Community Living Agreements
When living in close proximity to our fellow communitarians, I will consent to the following agreements for the purpose of creating and sustaining harmony, trust and respect.
I will take responsibility for my emotions and behavior. I understand the impact difficult behaviors have on the Community when we are trying to establish trust and respect. I will be mindful to use respectful speech and actions.
I agree to be forthcoming about any legal, financial, or medical issues that may pose a risk to the community. I will voluntarily offer a financial statement and credit report with my membership application. I agree to a criminal background check.
I will not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, social and economic status, or sexual orientation. Consequently, If I feel I am structurally superior because of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender, or financial privilege, I will actively work to overcome this.
I agree to follow the internal guidelines that we establish as a community and I am willing to accept the consequences of non-compliance. The internal guidelines include care and use of RHA assets. Deliberately breaking something as a result of anger is a demerit. If I do not understand the care and feeding of a tool or other asset, I will ask for instruction.
When faced with conflict, mis-understandings, or challenges, I am willing to look openly at my role of reactions and behaviors. I am willing to attend a Wisdom Circle and be open to feedback about my attitudes and behaviors and I will humbly and graciously be open to avenues toward my positive growth. No one, including the founders of RHA, will be exempt from this process.
I agree to clean up after myself and to participate in household chores. If I see something that needs doing, I will jump in and be helpful without being asked. I understand I am a family member at RHA, not a tenant.
I will keep building and project materials inside their storage area until needed and keep the grounds in a tidy fashion. Unused project materials that I have collected will not be left behind on my departure from the community unless agreed upon by the Building and Grounds Committee. I will not collect a bunch of salvaged materials that we will not likely use.
I will contribute towards maintaining the health of the whole group. I will work towards keeping the kitchen and bathrooms in a clean and sanitary state. I will refrain from being in the commons areas while I am obviously sick with cold or flu. If asked by a member of the community, I will take my meals to my personal space. I will not smoke tobacco in any common areas and will use designated smoking areas without being asked.
I understand that RHA will not have dogs or cats. Some exceptions may be made for “service dogs” on a case by case basis, with proper documentation of need. An additional security deposit may be assessed. (This is a tough call by the founders. Some great people will not join here if we have dogs. Likewise, some great people will not join if we don’t allow dogs.)
There is a community laundry available in the Common House. There is an honor box where I can contribute. The clothesline is free. I will be mindful of anyone in our community being sensitive to chemical fragrance.
I will inform the community before I have visitors. Drop-ins are discouraged. I will make prior arrangement with the “Greeter” if the visitor would like to use a guest room.
I understand there is Zero Tolerance for erosive drug use at RHA. This includes cocaine and heroin, and other addictive drugs. I will not use psilocybin mushrooms at RHA. Reasonable and responsible use of alcohol and cannabis may be tolerated from time to time. Addictive use of these substances will be addressed by the Wisdom Circle. Abusive behavior as a result of substance use will not be tolerated and is subject to dismissal. I will not show up to Community Meetings or the Wisdom Circle while under the influence.
As a founding member, I understand that the community would like to become established before we invite children to join us here. We are not against children, in fact, what we are trying to establish at RHA is for future generations.
I agree to leave the community quietly if I decide to terminate my membership. I understand that I might be asked to leave the community and that a super majority vote is required to expel someone. More about this in the future By-Laws.
I understand that my membership is not transferable to my heirs upon my death. My heirs agree to allow RHA up to one year to sell my membership. If after that time, if no new member is found, RHA agrees to refund my membership fee to the heirs.
Agreed_____________________________________________date_________