# Membership You can [sign this here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkf7TcEVj5F1pCvj8_6tyJmp46UCX5kM4Q80r8rfbcOoq_ww/viewform). This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of members of Greens & Bean Grocery Cooperative. This membership agreement applies to our current situation where Greens & Beans does not have a fixed physical location. This is a living, mutable document, subject to change through general membership voting at any time. ### Rights as a member - Shop at the co-operative - Elect members to serve as representatives on the Coordinating Committee (if member for longer than 3 months) - Run for positions and serve as a representative on the Coordinating Committee (if member for longer than 3 months) - Inclusion in communications such as the general email lists and whatsapp groups - Participate in groups events like meetings and potlucks - Submit agenda items for general meetings and working group meetings - Participate in votes for the entire co-op (if member for longer than 3 months) ### Responsibilities as a member - Payment of monthly dues and order fees - Finance committee will verify dues payment seven days after the monthly due payment reminder - General appropriate conduct at group events and in group communications - Inappropriate conduct includes expression of racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or other discriminatory sentiments. Such expressions will not be tolerated in members, and will result in termination of membership. - Other inappropriate conduct includes acting against the interests of the coop through actions such as embezzlement or theft. Such offenses will result in termination of membership. - It is the responsibility of any coop member who: 1) becomes aware of inappropriate behavior, 2) self-determines that they are safe to call out such behavior, to intervene against inappropriate behavior. - The coop will not litigate interpersonal conflict between members, and expects that members should handle such conflict outside of the coop space. - Regularly contribute time/labor in order to sustain Greens & Beans ### Membership Process - Fill in interest form - Pay dues - Attend an orientation - Fill in the membership agreement form - New members will have to wait 3 months to be eligible for voting in votes. Once all of these have been completed, you will be added as a member of the co-op. ### Leaving the co-op - A member can leave the co-op whenever they want. Dues they have already paid will not be returned to them - A member who has not paid dues in 3 months will be considered in arrears and will be sent a reminder to pay dues. A member in arrears will no longer be able to shop in the co-op unless an exception is granted. - You can get back if you pay your dues when you show up - A member who has not paid dues in 6 months will be considered to have voluntarily given up their membership ### Dues payment Our co-op requires a financial contribution from our members to run properly. There are several costs associated with our co-op that we can only cover if people pitch in $5 - $20 each month ($60-$240 each year). However, not everyone is able to contribute to these costs at the same rate. We ask members to reflect on how much they can afford, and pay dues accordingly. The amount of dues paid does not impact the “one member one vote” principle of the co-operative. You can pay your dues and check/edit your re-occurring payment amount at OpenCollective by [clicking here.](https://opencollective.com/greens-and-beans) Here are some things to reflect on as you think about how much your dues are. **Consider paying less for dues ($5, $10) if you…**
- Support children or family members/friends - Have significant debt - Are eligible for public assistance - Belong to a historically marginalized group **Consider paying more for dues ($15, $20) if you…**
- Own your home - Have investments, retirement accounts, and/or significant savings - Benefit from generational wealth - Have a high earning power due to advanced degrees or other privileges