Newsletter — October 2025
This is a special edition Newsletter -
Highlighting our upcoming workshop on November 1st, 2025
Beyond echo chambers:
A workshop for divided times
We don't need to tell you that we're living through a moment of profound division.
You feel it at family dinners. In team meetings. On neighborhood message boards. That careful dance of avoiding certain topics, or the exhausting battles when you don't.
But what if there was another way?
On November 1st, Sunnyside Village Cohousing is hosting a workshop on the communication skills that make connection possible… even across deep differences.
Register Now
This isn't therapy. It's not political. It's practical, hands-on training in the techniques that intentional communities use to navigate disagreement while building genuine relationships.
Relationship coach Karen Gimnig will guide you through a day of learning and practice focused on:
Simple structures for difficult conversations
Deep listening when emotions run high
Working constructively with conflict
Disagreeing while maintaining respect and empathy
Facilitator Karen Gimnig, Relationship Coach and co-author of The Cooperative Culture Handbook
Why this matters:
At Sunnyside Village Cohousing, we've learned something important: people with different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives can build meaningful community together. But it requires specific skills — skills that most of us were never taught.
Karen has spent over a decade teaching these skills to dozens of communities. She co-authored The Cooperative Culture Handbook and worked with the Cohousing Association. Her clients consistently describe her as someone who creates rare safety for disagreement while maintaining high standards for accountability.
One participant said:"You are the safest person to disagree with ever!"
This workshop is for anyone who:
Believes connection across differences is still possible
Wants practical tools, not just theory
Is willing to practice uncomfortable skills
Wants to be part of building a more connected world
The cost is $75 per household if you register by October 25th, or $95 after. You'll leave with concrete skills you can use immediately in every part of your life. There’s no extra charge for a second household member to attend — and lunch is included with your registration!
You'll also get to meet members of our community and see what intentional living looks like in practice. Who knows — you might find you're looking for exactly what we're building.
The world changes when we change how we relate to each other.
Register Now
Closing Thoughts
If in these chaotic times you’ve ever asked yourself, “What can I do?” — here’s one powerful answer. When disagreement feels impossible, connection becomes revolutionary.
In a nation struggling with polarization and division, learning to communicate across differences isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. We’d love for you to join us.
Warmly,
Jennie and Norm and all of us at Sunnyside Village Cohousing
Find us on Facebook: Sunnyside Village Cohousing
Our website address: SunnysideVillageCohousing.com
You can reach us at: Info@sunnysidevillagecohousing.com