Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you organizing Covid-safer experiences?
Individual co-op members have different reasons for continuing to avoid Covid. We choose the safest possible guidelines for three reasons:
- Because we value health. Research shows that each new Covid infection increases your risk of new and lasting negative health outcomes.
- Because we value every individual. Our human interdependence means we need to provide social spaces that accommodate the most vulnerable, including children.
- Because we think long-term. In the long-run of Covid-19, we have a better chance of thriving by evolving new norms, rituals, and organizations than by lapsing into old patterns.
By exemplifying rigorous practices of collective care, our co-op aims to strengthen our shared pandemic resilience.
What makes your gatherings Covid-safer?
Most gatherings take place outdoors. In addition, everyone agrees to three agreements: 1) to wear a well-fitting KN94 or better mask; 2) to stay home if sick or recently exposed to Covid; and 3) to alert all contacts if you test positive after a gathering.
These agreements mean there are always several layers of mitigation in place: outdoors, masked (or distanced if unmasked to eat or drink), plus illness/exposure guidelines.
Who are the members of the group?
Our members include artists, entrepreneurs, professionals, single parents, mixed race individuals and families, queer folx, people on the autism spectrum, people of different faiths and people of none, immigrants, longtime Valley residents and Brooklyn refugees. We include all ages, from babies-on-the-way to their grandparents. All who agree to our Covid-19 guidelines are welcome.
What part of the Hudson Valley are you located in?
Co-op members live as far south as Nyack and as far north as Schenectady. Our greatest density lies around Kingston: land originally stewarded by Mohican, Munsee Lenape, and Schaghticoke peoples.