Jocelyn and Abi are back again for more reflections on their experiences with co-living! In this episode the focus is on clarifying the purpose of your co-living group, and how to go about finding or building a group that is in alignment with that vision. They give some great examples of different co-living experiments they've visited and been part of, and end with a reflection on what happens when expectations are not met, or clash with each other. Tune in for Part 3 which will be all about navigating conflict and how to 'end well' when someone wants to leave the group.

Listen in as Abi van Ly and Jocelyn Ames share their experiences with co-living.In this episode they talk about the value of daily, readily available companionship and emotional support, the use of community boards for task management and decision-making, the importance of shared rituals and finding a balance of flexibility and structure to suit the evolving and diverse needs of the co-living group.

Hermes’ Loom: https://hermesloom.org/

Julian Nalenz, a participant in the Microsolidarity Summer Camp and a philosophical voice on community building, shares insights with Richard D. Bartlett. They explore the delicate dynamics of communication within diverse communities, emphasizing inclusivity and belonging. The pair also delve into how vital relationships influence personal and communal growth. Additionally, they confront societal taboos and the role of open dialogue in fostering understanding, concluding with reflections on collective spirit and the significance of intentional spaces for connecting.

The October 2024 Microsolidarity network call was all about unpacking the September Summer Camp experience. Participants shared stories of turning awkward moments into opportunities for connection, discussed the concept of "slack capacity," and explored how to handle unexpected challenges with a positive attitude. The group dug into the nitty-gritty of creating spaces where people naturally connect and how campers navigated conflicts constructively.

One month on from the Microsolidarity EU Summer Camp, two of the hosts Jesse Evers and Sarah Pelham facilitate a discussion to consider, how were we together? And what are take-aways and considerations for the design processes and hosting of future gatherings? The recording starts as we are discussing - which structures and practices enabled or inhibited our collective ways of being, and how? If you want to hear more about how the camp was set up and structured, have a listen to '2024 Microsolidarity EU Summer Camp - Hosting Crew Debrief' (recorded 17 September 2024). Sign up to the Microsolidarity newsletter for information on future gatherings and more: https://microsolidarity.substack.com/ 

In this episode, Sara Bajor interviews Summer Camp chef and participant Pietro, about his decision to go blindfolded during his dinner shift. Behind this outwardly-seeming bizarre decision is a story of personal development, exercising one's agency, and using the magic of transforming needs into invitations.