The Stories We Tell

By Trish Becker, CohoUS Executive Director

As we approach the end of another year, I have been reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, how we’ve been challenged, and how cohousing remains a solution to many of the social problems we face today.

This year, the US Surgeon General released a white paper titled Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.

In Dr. Murthy’s advisory, he issues a 6-pillar framework for addressing loneliness, many of which align with the work we’ve been doing for many years in cohousing.

The framework calls for research and the expansion of pro-connection public policies, both of which are top priorities of CohoUS and our affiliated research arm, the Cohousing Research Network (CRN). CRN helps tell the story of cohousing through data gathered from communitarians across the country. By synthesizing individual experiences, they can weave a broader narrative about how cohousing is changing our lives and creating a stronger future.

The growth of cohousing hinges on our capacity to craft and share compelling stories. It brings me great joy to present the 2023 Impact Report, a testament to our collective efforts and the strides we've taken towards fostering connection in a lonely world.

I invite each of you to dive into the report, celebrate the victories, and reflect on the lessons learned. Your dedication and commitment have fueled our progress, and your stories are at the heart of this narrative.

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.

No seniors left behind during the holidays

As seniors in living cohousing, many of us may not have family or close friends nearby to celebrate holidays with. Maybe you moved across the country to live in your community, or maybe you’ve lost friends or family members. Or maybe you simply prefer the company of your fellow cohousers.

One of the great things about cohousing is that there’s almost always a holiday celebration that you can join if you don’t have another option — or even if you do. Communities celebrate Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day with barbecues, picnics and other fun activities. They throw parties to celebrate birthdays and other milestones. But the biggest cluster of holidays occurs in November and December. Following are some examples of how cohousing communities come together to celebrate these occasions.

Read the full article here

Upcoming events

Dec. 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;

Dec. 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;

Aug. 2–4, 2024 — Rooted in Belonging, the 2024 National Cohousing Conference, Denver, CO; a gathering of community builders, seekers and cohousing professionals who are committed to a more connected, sustainable and democratic future; intensives and tours start Aug. 1; sign up to receive conference updates.

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