The former Passionist monastery… And Walk-Your-Talk is delighted to contribute to this, based on shared values.
A multilingual group of enthusiasts, approximately 30 families (50 adults and about twenty children) of various ages, have found each other through this project. They must reach an agreement on all plans, finances, external projects, contracts… and all of this with 50 other people! It sounds like a challenge.
It is about more than just ‘living together’. It is also about reflecting on how people (want to) live together. And about discovering how to re-establish warm and meaningful connections. Additionally, it is an opportunity to share much more again. Ranging from visions and styles regarding values and upbringing, to the use of space and belongings, to a quick coffee in the morning. Without any of it having to be an obligation.
Homes will be complemented by other functions that promote diversity, sharing, the saving of resources and space, and opening up to the neighborhood: a nursery, repair café, homework club, spaces for coworking, creation, rehearsal, socio-cultural encounters, etc.
Living together based on the trust that they will achieve better solutions together than if they were to address those same challenges individually or per family.
The creation of cohousing immediately raises questions for many future residents due to its complexity and slow pace.
A cohousing project requires experience and expertise, for example, to look beyond regulatory hurdles and silos that often discourage rather than facilitate such projects, but also to allow for the vulnerability of stating what (sometimes) does not suit you or what does not work for you. And the openness of the group to handle that appropriately, often through a gentle, exploratory process.
Walk-Your-Talk was invited by cOarchi, which specializes in the creation and support of collective and participatory housing projects with high human and architectural value. cOarchi informs, trains, and facilitates a method of organization and decision-making through consent and organic, circular governance where everyone is mobilized, heard, and involved in the decisions.
They offer training programs tailored to cohousing: an introduction to sociocracy and a cooperative mindset, co-creation of shared governance, circle meetings… These are working methods that, combined with a foundation of Nonviolent Communication, allow groups to grow in maturity.
The families are organized into circles, and they want to create a community where there is mutual openness, as well as excellent cooperation with the architects and developers who will start renovations next year. They have also trained facilitators among those families who lead circles themselves.
Nonviolent Communication was the missing link. At the end of May, the time had come. We got to work with a group of 16 future residents and Carole from cOarchi.
We allowed people to experience how they can communicate, connect, and collaborate in a more sustainable, authentic way from a position of equality, and how they can create a safe atmosphere. They learn how to handle emotions at the table and how they can use emotions to move forward in decision-making. They learn to empathize better and to ask the right follow-up questions so that the conversation flows again. The dialogue gains depth.
When all participants dare to speak out, listen to one another, and can connect more effectively—even when things get tense—they can become creative together.
At Walk-Your-Talk, we are grateful to be able to contribute to an inclusive and solidary place to live, with respect for nature and the character of the location, and where sustainability is the common thread.
Marijke D’Herde
