Member Responsibilities

  1. Responsibilities of members to one another 
    1. Make decisions collaboratively through consensus voting process
      1. Fist-to-Five (see attached diagram)
      2. Only use blocks in cases of:
        1. Compromised integrity – “I will have to leave the group because I cannot live in integrity with this decision”
        2. 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.” 
      3. Those blocking consensus are obligated to work with the group to create an alternative proposal.
      4. 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. 
      5. 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.
      6. If quorum is met and 80% of those voting vote thumbs up, or 4’s, or 5’s, the proposal passes
    2. Strive to unlearn oppressive behaviors through workshops, discussions, and/or self-education
    3. Support accountability among community members
    4. Strive to resolve conflicts in a timely manner, improve communication, and strengthen community cohesion
    5. 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
    6. Orient new members
  2. Responsibilities of members to their co-op (House Handbook)
    1. Pay rent and board or communicate to get on a payment plan, if necessary, in a timely manner
    2. Attend work parties
    3. Participate in cook night
    4. Participate in chores in accordance with each co-op’s community agreements
    5. Attend co-op meetings 
    6. Collaboratively create and review co-op community agreements at least annually
  3. Responsibilities of co-ops to SCHA (link to SCHA Bylaws)
    1. Attend annual member meetings, anti-oppression trainings, and orientations
    2. Attend anti-oppression trainings
    3. Elect representatives to the board and hold them accountable for reporting back to the co-op about board decisions
    4. Select enough new residents in accordance with fair housing law to maintain co-op minimums 
    5. Select a co-op bookkeeper and manage co-op funds responsibly (for houses)
    6. Elect co-op representatives to participate in SCHA committees and hold them accountable for reporting back to the co-op on committee activities
      1. Finance
      2. Maintenance
      3. Communication
      4. Governance
      5. Applicant Coordinating
      6. Conflict Resolution
    7. Select a community representative to attend Real Estate Services walkthroughs (for on-campus co-ops) and report back to the community
    8. Strengthen and support the mission statement, values, and social justice goals and plan of SCHA (links)
    9. 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
    10. Complete Self and Co-op Assessment Survey prior to lease renewal
  4. Responsibilities of on-campus co-ops to UC Davis (link to Ground Lease)
    1. Maintain the structures and landscape/Prepare for inspections
      1. Real Estate Services (monthly)
      2. EH&S (annually)
      3. Fire (fall and spring)
      4. Chickens
    2. Familiarize yourself with and follow the On-campus Co-ops Handbook 
    3. Follow campus event request guidelines and procedures
    4. Collaborate with academic programs, such as Sustainable Living and Learning Communities, to promote experiential learning at the co-ops.
    5. Elect community representatives to SLLC’s Coordinating Committee