Returning Members Checklist |
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Introduction
As a former member, you are familiar with the Heartwood culture, but because the community changes over time, before becoming a member again we require you to re-familiarize yourself with the community and get up to speed on the changes that have happened since you left. We want you to once again fully study and consider the prospect of living in Heartwood Cohousing and decide for yourself if you will be a good member of the community and if the community will be good for you. This Returning Member Checklist (RMC) is intended to ensure that you have done that.
If you left Heartwood over two years ago, you must complete this RMC to once again become a member. If you left Heartwood less than two years ago, no checklist is required. In either case, you must own a home or be a renter at Heartwood to be a member.
One checklist is required per adult in the household. Once the Membership Team has reviewed your RMC and found it to be complete and you own a home or are a renter here, you will become a member of Heartwood Cohousing. See our Membership Agreement for full membership details.
The Membership team may waive or modify certain requirements due to extenuating circumstances so long as you have given full and careful consideration to becoming a member.
Study & Consideration
During your Visit to Heartwood
(Some of these requirements could be completed in person or virtually online or by phone. If virtually online or by phone, you could complete the requirement while not visiting Heartwood, but in any case you must visit Heartwood in order to complete this RMC.)
Declaration of Agreement & Commitment
Please read the following declarations and sign below.
I have thoroughly explored and considered life at Heartwood Cohousing. I believe that I will be a good fit for the community and the community will be a good fit for me.
I have thoroughly familiarized myself with the Heartwood Cohousing Agreements. I understand that in the future the community may modify the agreements, but at this time, I fully endorse them and agree to abide by them.
I understand that eating together greatly strengthens our community fabric and that I am strongly encouraged to participate in community meals.
I commit to:
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _______________
As a former member, you are familiar with the Heartwood culture, but because the community changes over time, before becoming a member again we require you to re-familiarize yourself with the community and get up to speed on the changes that have happened since you left. We want you to once again fully study and consider the prospect of living in Heartwood Cohousing and decide for yourself if you will be a good member of the community and if the community will be good for you. This Returning Member Checklist (RMC) is intended to ensure that you have done that.
If you left Heartwood over two years ago, you must complete this RMC to once again become a member. If you left Heartwood less than two years ago, no checklist is required. In either case, you must own a home or be a renter at Heartwood to be a member.
One checklist is required per adult in the household. Once the Membership Team has reviewed your RMC and found it to be complete and you own a home or are a renter here, you will become a member of Heartwood Cohousing. See our Membership Agreement for full membership details.
The Membership team may waive or modify certain requirements due to extenuating circumstances so long as you have given full and careful consideration to becoming a member.
Study & Consideration
- Review all of the Heartwood Cohousing Agreements and specifically read any agreements that have been revised or community decisions that have been made since you left Heartwood. (You will also find our Guidelines and Resources on our website. These are not required, but may be of interest to you.)
- Answer the following questions and meet with the Membership Team to discuss membership and your responses to these questions.
A) Why have you decided to move back to Heartwood?
B) What are your fears or concerns about living in Heartwood Cohousing?
C) What are you most looking forward to about Heartwood Cohousing? What benefits do you hope to realize by living here?
D) Participation in community activities and work are important both for community vitality and for your integration into the community. In what ways can you imagine yourself participating?
E) What is your response to agreements that have been revised and the community decisions that have been made since you left?
During your Visit to Heartwood
(Some of these requirements could be completed in person or virtually online or by phone. If virtually online or by phone, you could complete the requirement while not visiting Heartwood, but in any case you must visit Heartwood in order to complete this RMC.)
- Attend a Community Meeting or Team Meeting.
- Have conversations with everyone who has become a member since you left Heartwood (up to 6 maximum).
Declaration of Agreement & Commitment
Please read the following declarations and sign below.
I have thoroughly explored and considered life at Heartwood Cohousing. I believe that I will be a good fit for the community and the community will be a good fit for me.
I have thoroughly familiarized myself with the Heartwood Cohousing Agreements. I understand that in the future the community may modify the agreements, but at this time, I fully endorse them and agree to abide by them.
I understand that eating together greatly strengthens our community fabric and that I am strongly encouraged to participate in community meals.
I commit to:
- actively participate in community life
- develop and maintain harmonious relationships with other community members
- work on my own personal growth
- work on the advancement of Heartwood Cohousing
Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _______________
Revised 01/12/26