Providing affordable, cooperative housing in Davis, CA since 1979
Member Responsibilities
Responsibilities of members to one another
Make decisions collaboratively through consensus voting process
Fist-to-Five (see attached diagram)
Only use blocks in cases of:
Compromised integrity – “I will have to leave the group because I cannot live in integrity with this decision”
Concerns that the decision could be detrimental to the organization as a whole – “I believe this decision will seriously threaten our co-op or SCHA to the degree that it could cause the demise of our co-op or SCHA.”
Those blocking consensus are obligated to work with the group to create an alternative proposal.
If you cannot continue the conversation in meeting for emotional reasons, suggest a time to talk about it later and/or ask for emotional support from a third party, such as conflict resolution committee within a reasonable time period.
If you’re unwilling to be a communicating part of the decision-making group, then we can’t address your concerns, and the group is empowered to move forward.
If quorum is met and 80% of those voting vote thumbs up, or 4’s, or 5’s, the proposal passes
Strive to unlearn oppressive behaviors through workshops, discussions, and/or self-education
Support accountability among community members
Strive to resolve conflicts in a timely manner, improve communication, and strengthen community cohesion
Communicate when you are unable to fulfill the responsibilities listed below (sections II & III) due to personal circumstances so that an alternative responsibilities agreement can be reached
Orient new members
Responsibilities of members to their co-op (House Handbook)
Pay rent and board or communicate to get on a payment plan, if necessary, in a timely manner
Attend work parties
Participate in cook night
Participate in chores in accordance with each co-op’s community agreements
Attend co-op meetings
Collaboratively create and review co-op community agreements at least annually
Responsibilities of co-ops to SCHA (link to SCHA Bylaws)
Attend annual member meetings, anti-oppression trainings, and orientations
Attend anti-oppression trainings
Elect representatives to the board and hold them accountable for reporting back to the co-op about board decisions
Select enough new residents in accordance with fair housing law to maintain co-op minimums
Select a co-op bookkeeper and manage co-op funds responsibly (for houses)
Elect co-op representatives to participate in SCHA committees and hold them accountable for reporting back to the co-op on committee activities
Finance
Maintenance
Communication
Governance
Applicant Coordinating
Conflict Resolution
Select a community representative to attend Real Estate Services walkthroughs (for on-campus co-ops) and report back to the community
Strengthen and support the mission statement, values, and social justice goals and plan of SCHA (links)
Check the email address you provided when you signed your lease at least every 3 days, and updated your contact information with SCHA staff, as needed
Complete Self and Co-op Assessment Survey prior to lease renewal
Responsibilities of on-campus co-ops to UC Davis (link to Ground Lease)
Maintain the structures and landscape/Prepare for inspections