Loomio
Tue 25 Oct 2016 7:04AM

Collaborative Housing Confernce

AK Aaron Keohane Public Seen by 403

Hi all,

It occurred to me that what our community of like minded individuals needs is time together and I mean real time. Not one evening but a full weekend. To this end, I'd like to propose that we organise a weekend long conference with an Open Space Schedule (ie no guest speakers, just a blank schedule wth a few rooms that can be used as spaces for discussions).

I was thinking it would be best to have it in Late Januray early February as it will give a bit of time for word to spread and for us to organise.

Do I have any volunteers?

Also it would be good to just get people's thoughts on the idea, even if people aren't motivated to help organise it.

EL

Eileen Leahy Tue 25 Oct 2016 7:22AM

Good idea - open space also great and would it be good to invite people who have done it - from uk eu etc - a variety of models?

EO

Emer O'Siochru Tue 25 Oct 2016 11:39AM

I think one day might be more achievable. That way people avoid a stay over. A long day including meals together for informal chats can cover quite a lot. Open Space is as good a format as anything as long as there are proper minutes/records made of events, topics and objectives/decisions/priorities established. New members (joining after the day) should be asked to respect the work of the first adopters/pioneers ( attendees on the day) or else we start going round in circles till only the most mentally and financially resilient are left. The Occupy movement taught us that continually striving for perfect consensus leads to burn out. We should be prepared to accept 'good enough' as anything we decide will be infinity better than what is on offer now.

EH

Eldon Hilliard Tue 25 Oct 2016 1:00PM

Sounds good Aaron,

Happy to help.

DP

Davie Philip Wed 26 Oct 2016 11:12AM

I think this is a good idea. We have organised two national co-housing events that were very well attended and am happy to help, advise or be useful in anyway to this group. I am away for two months though with very limited access to internet so cant get involved in anything in the short term,

AK

Aaron Keohane Thu 27 Oct 2016 6:07PM

Great stuff, thanks for the offers of help. Right as ye are the ones who will be helping to organise it, let's decide the location and dates together.

I contacted Colum Stapleton who runs http://www.gyreum.com/ (an eco-lodge) his reply is below. Would 30 places be too little?

I worked out the cost based on figures below and it would be €27.25 each for the two nights. What we could do is charge €50 each and take care of prepping the food ourselves and any money left over could go into the next conference. Thoughts on that?

In terms of dates, what do people think of the 28th/29th of January or the 4th/5th of February?

"""Hi Aaron,

We do a standard weekend hire of entire space for sole use.
€750 + 9% VAT for up to 30 people for two nights.
We have 9 cubicles with their own curtain for single occupancy.
There is also another 3 beds in the main circle’s circumference. Otherwise there is a 6, a 5 and a 4 bed loft dorm. Also two double rooms.
Please when you have worked out which dates in which month suit you – forward 50% of hire fee to assure your reservation. Second part of payment to arrive/ cleared three days before your arrival. I can furnish you with our bank details.
A €500 damage/ clean-up waiver is taken upon arrival and returned on happy inspection upon your group’s departure. We’ve never needed to retain same.
If you need more information on local activities and hikes etc. please don’t hesitate to ask.
best wishes
Colum Stapleton
0873280789 """"

So just to recap, I'd love it if people could share their thoughts on:
a) the location
b) it's capacity
c) the price
d) the dates

Obviously, if you have any suggestions for different locations and dates please also share them.

AK

Aaron Keohane Wed 2 Nov 2016 6:42AM

Hi all, so far I've got feedback from my friend Sarah who said that some of her people would not be able to afford that. So I'm going to propose that we offer a suggested fee of €30 and then a pay it forward policy to help those would could not otherwise attend. I'm willing to cover the money that it would cost if the policy doesn't working out covering some people's attendance fee.