About us

Philosophy

If you are solely here because the Co-ops are an inexpensive place to live, you just moved into the wrong place. With no one responsible for how we live but ourselves, we must accept, with our freedoms, the responsibilities that follow. Because there is no cafeteria staff or parent preparing food for us we must plan, order, and cook our own food. Because there is no absentee landlord, we must take on the responsibility of maintaining our houses. Long long ago, a Co-oper in a distant land put it well when she reported:

* The person that expects to escape from the rules and responsibilities by moving into a Co-op is disillusioned. For in the Co-op each individual finds s/he is expected to not only look after himself, but to consider the rights of fellow members... We have responsibilities to other members and privileges which are in themselves responsibilities.

Co-ops require responsibility, cooperation (hence the name), hardwork, tolerance, and caring. Equal and conscientious participation of each member is the foundation of the Co-ops. Similar to an eco-system, we are all interdependent upon one another. If one person is lazy and slacks, then it affects the moods, well-being, and work that everyone else has to do. It's important to respect, care, and think about your housemates and how they are helping you by doing the dishes, scrubbing the toilets: and reciprocate this by doing your part. Everyone is, in effect, exchanging some of their time and energy for some of the same from everyone else. And most importantly COMMUNICATE when you're confused or unhappy or feel walked over by lazy or uncooperative housemates.