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
