Our Housing Co-op Rules

As a requirement for becoming members of the Radical Routes network, as a co-op we have to have ‘secondary rules’ that act as  guidelines for what is expected from co-op members, so here are ours:

Rhizome Secondary Rules

Ecological footprint

- Members of the co-op should seek to reduce waste and recycle as much as possible. There will be a regular review of how effective our recycling is, and members are encouraged to arrange/attend regular skill-shares on the most effective and environmentally positive ways to reduce waste and recycle.

- Private transport should only be used as a last resort, with walking, cycling and public transport being actively encouraged as more positive forms of transport.

Consumption/ethical policy

- Rhizome seeks to limit its consumption of new products wherever possible, and consumption of new goods and services should come from other co-ops as much as possible. The consumption of new products within the co-op should be subject to ethical guidelines to be agreed by all the members. Members of the co-op have a right to call a moratorium on consumption of certain products until the next general meeting when the issue will be discussed.

- The co-op will compile a list of boycotted companies which all members are encouraged to abide by.

- The co-op encourages consumption of home-grown food or food collected from other co-ops where possible.

- Energy use within the co-op should take both social and environmental concerns into account. Energy and gas bills will be reviewed quarterly, with the primary aim of reducing usage rather than cost.

- Issues surrounding the consumption of drugs and alcohol will be addressed as when any problems arise.

Members

- Rhizome members are expected to actively work towards radical political/social change.

- There will be no discrimination in regard to who can apply to join the co-op. The co-op will actively attempt to create an environment in which everyone would feel comfortable, including people with children.

- The joining procedure should be suited to the prospective member. If this is not possible or unnecessary, then the following process will be followed: the applicant will be invited to an informal interview (normally a social engagement such as dinner), followed by a more formal interview. Should there be multiple applicants then the final decision is to take place in a consensus meeting.

- If the state decides a crime has been committed by a co-op member resulting in their imprisonment, but that person has not committed an offence in the view of the co-op, provisions will be made for that person and their place in the co-op will be maintained.

Meetings/ decision-making

- The co-op will hold both general and finance meetings on a regular basis.

- All decisions made in these meetings will be made by consensus.

House rules/ lifestyle

- Meals should be communal and vegan wherever possible. There will be a no meat and fish policy in the kitchen.

- Any co-op house will have a no pet policy.

- Members of Rhizome should work towards a collective attitude towards finances and possessions.

Radical Routes

- The four hours a week work for Radical Routes is to be shared fairly between the group.

- Rhizome will send a representative from the co-op to each Radical Routes national gathering. Attendance at national gatherings are to be rotated, and the co-op will cover the travel expenses of anyone who wishes to attend.