The March Hare: Summer 2006 Issue 49

Co-ops • Starting Something • The Way We Eat • Ironweed Maturing • Getting There • Crossword

Come see our past issues for lots of Dancing Rabbit information.

Co-ops

In this issue we pay homage to the almighty cooperative. Folks who live at Dancing Rabbit are well familiar with this system - whether dealing with phones, cars, showers, food or the internet, sharing resources is a simple way to reduce impact and increase overall efficiency. It also makes good economic sense: splitting up the expenses related to our amenities generally lowers individual cost, too.

Co-ops exemplify much of what makes community living tick, providing us the chance to take other people's needs into account at the same time as we address our own. They also encourage us to become more invested in different aspects of the ecovillage by giving us a personal stake in their workings (it's funny how, once you're part of the humanure rotation, the problem of the too-heavy buckets all of a sudden takes on a whole new significance).

Apart from all this, co-ops also give us the opportunity to share in the company of our neighbors. Is there a more dependable guarantee of face time with your friends than sitting down with them at meals? And what better way to get to know a new resident than squishing into the car next to them during a trip to Kirksville?

We explore this quarter's theme with articles that explore many different aspects of the structure and function of co-ops.

Nathan walks us through the process of starting up a co-op as he describes the formation of Sunflower, our newest eating co-op at Dancing Rabbit.

We delve further into eating co-ops with Juan, who gives us insight into their decision-making by discussing Bobolink's priorities with regard to its food choices (you'll never look at citrus the same way again).

Ted describes the growth and change that Ironweed has experienced over the two years since its inception, and at the same time introduces us to the co-op's newest (and smallest) member.

We also get a brief introduction to the Dancing Rabbit Vehicle Co-op from Jennifer, who explains the ins and outs of membership in one of the oldest co-ops at Dancing Rabbit.

Finally, it's activity time with Rachel and Tony's crossword puzzle, where you'll find the opportunity to test out all your DR knowledge. Look out, though, 'cause it's a stumper!

Co-ops • Starting Something • The Way We Eat • Ironweed Maturing • Getting There • Crossword