I wanted to follow up from my previous post about how our housing co-op could implement a form of balanced job complexes.
Our group did agree to try balancing out the work. We came up with a list of 12 jobs, and then it made sense to split those jobs in to two types: A and B. Type A jobs are more empowering work, they generally involve more creativity and some skill. Type B jobs are not bad jobs but they are less empowering and more rote.
Although at first it may seem like overkill to take the time to split up household jobs in a balanced way, ignoring the distribution of household work seems to ensure that the work is not shared fairly and even worse, that existing social hierarchies are reproduced in our household division of labor.
Here are the jobs we came up with. Since there are 6 of us in the house, it makes sense if each of us takes one Type A job and one Type B job.
Type A Jobs:
1. Treasurer
Keep track of utility bills as they come in,
Make sure utility bills are paid
Sum up the bills for that month
Keep track of savings account
Make sure everyone pays on time
Deposit checks or cash payments
Make mortgage payment on time
Prepare monthly report on utility bills, savings, etc.
2. Food/Kitchen Manager
Manage communal food - including splitting up costs, who buys it, etc.
Maintain schedule for communal meals
Verify that kitchen chores are being done, and resolve any issues
Manage the refrigerator - make sure old things are removed
3. House Project Coordinator
Collect and keep track of list of house repairs and renovations needed
Working with the house, prioritize list of repairs
Identify list of materials needed to complete repairs
Organize the work for the repairs, either through work parties or based on individual volunteer time
Prepare reports for the meetings to talk about status of different projects
4. Social Action / Community Outreach
Be the default contact person for outsiders (other than applicants) contacting the co-op
Reach out to other groups or individuals on behalf of the co-op, when needed
Setup meetings or invite people to dinner that the group wants to meet with
Manage the planning of occasional get togethers, community parties, or other events that the group wants to have
5. Garden Steward
Facilitate the planting of the garden in our yard
Manage the work needed for the garden - whether through work parties or individual volunteer time
Identify list of materials needed for garden
Prepare reports for the meetings on status of the garden
6. Financial Planner
Manage co-op's plans for how money will be saved and spent
Take in input from all members on financial priorities, to construct a plan
Create a plan for group to eventually own the house, if that remains one of our goals
Identify ways that we can save more and spend less as a group
Type B Jobs:
1. Reading/book club chair
Collect and organize list of books/readings that the group wants to read
Maintain a realistic schedule for the readings and discussion
Facilitate obtaining at least 1 house copy of the reading
Remind people at meetings what is next on our reading schedule
Encourage discussion through e-mail group when necessary
2. Compost Manager
Manage the addition of waste to compost pile (i.e. make sure ratios are correct)
Maintain pile of brown matter to add with food waste
Make sure the pile is turned at the appropriate time
3. Recycling/Trash Manager
Maintain schedule for who will take out trash and recycling
Verify that these jobs are done, and remind people when they forget
If someone is unable to take out the trash/recycling for some reason, make sure it gets done
4. Yard Manager
Verify that yard is kept decently clean
Schedule yard clean-ups when necessary to clean the yard up
Manage any non-garden related yard projects
5. Applicant Liaison
Manage placement of roommate ads
Be the contact person for applicants
Schedule meetings between applicants and current housemates
Keep track of and share written applications submitted by applicants
6. House Cleaning Manager
Verify that the house is being kept clean
Make sure people are cleaning up after themselves
Manage house cleaning chores
Schedule any house clean-ups that are necessary
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By Small, Brian at Mar 29, 2009 23:30 PM
This is exciting to see people actually getting together and working out job complexes. I'm impressed. I hope all this communication and agreement in the beginning helps avoid friction in the long run. Best of luck.
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