Aims and objectives | Management | Lifestyle | Membership | Cornerstone Services | Permaculture Design | Development
| Aims and Objectives | In the Housing Co-op Rules, our objects are, firstly, "the construction, conversion, improvement and management on the co-operative principle of dwellings for occupation by members of the Cooperative" and secondly, "the provision and improvement on the co-operative principle of land or buildings for purposes connected with the requirements of the members." Cornerstone sees the co-operative principle as not just the most efficient way to manage property, but the most ethical and the most appropriate for living in harmony with the natural world. The requirements of our members are a 'green' lifestyle and active involvement in helping to create a better society, as well as community building and maintenance within Cornerstone. We share the aims and principles of Radical Routes: "We want to see a world based upon equality and co-operation where people give according to ability and receive according to their need; where work is fulfilling and creativity encouraged; where there are no hierarchies; where the earth is valued and respected in its own right rather than polluted and exploited. We are working towards a better world, concentrating our efforts upon housing, education and work (both the use and production of things). Through gaining control over these areas we aim to reduce reliance on exploitative structures and build bases from which to challenge them and encourage others to do so. |
| Management | As we are a housing co-operative, all our members are tenants or prospective tenants, and all our tenants are members. Management of the Co-operative is by meetings, held at least every month. Officer posts are
It is our aim to take all decisions by consensus. |
| Lifestyle | Cornerstone's members live a communal lifestyle, sharing facilities and sharing housework. We try to spend time together, to build trust and understanding. In the event of a dispute, we share the responsibility of doing what we can to mediate and resolve the conflict. We offer each other support and respect each other's commitments. We have a kitty for shopping which takes account of our means to contribute. Our incomes vary - but none of us leads a high - consumption lifestyle. As a rule, we eat our main meals together, and respect each other's dietary preferences, with the understanding that the households are vegetarian. We support the use of boycotts to put pressure on suppliers, and we seek to meet our needs through other co-operatives and local suppliers. We minimise our wastes, and recycle as much as possible. Children are welcomed. |
| Membership | Cornerstone seeks members who accept its rules, share its principles and want to live a communal lifestyle. Further, we are looking for people who have a commitment to work that fits in with our principles, or who are aiming to make such a commitment, and who are ready to spend time on work for the Co-operative and Radical Routes. Ultimately, our decision will be based on whether we feel they fit into the group. Within the limits of these criteria, we aim to provide equal opportunities. In advertising vacancies, we will aim to reach outside our immediate contacts, to the local community and beyond. While our houses are not currently wheelchair accessible, one of the properties can be converted should the need arise. Cornerstone seeks to make its properties safe for everyone, and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment or the incitement of hatred based on difference. Children will be valued, and their needs, interests and wishes respected. |
| Cornerstone's Services | Cornerstone Housing Co-op provides furnished accommodation and facilities for heating, lighting and running appliances. We will also provide the materials for inexpensive decoration. We will provide communal facilities for washing, cooking and refrigeration, and will adequately furnish communal areas. We will ensure that buildings are not allowed to deteriorate, and will reserve a budget for improvements. The Housing Co-op will make space available for campaigns, community development, voluntary organisations and other work consistent with our aims. It will maintain an office with communications, computing and printing facilities. The Office will be managed by a collective including non-members of the co-op - it must be accessible to members of the public without discrimination. |
| Permaculture Design |
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| Development | Cornerstone seeks to build on its track record and increase financial security. We encourage and support the setting up of new co-ops rather than expanding this one. We will support other co-ops in need. |
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