Expectations of Members and Workshare, 2006

Superseded in 2007

Consensus: 8 Jan 2006.

1. INTENT OF THE POLICY, VALUES, AND MOTIVATION

This policy formally acknowledges that it takes time and money to make TVC what we want it to be and that each of us is responsible for contributing a share of that effort and money. The policy also gives us a way to measure ourselves against the level of participation needed to run our community.

Thus this policy emphasizes the values of equitable distribution of work, total community involvement in the maintenance of the community physically and/or socially, low operating costs, the protection of property values, and the learning and sharing of skills.

At the same time, this policy describes guidelines, not requirements. No enforcement mechanisms are included, and everything here expressed is voluntary.  We are free to participate as we feel led, but with a clearer awareness that a lack of participation carries a cost to the community.

This policy therefore acknowledges the value of personal accountability and the importance of positive motivators. Positive motivators include the need and desire for camaraderie, fun, and belonging; a sense of personal responsibility and the desire to contribute to our home and community; and enjoyment of and satisfaction in the work itself.

2.  EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS

Each adult member is expected to:

Be well informed of the business of the community, which can be accomplished by reading TVC business email, bulletin boards, and meeting minutes along with attending business meetings and committee/team meetings.

Contribute to the work of the community (for example, participating in a Team or Small Working Group).

Participate in the activities of the community.

3.  WHAT’S WORK

All work is valued. Work is defined as everything a TVC member does that contributes to the well being of the community, for example, general membership meetings, team meetings, planning, coordination of social functions, physical labor, etc.

4.  AMOUNT OF WORK

We encourage work from all members of the community on the basis of a suggested average of 16 hours per month.

5.  PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Each individual member of the community is asked to keep track of his or her own hours or jobs.

6.  VOLUNTARY PAYMENT

If a member finds she or he is not able to meet the average 16 hours per month, then this policy suggests a contribution to the general fund on the basis of $20 per hour.  This contribution is not required, but is intended to give members who feel so moved, an alternative way to contribute to the good of the community and help offset the costs of lack of participation.

7.  SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

We acknowledge that all members of our community go through challenging times, when we are not able to work as much as is needed.  These challenges may include illness, illness or death of a family member, childbirth, care of the young, and extraordinary career demands.

8. REVIEW

community will review this policy in six months to determine its effectiveness in meeting the work needs of the community.

Footnotes

1. TVCHA Bylaws Section 7.3.3 states that “the Association also has the authority to assess labor responsibilities against each member household and to exchange labor for monetary or other assessments.”  However, this policy is not instituting such a labor assessment at this time.

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