On page 170 of

Finding Community: how to Join an ecovillage or intentional community by Diana Leafe Christian,, she includes a list of signs a group is disconnected.  Earlier she mentioned that communities go through “flu season” so these are just ideas but something to look for in a group you are joining, already in, or ways to improve.  It was written by Larry Kapiowitz.  The  Lost Valley Educational center brainstormed this list of symptoms of eroding relationships in a community. I assume it was to keep them on their toes.  Next time – signs of a healthy group!

SIGNS A GROUP IS IN DISTRESS:

Arguing

Avoidance

Backbiting gossiping

Binging of anything

Blame

Chaos at mealtimes

Chronic lateness

Cliques fractions

Competitiveness

Defensiveness

Depression

Difficult coming to agreements

Drama and struggle

Eating standing up or in a hurry

Feeling alone and unappreciated at work

Feeling of not enough time

Feeling unsafe to express thoughts feelings

Going through the motions

Uncompleted projects/lack of follow through

Injuries

Isolation/separation

Kitchen is a mess

Lack of physical touching

Non-accountability for decisions/passing the buck

Over committing

Overwhelmed/burnout

Prolonged worrying

Qualify our contributions

Resistance/resentment to service

Restlessness

Rushing or hurrying

Sarcasm/fractions/hurtful speech

Secrecy//covertness

Sickness

Sluggishness/heaviness in work

Speaking over each other

Superficial interactions

Suppression of enthusiasm

Territoriality

Unclear communication