Mark Dowling, CEHL Co-op Development Coordinator asked Liza, a member of Liberty CERC, on how the Program Principles have been integrated in her co-op, and how important they are when making decisions.
Which program principle resonates with you and why? | |
| On a personal level, the principle changing needs and security I feel are most important to me right now. I’m a member of a co-op that was formed in the early 1990s. Some of our members are reaching an age where the issue of ongoing capacity has become real rather than a hypothetical projection into the future. The possibility of physical or mental decline and reduction in energy levels as we age needs to be factored into our plans. We have conversations about retirement from co-op duties for those who’ve spent decades as active members, and the question is now, how do we structure our workload so that having members retire as they age is sustainable for a co-op which hasn’t grown in size over the years? Safe, secure long-term tenure is number one for me, obviously in suitable accommodation. Among other things, having security and stability in life now gives one the opportunity to look back and, perhaps, heal the impact of those years when these things weren’t in place. | |
From your co-operative experience which program principle is the most important? | |
| Participation is the most important to me. Generally speaking, our co-op has historically prized sharing responsibilities as a group and has ensured that equality and equity were built into our structure, both in practical and ideological ways. We’ve always made sure that nobody gets to be ‘keeper of the knowledge’; we’ve always rotated our subgroup membership so that everyone gets experience in each subgroup. | |
Looking at the future which program principle will be more relevant as the program continues to change? | |
| With any changes to the program,security will always be uppermost in a co-op’s minds. Change can seem scary – changes need to be very well-understood and members want reassurance that they will be housed. The last principle on this list,working together comes along with change. As far as possible, the program should be co-designed, co-developed, and co-authored. There must always be genuine opportunities for co-ops to influence program development and governance. | |
From your interactions with CEHL which program principles are expressed as a lived experience? | |
| As a current member of two CEHL groups, PAC and NAG, I directly experience the principles ofworking together and membership & support. Membership and Growth is the one I’ve experienced least of, I say that because our co-op had plans to expand to a membership of 20, but this hasn’t happened. | |
How would you summarise the program principles? | |
| In short, as sound principles of co-operation between two ‘co-dependent’ organisations, so to speak! They pretty much cover everything. |
CEHL Program Principles
The Program Principles describe the important features of the CEHL Co-operative Housing Program that must be considered by the CEHL Board, CEHL employees, and co-ops when making decisions about the Program and in their everyday work. They were developed in consultation with the whole membership of the Program.
- Affordability and Financial Sustainability
- Changing Needs
- Member Support and Development
- Participation
- Quality of Housing
- Security
- Working Together
Read the full details for each of the Program Principles
Read more about the International Co-operative Principles