[[SGCC Main Page "Home"]] {this is ok now...}

[[SGCC "About" page]] {why do we have an "about" page and a "FAQ " page-- "About" does not accomplish much...

[[SGCC "FAQ" page]] {Why is this "FAQ" different from the "FAQ/NARRATIVE", which is better? Strongly suggest deleting "About" and "FAQ", and replacing both with the '''FAQ/Narrative from the Wiki'''-- it is complete, up to date accurate, reads very well.}

[[SGCC "Services" page]] {This also '''should be deleted'''-- FAQ? Narrative covers it, {and this is full of gramatical errors, etc.}

[[SGCC "Support SGCC" page]] {problem; contents of this are supposed to be about the "politics" of why we should be supported, right? But FAQ/Narrative has much more on that-- about coops, about green cleaning, about envir., and about empowering thru work. All of that "socio-political" stuff should go here}

SGCC Web Page Development Map

2013-03-08T03:53:53Z

Joe Cugini: as of 3/7/13, this is up to date review of Web page contents-- which badly needs "weeding"

SGCC Main Page "Home"

2013-03-08T03:39:54Z

Joe Cugini: revised to cut out political appeal , make fees more accurate

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/SGCC_Web_Page_Development_Map Back to SGCC Web Page Development Map]]

This is the page to develop our MAIN PAGE on the website.

Here is the link to what's there: http://shebagreencleaning.org/

Please edit the page below to be how you think it should be:

****

Sheba Green Cleaning Cooperative (617)234-8981, or (978)808-7173 / Email:shebagreen@gmail.com/ Address: 1151 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138

Dear Potential Green Cleaning Client!

You are looking for a cleaning service? You have found the right place if you seek a clean, attractive, clutter-free living or working space. If you are open to the idea of a green cleaning service, you probably desire a tidy, healthy environment. And if you also hope to make “a better world possible”-we think you have just found the service you will be proud to employ.

We make our own non-toxic, affordable, natural cleaning products, using ingredients like citrus juices, baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, and natural scents like lavender, mint and eucalyptus oils. Reusable and environmentally sound cleaning materials and practices are our standard operating procedures. Our on-site workers have extensive experience with many kinds of cleaning services, cleaning all kinds of spaces. They have come to know the difference between “clean enough” and “cleaned right”– in a thorough and environmentally sensitive way. All aspects of our service, from equipment, materials, and methods, to disposal of waste and transport to sites, are chosen with a view to minimizing our “carbon footprint”.

Our standard weekly/biweekly services begin at $100 for four hours of work by a two person crew. Prices vary, depending on the size, type, and condition of the space. We can adjust cleaning services, fees and schedules to meet your needs. One time cleaning jobs usually cost more. There is a 20% discount for first time jobs, and estimates are free. We aim to be price competitive, so please give us the opportunity to provide an estimate.

Our clean green service, will not only leave your house spotless, but also fresh as a daisy. Our service fosters economic empowerment for a whole community, by helping people help themselves. It also instills the value of work, thus breaking the cycle of poverty.

Please let us come tell you more and give you an estimate!

Sincerely,

The Sheba Green Cleaning Cooperative

Individual Action/SGCC

2013-03-08T03:22:46Z

Joe Cugini: UPDATED AS OF 3/7/13

<big>'''Sheba Green Cleaning Coop'''</big>

A Coop born out of the energy and membership of Occupy Boston. As part of an effort to "Occupy the Economy", we are looking to join the movement to change the profit-oriented systems by forming a Worker owned and operated Cooperative and engaging in socially and environmentally aware business. For more information about the [[http://worcn.org/ Cooperative Movement]] and [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Social_Enterprise Social Enterprise]]. Note that the UN declared 2012 to be the [[http://www.2012.coop International Year of the Co-Op]].

Contact info: [http://mailto:shebagreenclean@gmail.com Email] Phone: (857) 600-0914 [https://twitter.com/ShebaGreenClean Twitter]

[[Our Narrative / FAQ]]DONE!

[[http://www.shebagreencleaning.org Our Website]] STILL NEEDS MUCH WORK

[[SGCC Project Tracking]]REVISED, UP TO DATE AS OF 3/7

[[SGCC Product Offering]] discussion and text. NOT MUCH HERE, BUT-- DO WE NEED THIS

[[SGCC Business Development]]

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/SGCC_Statement_of_Principles DRAFT SGCC Statement of Principles FINISHED!

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/SGCC_Proposed_Purchases/Budget#WAYS_TO_HELP_by_donating Kickstarter/Business Plan Ideas]]

[[SGCC Financials]] for the specific list of proposed purchases UPDATED AS OF3/7

[[SGCC Brochure]] discussion/ideas and draft docs{NOTHING USEFUL HERE; NEEDS TEXT OF SEBLE'S DRAFT}

[[SGCC Intro Letter]]FINISHED!

[[SGCC Press Release]] { NOTHING HERE; NEEDS TERRA'S FINISHED DRAFT OF PRESS RELEASE}

[[SGCC Principles of Operation]] and other administrative/organizational docs/discussion and CO-OP EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES {ALL REVISED AND READY TO BE READ, APPROVED, AS OF 3/6}

[[Other Green Cleaning Enterprises]]{FINE AS IS}

[[SGCC Web Page Development Map]]

[[tear-away flier]] {NOTHING HERE}

SGCC Principles of Operation

2013-03-08T03:17:02Z

Joe Cugini: REVISED AND READY TO BE READ AND FINALIZED

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Individual_Action/SGCC Back to main SGCC page]]

This page will be to develop our "Principles of Operation" and "ways of being". We'll be looking for input from successful organizations who have learned to operate on a consensus, democratically run basis.

[[SGCC Statement of Principles] {FINAL?? READ, APPROVE OR DISAPROVE PLEASE

[[SGCC Policies and Procedures]] {FINAL VERSION? READ, SAY YES OR NO.}

===Reference Docs from Community Builders===(question --DO WE STILL NEED THIS?

Community Builders is an "anarchist principled" democratically run enterprise based in Cambridge. Their documents were provided in the hopes that they can help other co-ops get started.

[[Model Articles of Organization]] (NULL AND VOID, SEEMS LIKE}

===Educational Resources===

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consensus_decision-making Consensus decision making process]

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worker_cooperative#Internal_structure Worker Co-operative Internal Structure Wikipedia Entry]

[[International Cooperative Alliance Statement of Cooperative Principles]]

[[http://cultivate.coop/wiki/Main_Page Repository of Coop Docs]]

[[http://find.coop/ List of Coops]] that we can use to look for other co-op administrative documents and examples of operating principles

Talk:Model Articles of Organization

2013-03-08T03:13:26Z

Joe Cugini: Created page with "Joe is starting an "editing talk" page for this document. Just want to say--- don't think we need this 'model document" anymore, we have made our own....?"

Joe is starting an "editing talk" page for this document. Just want to say--- don't think we need this 'model document" anymore, we have made our own....?

SGCC Policies and Procedures

2013-03-08T03:10:13Z

Joe Cugini:

'''DRAFT'''

===BUSINESS AFFAIRS===

The name of the Business is Sheba Green Cleaning Cooperative, whose principal office is at 1151 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02138. All bonds, contracts, notes and other obligations authorized to be executed on the behalf of the business shall be signed by any member of the cooperative. The original "Articles of Organization", "Policies and Procedures", records of all business meetings of members, and names and address of all members (and the shares held by each) shall be kept in the principal office of the business.

The "Articles of Organization" are a part of these policies and procedures, and the powers of members and all matters concerning the conduct and regulation of the business shall be subject to such provisions set forth in the "Articles of Organization".

===MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP SHARES===

The Co-Op shall function on a cooperative basis with the members all working for the business. A Membership Share may be held only by persons who 1) patronize the business through contributions of their labor on a full or part-time basis; and 2) have been approved by the membership to be members. Only one Membership Share shall be issued to each member. The existing members have no rights to shares issued to any other member. The legal consideration paid to the business for a Membership Share shall be determined by the members and shall be referred to as the Membership Fee. No member may sell, assign any interest in, or otherwise transfer voluntarily or involuntarily his or her Membership Share during the period of the person's work and membership in the business.
Upon voluntary or involuntary termination of a member's work in the cooperative, the Membership Share shall be transferred back to the business at the time of termination.

===BECOMING A COOP MEMBER===

A person wishing to become a member of the Sheba Green Cleaning Co-Op should read all of the [organizational documents], and should come to a General Assembly and announce their intention to become a member. At that point, the person is considered a Potential Member.

Full coop members will decide on accepting new members, based on their demonstrated commitment to the principles and mission of the co-op, after a review process of 3 months. At 6 weeks, the members will discuss the Potential Member and if, by consensus, the membership agrees that the Potential Member is likely to be a good fit with the co-op, the Potential Member is invited to become an Associate Member. To become an Associate Member, the Potential Member must pay the Membership Fee, which is set at $100.

At the end of 3 months, Full Members will discuss the Associate Member, and they agree that person is likely to be a good fit with the co-op, they will be invited to join as a Full Member. If at that time, it is decided that the Potential Member will not be a good fit with the co-op, the Membership Fee will be refunded and all formal ties with the co-op will end.

Potential members and Associate Members are invited to participate on a non-voting basis, to help organize the co-op. Consensus votes will include potential member opinions and hopes for the co-op as much as possible. But formal votes will include only Full Member votes.

Potential Members and Associate Members own no share of the liabilities of the partnership and shall have no interest in the distribution of the assets of the partnership.

===SHEBA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERS===

Meetings shall be held on a regular basis; the exact date for subsequent meetings will be set by coop members at the end of each meeting. Attendance at these meetings is expected of all coop members or potential members. Suggestions for the Agenda for each meeting may be proposed by any Coop member at the end of the previous meeting. Agenda will then be compiled by one designated coop member, each serving in turn on a rotating basis. Members may request additional agenda items, directing such requests to the Coop member responsible for the next meeting's agenda. The Member in charge of Agenda will also notify the membership of their scheduled meeting time, and the completed agenda, not less than five days prior to the meeting. Emergency agenda items may be requested by a member at the beginning of the meeting, but will be placed on the agenda only upon consensus of the remaining members.

Decisions are made only when consensus is reached. Consensus is a process whereby all members are supportive or tolerant of a proposal. When a member does not agree with a proposal, he/she must voice their concerns, and the cooperative will attempt to reconcile the differences. If differences still remain after efforts to resolve the concerns, the individual(s) may either agree to tolerate the proposal despite reservations, or may "block consensus" by refusing to tolerate the proposal. Blocking consensus is based on principle, not personal preference, and should only be implemented in an effort to further the group's well-being. Exceptions to consensus decision-making are noted in these bylaws.

All business and special meetings shall have minutes recorded and made available to all members; recording of minutes to be done by members on a rotating basis. Knowledge of decisions reached while he/she is absent is incumbent upon that member. Any significant policy issue or business decision may be finalized without all members present if absent member(s) consent to the action in writing, filed with the records of the meetings of members. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

===AMENDMENTS TO POLICIES and PROCEDURES===

The power to make, amend, or repeal these "Policies and Procedures" shall be held only by the Sheba General Assembly of Members. Notice to all members that such a change is under consideration must be made at least one week prior to the meeting which will review the change. All changes must be approved by consensus of the members.

===RIGHTS OF MEMBERS===

All members of the business have an equal vote in the consensus decision making of all (COOP) business matters, except as specifically noted in the Policies and Procedures and Articles of Organization. Members have the right to initiate and formulate policy decision, in accordance with the "General Assembly of Members" section in the bylaws. The bookkeeping and all other business information is to be accessible to members upon their reasonable request. However, financial and bookkeeping records are not to leave the office unless approved by the membership. All members have an equal claim to the available work. In cases where there is a shortage of work, and a surplus of members desiring work, the work shall be apportioned equally. Members have the right to an equal hourly wage. All business tools and equipment are available for reasonable personal use; however, (COOP)'s needs for these tools takes priority over personal use and all tool use is subject to (COOP) Tool Use Policy.

===RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS===

All members must work at least 500 hours per year. An exception to this is described in the section entitled Leave of Absence. Members are required to give the earliest possible notice of vacations or leaves of absence, and to generally coordinate their availability with (COOP) work scheduling needs. Members are to demonstrate integrity in their dealings with any individual or group with whom they are acting as Agents for (COOP). This includes but is not limited to other members, clients, and vendors.

Members are expected to work together to promote a cooperative and supportive and respectful work environment. This includes respecting each others' opinions and desires expressed at meetings and job sites, encouraging all workers' input into on-site decisions when appropriate, and sharing desirable and undesirable tasks.

All members should participate in bringing their job to a successful completion. This will necessitate familiarity with the job contract (including change orders) and a general understanding of the various job categories. Members should also be familiar with the order of tasks on their job and assist in the general organization of the work site. Members are expected to have an adequate complement of tools for daily work. Workers on each job site should coordinate use of tools with other job sites so that needs are met whenever possible.

Members shall rotate the task of facilitator of the business meetings. The facilitator is responsible for keeping discussions focused on the agenda item being discussed and for maintaining a cooperative approach to the resolution of discussed items. All members present at the meeting have a responsibility to aid the facilitator in these tasks.

===RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS===

A member may resign his/her membership by delivering a written resignation to the principle office address or to a regular or special meeting of the membership. The departing member shall have the opportunity to address the membership regarding their resignation at a regular or special meeting. This written resignation shall be considered effective upon acknowledgment by the membership. Financial matters pertaining to the departing member shall follow the procedure outlined in the bylaws section, "Termination of Membership".

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

A member must give notice of a Leave of Absence if he/she is intending to be withdrawn from the workforce for a period between one-and-a-half months to one year. Notice of a Leave should consist of a written statement describing the reason for and duration of the Leave as well as any means of contact while on Leave. This notice should be submitted as early as possible, but not less than one month prior to a leave of one-and-a-half months to 3 months; not less than 2 months for a leave from 3 to 6 months; and not less than 3 months for a leave from 6 months to one year.
While on Leave, a member has no decision-making rights unless they are able to attend meetings where decisions are made. At the remaining members' discretion, an important decision may be delayed in order to elicit the "on-Leave" member's participation.
The minimum annual work requirement of 500 hours will be reduced in proportion to the percent of the year that the member is not on-Leave.

===JOB COORDINATION===

All members working in the field are expected to share responsibilities of job coordination. Job coordinator includes:

1. familiarity with the job contract and the cost breakdown of the job. 
2. communication with the client & recording all significant communication in the job log. 
3. recording all job-related expenses with the bookkeeper, and providing the office with any necessary information relating to the job. 
4. scheduling all subcontractors. 
5. the organization of the work in order to successfully bring the job to completion. 
6. encouraging participation of workers in work-site decisions when appropriate. 
7. facilitating sharing of desirable and undesirable work among workers as much as possible. 
8. bringing potential or real problems pertaining to the job site to the attention of other members for input towards resolution, especially if such problems could affect the welfare of (COOP). 

===DISSOLUTION===

Dissolution of the business requires careful consideration by all members. Therefore, all members must be notified that such a proposal will be made at the next regular or special business meeting. If all members reach a consensus decision to dissolve, the business completes all work in progress, and administrative affairs are brought to conclusion. Settlement of assets and liabilities and other financial accounting proceeds as outlined in the "Finances" section of these bylaws.

In the event of factional disagreements, whereby one-third of the membership is having serious problems with the remaining members, a special meeting shall be called. Possible resolutions of the problem shall be discussed, and a schedule drawn up, if necessary, to work out the difficulties. If after sincere efforts at resolution have failed, the membership shall call a vote, whereby at least 75 percent of the membership must be in favor of dissolution for dissolution to occur. If a decision to dissolve is reached, the aforementioned process of completion and accounting will proceed.

FINANCES
NET WORTH - There shall be an Individual Internal Account in the name of each member and one Collective Internal Account that is un-individuated. The sum of all the Individual Accounts and the Collective Account shall equal the net worth of the cooperative.

INDIVIDUAL INTERNAL ACCOUNTS - Every member will have an individual equity account assigned to him/her. This account is credited annually with distributive shares of the profit of the business evidenced by written notices of allocation to be paid back to the members over time.

COLLECTIVE INTERNAL ACCOUNT - The Collective Internal Account is un-individuated and remains intact until dissolution of the cooperative. It can only be reduced by net losses at the end of a fiscal year according to a formula described in the section on loss distribution. The purpose of the collective account is to maintain an adequate cash flow and to guarantee sufficient capital for payment of member's dividends.

NET INCOME [PROFIT/LOSS] - The before-tax net income of the cooperative shall be calculated in the conventional manner. If there is a positive net income (profit) at the end of a given fiscal year it will be apportioned in the following way: 80% of the profit will be put into the individual accounts to be paid out as dividends; 20% of the profits will be put into the collective account. Five percent of the profit, taken from the collective account, will be donated to causes of the membership's choosing.

PROFIT DISTRIBUTION INTO INTERNAL ACCOUNTS - If at the end of a fiscal year, the cooperative shows a net profit, 80% of that profit will be apportioned to the individual internal accounts based on each member's patronage. A member's patronage is defined as the total number of hours worked by that member during the fiscal year divided by the total number of hours worked by all members. Therefore the share of profits distributed into each member's account is determined by multiplying the profits to be distributed into all the individual accounts by the patronage of each member. All the capital in the cooperative represented by the individual internal accounts may be commingled with other sums and used for any purpose deemed necessary by the cooperative.

LOSS DISTRIBUTION - If there is a net loss at the end of a fiscal year, it will be apportioned in the following manner. Losses would be allocated first to the collective account until it falls to 5% of the average gross income from operations for the last three years (including the tax year). When the collective account falls to this point, the loss is distributed against remaining notes of allocation (the remaining 25% of previous yr. profit allocation). When the first of these is reduced to $0, the remaining loss is allocated back to the collective account. Each member's share of any loss distribution will be otherwise be determined in the same manner profits are distributed into individual accounts.

DIVIDEND PAYMENTS - the notes of allocation will be paid out on the following schedule:
-50% of partners' notes will be paid out by Jan. 15th immediately following the profit year.
-25% will be paid by April 1 of the same year.
-25% would be held until the following January. This amount is subject to loss distribution, if any (see above). If there is no loss this amount will be paid by Jan. 15th along with the 50% share due from the new tax year.

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
When a member's membership in the cooperative is terminated at the initiative of the member or of the cooperative, the net profit/loss will be determined in the usual manner. The terminated member's share of that profit or loss will be added to his/her account. The entire sum in the terminated member's account shall be paid according to a schedule determined by the membership. This schedule should not exceed five years unless the membership determines that extenuating circumstances warrant an extension.

DISSOLUTION

If and when the cooperative dissolves, all remaining debts shall be paid from the collective account. Members will decide whether to liquidate any part of the remaining assets. All liquidated assets and remaining capital will be divided equally among the remaining members. All assets not liquidated will be split up among the members by consensus agreement. The remaining members at dissolution may or may not decide to apportion a certain sum of money to former members.

SGCC Policies and Procedures

2013-03-08T03:03:46Z

Joe Cugini:

'''DRAFT'''

===BUSINESS AFFAIRS===

The name of the Business is Sheba Green Cleaning Cooperative, whose principal office is at 1151 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02138. All bonds, contracts, notes and other obligations authorized to be executed on the behalf of the business shall be signed by any member of the cooperative. The original "Articles of Organization", "Policies and Procedures", records of all business meetings of members, and names and address of all members (and the shares held by each) shall be kept in the principal office of the business.

The "Articles of Organization" are a part of these policies and procedures, and the powers of members and all matters concerning the conduct and regulation of the business shall be subject to such provisions set forth in the "Articles of Organization".

===MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP SHARES===

The Co-Op shall function on a cooperative basis with the members all working for the business. A Membership Share may be held only by persons who 1) patronize the business through contributions of their labor on a full or part-time basis; and 2) have been approved by the membership to be members. Only one Membership Share shall be issued to each member. The existing members have no rights to shares issued to any other member. The legal consideration paid to the business for a Membership Share shall be determined by the members and shall be referred to as the Membership Fee. No member may sell, assign any interest in, or otherwise transfer voluntarily or involuntarily his or her Membership Share during the period of the person's work and membership in the business.
Upon voluntary or involuntary termination of a member's work in the cooperative, the Membership Share shall be transferred back to the business at the time of termination.

[[SGCC Process for Becoming a member should be inserted here;

===SHEBA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERS===

Meetings shall be held on a regular basis; the exact date for subsequent meetings will be set by coop members at the end of each meeting. Attendance at these meetings is expected of all coop members or potential members. Suggestions for the Agenda for each meeting may be proposed by any Coop member at the end of the previous meeting. Agenda will then be compiled by one designated coop member, each serving in turn on a rotating basis. Members may request additional agenda items, directing such requests to the Coop member responsible for the next meeting's agenda. The Member in charge of Agenda will also notify the membership of their scheduled meeting time, and the completed agenda, not less than five days prior to the meeting. Emergency agenda items may be requested by a member at the beginning of the meeting, but will be placed on the agenda only upon consensus of the remaining members.

Decisions are made only when consensus is reached. Consensus is a process whereby all members are supportive or tolerant of a proposal. When a member does not agree with a proposal, he/she must voice their concerns, and the cooperative will attempt to reconcile the differences. If differences still remain after efforts to resolve the concerns, the individual(s) may either agree to tolerate the proposal despite reservations, or may "block consensus" by refusing to tolerate the proposal. Blocking consensus is based on principle, not personal preference, and should only be implemented in an effort to further the group's well-being. Exceptions to consensus decision-making are noted in these bylaws.

All business and special meetings shall have minutes recorded and made available to all members; recording of minutes to be done by members on a rotating basis. Knowledge of decisions reached while he/she is absent is incumbent upon that member. Any significant policy issue or business decision may be finalized without all members present if absent member(s) consent to the action in writing, filed with the records of the meetings of members. Such consent shall be treated for all purposes as a vote at a meeting.

===AMENDMENTS TO POLICIES and PROCEDURES===

The power to make, amend, or repeal these "Policies and Procedures" shall be held only by the Sheba General Assembly of Members. Notice to all members that such a change is under consideration must be made at least one week prior to the meeting which will review the change. All changes must be approved by consensus of the members.

===RIGHTS OF MEMBERS===

All members of the business have an equal vote in the consensus decision making of all (COOP) business matters, except as specifically noted in the Policies and Procedures and Articles of Organization. Members have the right to initiate and formulate policy decision, in accordance with the "General Assembly of Members" section in the bylaws. The bookkeeping and all other business information is to be accessible to members upon their reasonable request. However, financial and bookkeeping records are not to leave the office unless approved by the membership. All members have an equal claim to the available work. In cases where there is a shortage of work, and a surplus of members desiring work, the work shall be apportioned equally. Members have the right to an equal hourly wage. All business tools and equipment are available for reasonable personal use; however, (COOP)'s needs for these tools takes priority over personal use and all tool use is subject to (COOP) Tool Use Policy.

===RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS===

All members must work at least 500 hours per year. An exception to this is described in the section entitled Leave of Absence. Members are required to give the earliest possible notice of vacations or leaves of absence, and to generally coordinate their availability with (COOP) work scheduling needs. Members are to demonstrate integrity in their dealings with any individual or group with whom they are acting as Agents for (COOP). This includes but is not limited to other members, clients, and vendors.

Members are expected to work together to promote a cooperative and supportive and respectful work environment. This includes respecting each others' opinions and desires expressed at meetings and job sites, encouraging all workers' input into on-site decisions when appropriate, and sharing desirable and undesirable tasks.

All members should participate in bringing their job to a successful completion. This will necessitate familiarity with the job contract (including change orders) and a general understanding of the various job categories. Members should also be familiar with the order of tasks on their job and assist in the general organization of the work site. Members are expected to have an adequate complement of tools for daily work. Workers on each job site should coordinate use of tools with other job sites so that needs are met whenever possible.

Members shall rotate the task of facilitator of the business meetings. The facilitator is responsible for keeping discussions focused on the agenda item being discussed and for maintaining a cooperative approach to the resolution of discussed items. All members present at the meeting have a responsibility to aid the facilitator in these tasks.

===RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS===

A member may resign his/her membership by delivering a written resignation to the principle office address or to a regular or special meeting of the membership. The departing member shall have the opportunity to address the membership regarding their resignation at a regular or special meeting. This written resignation shall be considered effective upon acknowledgment by the membership. Financial matters pertaining to the departing member shall follow the procedure outlined in the bylaws section, "Termination of Membership".

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

A member must give notice of a Leave of Absence if he/she is intending to be withdrawn from the workforce for a period between one-and-a-half months to one year. Notice of a Leave should consist of a written statement describing the reason for and duration of the Leave as well as any means of contact while on Leave. This notice should be submitted as early as possible, but not less than one month prior to a leave of one-and-a-half months to 3 months; not less than 2 months for a leave from 3 to 6 months; and not less than 3 months for a leave from 6 months to one year.
While on Leave, a member has no decision-making rights unless they are able to attend meetings where decisions are made. At the remaining members' discretion, an important decision may be delayed in order to elicit the "on-Leave" member's participation.
The minimum annual work requirement of 500 hours will be reduced in proportion to the percent of the year that the member is not on-Leave.

===JOB COORDINATION===

All members working in the field are expected to share responsibilities of job coordination. Job coordinator includes:

1. familiarity with the job contract and the cost breakdown of the job. 
2. communication with the client & recording all significant communication in the job log. 
3. recording all job-related expenses with the bookkeeper, and providing the office with any necessary information relating to the job. 
4. scheduling all subcontractors. 
5. the organization of the work in order to successfully bring the job to completion. 
6. encouraging participation of workers in work-site decisions when appropriate. 
7. facilitating sharing of desirable and undesirable work among workers as much as possible. 
8. bringing potential or real problems pertaining to the job site to the attention of other members for input towards resolution, especially if such problems could affect the welfare of (COOP). 

===DISSOLUTION===

Dissolution of the business requires careful consideration by all members. Therefore, all members must be notified that such a proposal will be made at the next regular or special business meeting. If all members reach a consensus decision to dissolve, the business completes all work in progress, and administrative affairs are brought to conclusion. Settlement of assets and liabilities and other financial accounting proceeds as outlined in the "Finances" section of these bylaws.

In the event of factional disagreements, whereby one-third of the membership is having serious problems with the remaining members, a special meeting shall be called. Possible resolutions of the problem shall be discussed, and a schedule drawn up, if necessary, to work out the difficulties. If after sincere efforts at resolution have failed, the membership shall call a vote, whereby at least 75 percent of the membership must be in favor of dissolution for dissolution to occur. If a decision to dissolve is reached, the aforementioned process of completion and accounting will proceed.

FINANCES
NET WORTH - There shall be an Individual Internal Account in the name of each member and one Collective Internal Account that is un-individuated. The sum of all the Individual Accounts and the Collective Account shall equal the net worth of the cooperative.

INDIVIDUAL INTERNAL ACCOUNTS - Every member will have an individual equity account assigned to him/her. This account is credited annually with distributive shares of the profit of the business evidenced by written notices of allocation to be paid back to the members over time.

COLLECTIVE INTERNAL ACCOUNT - The Collective Internal Account is un-individuated and remains intact until dissolution of the cooperative. It can only be reduced by net losses at the end of a fiscal year according to a formula described in the section on loss distribution. The purpose of the collective account is to maintain an adequate cash flow and to guarantee sufficient capital for payment of member's dividends.

NET INCOME [PROFIT/LOSS] - The before-tax net income of the cooperative shall be calculated in the conventional manner. If there is a positive net income (profit) at the end of a given fiscal year it will be apportioned in the following way: 80% of the profit will be put into the individual accounts to be paid out as dividends; 20% of the profits will be put into the collective account. Five percent of the profit, taken from the collective account, will be donated to causes of the membership's choosing.

PROFIT DISTRIBUTION INTO INTERNAL ACCOUNTS - If at the end of a fiscal year, the cooperative shows a net profit, 80% of that profit will be apportioned to the individual internal accounts based on each member's patronage. A member's patronage is defined as the total number of hours worked by that member during the fiscal year divided by the total number of hours worked by all members. Therefore the share of profits distributed into each member's account is determined by multiplying the profits to be distributed into all the individual accounts by the patronage of each member. All the capital in the cooperative represented by the individual internal accounts may be commingled with other sums and used for any purpose deemed necessary by the cooperative.

LOSS DISTRIBUTION - If there is a net loss at the end of a fiscal year, it will be apportioned in the following manner. Losses would be allocated first to the collective account until it falls to 5% of the average gross income from operations for the last three years (including the tax year). When the collective account falls to this point, the loss is distributed against remaining notes of allocation (the remaining 25% of previous yr. profit allocation). When the first of these is reduced to $0, the remaining loss is allocated back to the collective account. Each member's share of any loss distribution will be otherwise be determined in the same manner profits are distributed into individual accounts.

DIVIDEND PAYMENTS - the notes of allocation will be paid out on the following schedule:
-50% of partners' notes will be paid out by Jan. 15th immediately following the profit year.
-25% will be paid by April 1 of the same year.
-25% would be held until the following January. This amount is subject to loss distribution, if any (see above). If there is no loss this amount will be paid by Jan. 15th along with the 50% share due from the new tax year.

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
When a member's membership in the cooperative is terminated at the initiative of the member or of the cooperative, the net profit/loss will be determined in the usual manner. The terminated member's share of that profit or loss will be added to his/her account. The entire sum in the terminated member's account shall be paid according to a schedule determined by the membership. This schedule should not exceed five years unless the membership determines that extenuating circumstances warrant an extension.

DISSOLUTION

If and when the cooperative dissolves, all remaining debts shall be paid from the collective account. Members will decide whether to liquidate any part of the remaining assets. All liquidated assets and remaining capital will be divided equally among the remaining members. All assets not liquidated will be split up among the members by consensus agreement. The remaining members at dissolution may or may not decide to apportion a certain sum of money to former members.

SGCC Process for Becoming a Member

2013-03-08T02:22:15Z

Joe Cugini: updated with $100 membership fee; no other changes needed

A person wishing to become a member of the Sheba Green Cleaning Co-Op should read all of the [[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Individual_Action/SGCC organizational documents]], and should come to a General Assembly and announce their intention to become a member. At that point, the person is considered a Potential Member.

Full coop members will decide on accepting new members, based on their demonstrated commitment to the principles and mission of the co-op, after a review process of 3 months. At 6 weeks, the members will discuss the Potential Member and if, by consensus, the membership agrees that the Potential Member is likely to be a good fit with the co-op, the Potential Member is invited to become an Associate Member. To become an Associate Member, the Potential Member must pay the Membership Fee, which is set at $100.

At the end of 3 months, Full Members will discuss the Associate Member, and they agree that person is likely to be a good fit with the co-op, they will be invited to join as a Full Member. If at that time, it is decided that the Potential Member will not be a good fit with the co-op, the Membership Fee will be refunded and all formal ties with the co-op will end.

Potential members and Associate Members are invited to participate on a non-voting basis, to help organize the co-op. Consensus votes will include potential member opinions and hopes for the co-op as much as possible. But formal votes will include only Full Member votes.

Potential Members and Associate Members own no share of the liabilities of the partnership and shall have no interest in the distribution of the assets of the partnership.

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/SGCC_Policies_and_Procedures Back to Policies and Procedures]]

2012-12-03T01:02:27Z

Joe Cugini:

<big>'''Sheba Green Cleaning Coop'''</big>

'''Frequently Asked Questions'''

'''Who we are:'''

We are a diverse group of socially, environmentally, and economically conscious people who joined forces and formed Sheba Green Cleaning Coop. We are a home and office cleaning service pledged to using only environmentally sustainable cleaning products and methods. As we serve our clients, we are building a democratically run, socially responsible enterprise. Our aim is both to make a practical and positive change in our community, from the ground up, and to be part of an effort to teach others how to build a worker-centered economy.

The Sheba Green Coop was born out of the energy and membership of Occupy Boston. We have come to believe that change begins with our direct individual and collective action, at home and at work. We want to be part of the paradigm shift in the global economy, and in definitions of “worker”, “owner”, and “active global citizen.”

Like the Community Builders Coop here in Boston, and the Cleveland Model in Ohio, each Coop member has an equal say in running the company, decisions are made by consensus, and we adhere to the principle of "equal pay for an equal number of hours of work". Our Coop is anchored in cooperation, responsibility, and accountability to one another, the community, and the environment. We hope to be a real-world, real-time demonstration that workers can control of their own economic and social destiny.

'''Why Green cleaning?'''

here, add bullet pts with ststs, re home pollution"

“A thousand miles journey begins with one step “

We are concerned, as are most people, about the degradation of our environment. We know that the air we breathe is polluted, and that there are toxic chemicals in our workplaces and in our homes, which are supposed to be our “castles.” We know that so-called “cleaning products” are among the most toxic materials to be found anywhere. And we believe there is a better way. As such, we are committed to cleaning while protecting the environment, using non-toxic products and methods. Our service will leave your living and working spaces healthful and clean, and you can be sure that our work did not further contaminate our precious Earth.

'''How do we do it?'''

We start by making our own non-toxic, affordable, natural cleaning products, using ingredients like citrus juices, baking soda, vinegar, olive oil, and natural scents like lavender and eucalyptus oils. Re-useable and environmentally sound cleaning materials and practices are our standard operating procedures. Beyond that, educating the community is a core mission of our cleaning enterprise. Standard model cleaning services operating in the competitive market often guard their products and methods as “trade secrets.” We reject that standard approach of competing with our neighbors. We intend to give workshops where we demonstrate how to make green cleaning products from natural, safe, and affordable ingredients, and explain how others could build enterprises like ours.

Our short-term goal is clean and healthy spaces, clients, and workers. Our ultimate goal is to increase environmental awareness, and lead the switch from toxic to non-toxic cleaning, safe for families and environment. As well as help facilitate the movement to a worker-centric economy.

Add FAQ; re concern wiht impacts on children, why// fast metab, on the floor and in the mouth, dangers of bug filth and asthma link

'''There are other cleaning services claiming to be “green” these days. What sets our Coop apart from other cleaning services?'''

Our Green Cleaning Cooperative is worker-owned, committed to the “green” ideal in the fullest sense, which we believe requires economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable practices. For some companies trying to make their services in a competitive market, labeling themselves “green”, and even adopting some environmentally sound practices, is a gimmick to enhance their bottom line. The commitment to sustainability goes deeper with us. Most cleaning companies use toxic chemicals and require workers to work in underpaid, dangerous environments.

We are committed to work-place democracy and sustainable business practices, and to at least a fair living wage for all members. And while we want to remain competitive in terms of price and services, we also want to be a "different kind" of company that customers can support because they want to support efforts that make "a better world possible".

add, FAQ, re compettion with other services, vs coop ethic (noah's )
answer, we don't compete to harm, but we seek to show serv can be done with coop-- compete to replace as many exploitive serv as possible wiht coops.. Open invite for serv wokrers to joun us or start own coop....

'''Support us! A Better World is Possible!'''

Since the economic meltdown of the recent past, the mainstream media has replaced some of its obsession with “lifestyles of the rich and outrageous” with features on unemployment and underemployment, and their effects on “ordinary Americans.” Often they are painted as pathetic victims, waiting for a rescue. But rather than waiting for others to find a solution, we are interested in finding solutions ourselves, because we still believe in the American dream- that is, the idea that if given access and opportunity, we can control our economic destiny. So when you order our service, you are also part of the solution!

Our clean green service, will not only leave your house spotless, and as fresh as daisy. It also fosters economic empowerment for a whole community, by helping people help themselves, and instilling the value of work, thus breaking the cycle of poverty.

'''How Well Do We Clean?'''

If you are the sort of customer we’d like to work for, all of the above rouses your interest. But, you still want to know---“So-how well do you clean?” Short answer; “Brilliantly!” All our hard-working crew are experienced with other, “standard issue” cleaning services, and we’ve learned “really clean” from “looks fine- move on!” When we have gone, you will see only sparkling surfaces and smell only the scent of natural oils—peppermint, lemon—name your preference!

Cluttered and unkempt homes and offices not not only clog our spaces, but they clutter our minds and sap our energy. Surely you have noticed that! And, you have said to yourself-” I have to deal with this...” many, many times before. But, you have not-- because if you are like most people, you are way too busy with a hundred other things... Let us help you break out of that cycle! When you allow us to come and clean your homes and offices with our safe, natural and non- toxic cleaning products, you will enjoy the luxury of a clean and ordered space, no longer worried about toxic threats to your kids, friends, or co-workers. Instead you will enjoy the aroma of real lavender, lemon, orange, or vanilla-- and the comfort and calm of knowing you have solved one nagging problem, in a way that leaves your conscience and your environment clean.

As fellow worker-owners, we are a tight team and expect a lot from each other. Needless to say, we are; 
 
• completely reliable 
• always punctual 
• flexible in meeting your needs 
• ready to provide excellent service for value. 

'''Invite us over, tell us your needs, and let us show you how we will meet them!'''

'''Contact:'''

(web info/ email info/ phone }

'''Pricing:'''

Our standard weekly/biweekly services begin at $70, depending the the size and the condition of the home/office. We can adjust cleaning service specifics, fees and schedule to meet your needs. One time and first time cleaning jobs usually cost more. But we aim to be price competitive, so please give us the opportunity to provide an estimate.

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Individual_Action/SGCC Back to the Main SGCC page]]

Logo/name discussions moved to the discussion page. http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Talk:Our_Narrative_/_FAQ#Discussion_about_Name.2FLogo.2C_.22Sheba.22

Our Narrative / FAQ

2012-12-03T00:55:22Z

Joe Cugini:

2012-10-12T20:53:23Z

Joe Cugini:

[[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/wiki/Individual_Action/SGCC Back to SGCC main page]]

This page is to start to construct a PRESS RELEASE. The difference between press release content and a brochure is that a Press Release is focused on "an event". The startup, a milestone, announcing something. A brochure is "timeless" in that it does not mention a specific milestone, but rather what an organization offers on an on-going basis.

{SHEBANS; YES, UNDERSTOOD THAT A PRESS RELEASE IS FOR SPECIFIC EVENT , OUR "START-UP". BUT, DO WE REALLY NEED ANOTHER DOCUMENT--- CAN WE MOSTLY MAKE USE OF INTRO LETTER, NARRATIVE/FAQ, ETC??

PRESS RELEASE

- August 2012 -

As of this August, the Cambridge/Boston/Brookline area has a new cleaning service, ready to tackle your home, office, or business cleaning needs. Yes, there are other cleaning services out there—but this one
is better. Way better!!

more coming as we fill out FAQ and Brochure pages

SGCC Brochure

2012-10-12T20:48:19Z

Joe Cugini: