Letter from Jim Leach, the 2010 conference chair

January 15, 2010

Dear Cohousing Supporter—

It’s my pleasure to extend a personal invitation for you to join us at the 2010 National Cohousing Conference to be held in Boulder, Colorado on June 18-20. I’ve been reflecting on our conference theme of “sustainability through community” and want to offer a few thoughts on the rich connections between these parallel movements.

As humans living on an endangered planet, we have much to be gained through community. A healthier, more secure, and more socially satisfying life is the obvious gain. Less apparent perhaps is the empowerment generated by participation in a self-managed neighborhood community with a vision of more responsible, sustainable living. Participating in the 2010 Conference will also empower you to be more successful in pursuing your cohousing interests.

Over the past twenty years, the cohousing movement has grown in sophistication. Much has been learned about good neighborhood-level community building and process, as well as how best to design, finance, and build the places that support community and sustainability. We have learned how to tap synergistically into the energy and interests of a diverse group of neighbors who share a common vision of sustainability. In this way, we do indeed create “a better world one neighborhood at a time.”

Early research has begun to document the cohousing successes and the lessons learned. The time has come to broaden the interest base, to reach out to professionals, academics, pro-activists, and all others who have an interest in the important role community can and must play in the sustainability of human culture and our planet.

The University of Colorado in Boulder this June will be the ideal place and time to connect these two movements. Please consider joining us in this groundbreaking conference on sustainability and community. It is sure to provide you with the tools and inspiration to do your part on this most positive of journeys.

Sincerely,

Jim Leach

Chair, 2010 National Cohousing Conference

Resident, Silver Sage Cohousing Community

President, Wonderland Hill Development Company

Chairman, CoHousing Partners