Initial Organizing Agreement

Purpose of the Group

The undersigned hereby form the Mosaic Commons Organizing Group, which is a partnership for the purpose of developing a cohousing community. The group's functions include but are not necessarily limited to exploring the scope of the proposed projects as determined in future meetings, recruiting and orienting new members to the group; preparing a detailed development plan; seeking and examining potential sites; securing the services of professionals as necessary to facilitate the above.

Membership

Interested children and adults become active members of the group by attending new members orientation, two general meetings, paying membership fees and dues, and signing this IOA. Only active members have voting rights.

To Leave the Group

Stop attending meetings and paying membership dues. Provide written notice to a member of the Membership Committee.

Meetings Minutes

Meetings minutes of discussions and decisions made will be distributed to attending and absent members before the next scheduled meeting. They will be posted on our website and sent out via email. Printed copies will be handed out by request at the next scheduled meeting and will be kept on file in a binder for reference. This binder will also contain copies of all receipts, memos, correspondence, research materials, and other records and will be available to all members at each meeting.

Decision Making

To protect minority rights and to promote a feeling of community, caring and trust among all members of the group, a consensus-seeking process will be used. A formalized decision-making process of three-fourths majority vote of those present will be used only to avoid an impasse. An impasse will be defined as having no resolution after scheduled discussions at 2 consecutive general meetings. The vote will be taken at the end of the second discussion period. All decisions will be discussed thoroughly before a decision is made. Decisions may be brought up at the next meeting only by members who were absent at the previous meeting.

Financial Obligations

The finances of the group shall be the respective obligation of all individual members. At this time the undersigned agree to pay a $50 nonrefundable initial membership fee per household, due upon signing this IOA, and monthly dues of $20/adult for first active adult in the household and $15/month for the second active adult ($10/adult thereafter), to cover incidental costs, due at the first general meeting of each month. These costs are limited to paper, mailing, photocopying, other office supplies, professional assistance, 100% of child care fees, and rental of meeting rooms. For other purchases, authorization must be given from the members. If these monthly dues cause severe hardship, a sliding scale is available. No deficit may be incurred. If the group dissolves, any surplus dues will be returned to the members in proportion to the amount they have contributed. A member treasurer will perform the banking for the group.

The Next Step

When property is bought or other activities are undertaken that demand greater economic responsibility to the group or to a third party, the organizing group will incorporate itself accordingly.

Once incorporated, members reserve a residence in the community by investing in the corporation (or partnership). Persons not able or ready to invest in the corporation may follow the project as members of the "organizing group" with the potential of buying in later if units are still available. Voting rights for various membership levels will be determined by the time of incorporation.

This document will be reviewed by March 19, 2000 to determine if any changes are needed.

Signatures and Dates:

Printed Name: ______________________ Signed Name:________________________ Date:_________