Intro to SFH

INTRODUCTION TO THE SUNFLOWER HOUSE COOPERATIVE

Purpose of the Cooperative

Sunflower House is a housing cooperative for college students and community members. The purpose of the cooperative is to provide a form of group living that is democratic, egalitarian, peaceful, and environmentally sound. Working towards these goals is challenging and requires a lot of time and effort from individual members. Though difficult, most members find the effort rewarding.

Another purpose of the Sunflower House is one that goes beyond building our own community. We believe that cooperative living has many positive benefits for the larger society. As a result, one of our goals is to develop a model program for cooperative living that other groups could use.

We also take an interest in educating our members. We try to ensure that all members learn managerial skills, problem-solving skills, and basic living skills. We believe that skilled people are better able to help themselves and society.

Facilities

Our house has 30 private bedrooms. In addition, we share 5 bathrooms, two kitchens, a dining room, lounge, shop, laundry facilities, TV room, bicycle shop, and game room. Our facilities are continually improving as the result of the hard work of many members. Our house has a limited smoking policy. Smoking is permitted in the game room and half of the bedrooms. Pets are not allowed, with the exception of fish, etc.

Work-sharing

We have developed a program to ensure that the necessary work gets done. The major aim of our work-sharing program is to have all members contribute their fair share of the work so no one is over-burdened. Members contribute five to seven hours of work each week.

Members who don’t keep up with this work requirement receive fines, which are added to their monthly rent. These fines represent the real cost of work not getting done. If a member falls too far behind in work, that member is asked to either make up the work they have missed, or leave the house.

Managerial Responsibilities

The Sunflower House property is owned by the University of Kansas Student Housing Association (UKSHA). The UKSHA Board is concerned primarily with fiscal management and overall direction of the co-op. Members themselves, as part of our work-sharing system, carry out almost all of the day-to-day management. These responsibilities include: renting rooms, collecting monthly rent, keeping financial records, and supervising the cleaning, repair, and food programs.

Evening Meals

Monday through Thursday we get together for an evening meal, typically around 6:00 PM. This is a time for us to get together and share an enjoyable experience. Ask a member to show you our menus. Although our food program cannot be expected to meet every individual need, we strive to accommodate members with special dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, those with food allergies).

Please note that participation in the food program is mandatory. Exceptions are sometimes made in extreme cases, such as extensive food allergies, but this is rare.

Cooperative Code

Any group the size of ours needs a set of rules to promote and protect harmonious relations between members. We have written a cooperative code that specifies the types of conduct we find desirable. A copy is attached to this introduction.

How Changes Are Made

Our main way of dealing with problems and issues is at our weekly meetings. Our meetings take place each Monday between 5:30 and 8pm with a break for dinner. Because this is the only forum for solving problems and making decisions as a group, it’s important that all members attend.

Financial Responsibility

1. A security/ work-sharing deposit (refundable)…$250
2. NASCO membership fee (non-refundable)……..$36
3. Monthly rent (utilities included) ……………………$219-302
4. Evening meals (approx., per week)………………..$10-15

The deposit and NASCO fee are due prior to moving into the house. Rent and meal payments are due on the first of every month (you will have until the 4th to pay without late fees). Your rent and meal payments will be prorated if you move into your room after the first of the month and rebated if you move out during a month (and have given proper notice).

Becoming a Member

1. Read this Introduction and Cooperative Code
2. Take a tour of the house
3. Complete & sign the application & return it (preferably to the Occupancy Coordinator)
4. Schedule and complete an interview with house members
5. Receive approval of 75% of the members at a Monday meeting
6. Pay deposit ($250) with a money order
7. Sign a contract to reserve a room
8. Pay 1st month fees and NASCO dues upon moving in
9. Complete the Check-In Checklist.
10. Get your room & house keys.

At our next regular meeting, the membership will vote on your application. To be accepted, 75% of the members voting must vote in favor of your application. The Occupancy Coordinator will notify you of the outcome of the vote as soon as possible following the meeting.

What If Things Don’t Work Out

Even with all the care that goes into bringing new members into the cooperative, some new members find that our program does not suit them. We recognize this possibility and have tried to make it easy for dissatisfied members to leave gracefully. All that’s necessary is to provide at least 30 days written notice. If you leave your room clean and undamaged, and you do not owe the co-op any fees (e.g., past rent or food charges), your deposit will be refunded within three weeks of your departure. Of course we hope you will find our living arrangement comfortable and decide to stay.

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