Sasona Community Agreements

• Labor is our way of contributing to the community.

Part of living in a cooperative community is that we all give back to and maintain the community by completing the labor that needs to be done. ​​Participating in cooperative labor is one of the benefits of living here. Labor will be shared equally and equitably based on the needs of the community and the abilities of the individuals at that time. We start from the assumption that everyone is trying their best to give back to the house with their labor.

• Sasona Cooperative has an open membership policy.

We have an open membership policy because we want everyone to have access to cooperative living. Open membership adds value to Sasona by increasing diversity and reducing risk of prejudice. Our open membership policy means that any person who is interested in our community, is able to pay rent, agrees to do labor, signs a contract, and there is no compelling evidence for possible eviction, is allowed to be a member. We cannot assume that we know what makes or defines a good co-oper. If someone thinks they belong here, we trust that they do!

• We use mediation to work through interpersonal conflict.

It is not expected or required that members be friends, but it is encouraged! Keep an open mind about others, and don’t jump to conclusions. Be polite and respectful to fellow members. Conflict is natural and to be expected within a community. When conflict arises between members, we use the assistance of elected mediators to engage in proactive mediation to come to a mutual understanding. Recognize that conflict could come from differences in values or misunderstandings, but we work to restore harm when it is done.

• Sasona Cooperative and CHEA have open book policies.

All current members of the co-op have a right to know all of the house's and CHEA’s financial information such as who owes money, how money is being spent, etc. This right does not extend to knowing information that would allow someone to actually spend the money, such as passwords, account log-in information, PIN numbers, etc. Officers who are charged with spending or handling money have the responsibility to report spending to the membership or make it easily accessible.

• We treat our physical home with respect, indoors and outdoors.

Respect the space considering the cleanliness standards and safety of others. Put things back where they belong, and clean up your own messes. Leave a space no worse than you found it. Be considerate of the people who may use the space, and person who may be tasked with the labor of cleaning the space later.

• We value accountability between members.

Accountability is a tool that we use both to identify irresponsibly among housemates and to celebrate outstanding service to our community. For example, we use a labor accountability sheet. Valuing accountability means that we expect feedback from each other—both critique and praise—because it is the most expedient way to ensure our collective satisfaction in our interdependent community.