The basics of interest-based negotiation used in facilitative mediation will be explained and applied to common situations in cohousing: one person who has a problem; two people who would like to talk about the problem and find a solution; two or more outspoken and polarized individuals who are concerned about a community issue. Participants will learn how to use the interests of those listed above to inform a community process or community meeting. Any community member can use these interest-based mediation skills to address any potential community conflict early, increase overall understanding of positions as well as possible outcomes, and stay in communication with the issues over time.

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Joel Rothschild will discuss the evolution of the cohousing movement and will consider the question: How might atypical projects inform the future of cohousing's form and audience? Some communities (1) are retrofitted from an existing block, cul-de-sac, or building; (2) don't have a conventional common house; (3) are focused on particular demographics or spiritual practices; (4) use mixed economies of community and private incomes; (5) are very small or very large; (6) embrace alternative approaches to home ownership and investment; (7) use common facilities to stage public outreach and education services; and (8) have a second home approach. Shelley Goguen Hulbert will discuss a different development model, drawing from her own experiences with Nubanusit Neighborhood and Farm. Typically, a group of future neighbors work together to develop their cohousing community.

The Coho U Research and Writers Workshop brought together a diverse group of researchers, writers, and others who have an interest in studying and writing about the role that neighborhood-level community may play in the sustainability of human culture and our planet. Working together, the workshop participants shared information and ideas, presented research, and brainstormed research possibilities. Come hear the workshop organizers talk about the outcomes of this first-ever academic workshop.

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Diane Margolis, PhD, is a founding member of Cambridge Cohousing in Massachusetts. She writes about cohousing and is professor emeritus at UCONN. She has published two books – The Managers: Corporate Life in America (William Morrow) and

Dene Peterson and Anne Glass will present the findings of a three-year qualitative study of ElderSpirit Community in Abingdon, Virginia. ElderSpirit Community is a cohousing community of 29 homes – 16 low-income rental housing and 13 market-rate ownership homes. ElderSpirit is a community of mutual support and late-life spirituality.

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Dene Peterson is the founder and developer of ElderSpirit Communty, located in Abingdon, Virginia. Dene holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in administration. Dene is certified as a Housing Development and Finance Professional. In 2006, Dene was selected as a Purpose Prize Fellow.

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