Frequently asked questions

This is a special FAQ page for the sociocracy workshop, January 28–29, 2012. For information about Green Haven cohousing, please visit our regular FAQ page.

What is sociocracy?

Sociocracy is a method of self-governance that ensures inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, and productivity. It creates a structure that both involves all members of the organization in policy decision making and produces a strong and efficient decision-making structure.

Sociocracy is rule of an organization or government by the "socii," that is, by people who regularly interact with each other and have a common aim. (The prefix socio- comes from "socius," the Latin term for companion or colleague.) Each socius has a voice that cannot be ignored in the managing of the organization.

To learn more: Sociocracy in Action

For an even deeper look, try socionet.net and GovernanceAlive

A copy of John Buck’s We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy will be given to the first 20 to register.

Yikes, this is a huge time commitment. How will I benefit from the weekend?

Aims of the workshop:

  • To increase your understanding of sociocracy, with real practice as part of the training.

  • To help you develop working relationships with people experienced in teaching sociocracy.

  • To help you network with others interested in cohousing and effective, egalitarian self-governance.

  • To move cohousing and other progressive communities towards sociocratic self-governance.

Where can I learn more about the workshop presenters?

It's pricey! What if I can't afford the conference?

We have priced the workshop at $175 just to cover expenses for an expected cost of approximately $6,000. For those on a tight budget, we have reserved a number of tickets priced at $100, $125, and $150. You can contact the conference planning circle sociocracy@dmargulis.com to obtain the code for one of these discounted tickets.

IN ADDITION . . .

If you are planning to join Green Haven, we have a SUPER DEAL for you. One of the key requirements for becoming an associate member is to attend a training workshop such as this one. If you complete all of the steps to become an associate member in 2012, we will WAIVE the $200 dues that would normally apply. That is, if you spend the $175 now and then become an associate member of Green Haven is 2012, you'll get $$200 back. Can't beat that deal.

Can I donate extra to help Green Haven defray the costs of this workshop, and to make it more accessible to those who can't afford $175?

We are a small organization, and we have priced the workshop just to cover expenses, which we anticipate to be approximately $6,000. For anyone who is interested, we will accept donations to help defray the cost for those who cannot afford the full fee. You may donate at the time of your registration, by opting for one of the higher priced registration fees.

Do it for cohousing, for sociocracy, for community, for Green Haven, but not for the glory!

What if I want to attend but am not part of a cohousing community? Can I invite someone outside the cohousing community to attend?

The workshop is open to anyone who is interested. While the material will be aimed at those who are forming or living in cohousing, it will also be useful for community, non-profit, and social organizations. Feel free to forward your invitation to interested friends.

What meals are included?

Lunch and snacks will be provided on both days of the workshop. To accommodate the most people easily, these will be primarily (delicious) vegan and gluten-free—but with dairy and bread abundantly available to all.

Saturday after the workshop we will have a wine reception.

You are on your own for dinner. For those of you coming from out of town, New Haven has many fantastic restaurants! You can explore New Haven listings. Many are within walking distance of the workshop. We will have a list available for you at the workshop.

Will childcare be provided?

We will provide complimentary child care and activities onsite, on a space-available basis. Please register as soon as possible and contact us immediately to let us know the ages and interests of your children.

Quiet easy-going babes in arms are welcome to stay with their parents; a place to duck out will be available should you or your baby need it.

Interested and mature teens 16 or over are welcome to enroll in the workshop at regular rates. 

I am coming from out of town. Where can I stay overnight?

We have reserved a block of rooms, at Premiere Suites in New Haven. Each comfortably sleeps 3–4 at $109/night (or approximately $125 per night, including 15% hotel tax).

This lower RATE IS NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE.

To get this rate you MUST CALL 866-458-0232 and say you are with “Green Haven Cohousing.”

These studio rooms include:

  • Either a king or 2 doubles (not queens) plus living area sofa bed

  • Free shuttle to and from Union Station (5 minutes away) for Amtrak, MetroNorth, and Greyhound. Free shuttle to the workshop venue (10 minutes away). Shuttle hours 7:30 am–8:30 pm.

  • Free Internet

  • Free hot buffet breakfast (and free M–Th suppers if you come Thursday!)

  • Full kitchens (with 4-burner stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, big refrigerator, dishwasher)

The block of rooms will be held until January 9th, but the price will be honored as long as there is availability.
For those for whom a hotel stay would be too expensive, try www.couchsurfing.org for people in the New Haven area that could put you up for free.

I am coming from out of town. How can I get there?

You can travel to New Haven via train (Amtrak or  MetroNorth) or bus (Greyhound). If you stay at Premier Suites there is a free shuttle from Union Station (for both bus and train) to the hotel and a shuttle to the conference location, the Grove. 

Can I attend for one day only, if I cannot commit to two days?

The workshop is structured as a two-day training. We ask that you attend both days in order to fully understand and learn how to implement the process of sociocracy.  We will be practicing the method of sociocracy at the conference, so your full attendance will be beneficial to you and to all participants and teachers.

How do I sign up for the workshop?

You can register and pay via credit card at Brown Paper Tickets.

If you cannot pay by credit card, please contact us via phone or email listed below.

A copy of John Buck’s We the People: Consenting to a Deeper Democracy will be sent to the first 20 to register.

Is there any recommended reading to prepare for the workshop?

Once you register, we will send you a few readings chosen by John Buck (as PDFs or links).

How do I contact you with questions?

Please email and we will respond as quickly as our little hands can type!

One contact address for all five of us: Marie, Brenda, Tina, Samantha and Dick: sociocracy@dmargulis.com

For phone inquiries, call Dick 203-464-3199.