can discuss and dream about all the possibilities of developing a physical place: Kitchen, swimming pool, spa, gym, sea view, etc. These elements will depend on the financial means of the participants.
On the other hand, the element common to all, which we consider the most important is the way of life. in community as well as the mode of decision-making
There have been groups of people for many years who have developed ways of function and make decisions in society. There are private companies that operate this way as well as eco-villages and collectives. These principles are well proven by years of use. Our goal is not to invent new systems but to use proven systems. Here are the principles that will be used: Non Violent Communication (NVC), Sociocracy and Restorative Circles.
Participants should have a basic knowledge of these modes of functioning in society.
Most communities start with an understanding that they will be making decisions without majority votes
cohousing.org: deciding-governance
Many examples of cohousing exist. We were inspired by practices recognized and proven by many cohousing.
More specifically a cohousing in Quebec (Canada) Cohabitat Québec.
Non Violent Communication (NVC)
Violent Communication is an approach to communication based on principles of non violence. It is not a technique to end disagreements, but rather a method designed to increase empathy and improve the quality of life of those who utilize the method and the people around them.
Sociocracy
Sociocracy is a theory of governance that seeks to create psychologically safe environments and productive organizations. It draws on the use of consent, rather than majority voting, in discussion and decision-making by people who have a shared goal or work process.
Groups generally have the most success when they receive direct support from a process consultant as they are starting out and on a regular basis thereafter.
Restorative Practices
Restorative practices is a social science that studies how to improve and repair relationships between people and communities. The purpose is to build healthy communities, increase social capital, decrease crime and antisocial behavior, repair harm and restore relationships.
NBC and Oasis
The physical concept of the NBCs is inspired by the concept of the Oasis developed by a Quebec company: Solution ERA.
The Oasis are the result of 20 years of teaching the principles of sustainable and ecological housing.
The first two Oasis were built in the small village where I live and were designed to promote co-living.
Private Spaces
Sharing common spaces is very enriching but at times it is crucial to be able to retreat to a secluded place. Each resident has a studio adapted accordingly. The private apartments are grouped together in one section of the building. Particular attention has been paid to the soundproofing of each apartment to ensure the privacy of the occupants.
Common areas
The common areas are grouped together in another section and promote coexistence. These common areas consist of a common kitchen, a co-working room, a relaxation lounge, a spa as well as a greenhouse. The greenhouse can be converted for other uses: gym, yoga room, music studio, etc.
Common life
To make life easier and reduce sources of friction between residents, two important aspects were introduced:
1) A cook comes twice a week (Monday and Wednesday) and prepares 10 meals per person per week.
2) A person comes to clean the common areas once a week.
Again, these aspects represent the basic agreement which can be modified at will. In the case of my living environment, each person takes care of the preparation of the meal and the dishes once a week. So that on the other days she has nothing to prepare. Surpluses are used for midday lunches. We also have a to-do chart for each month. Each resident chooses two tasks to do for the month. Each task represents approximately one hour of work.
For more details, see the section on the basic agreement.