Summit Avenue Cooperative

Established 1970 - Madison, WI

Member Responsibilities

Workjobs

Workjobs are a vital aspect of cooperative living. They are the "household chores" necessary for the house to function. Each member is assigned 4.5 hours of workjobs per week but time spent on workjobs vary depending upon the workjob, the efficiency of the individual, and the season of the year (e.g. Grounds Crew work will depend on the season). Prospective members should carefully consider if they have the time and capacity to commit to completing 4.5 hours of chores each week.

  • All members take turns cooking house dinner. Depending on how many people are living in the house, you may cook about once every 2-4 weeks. House dinners are served Sunday through Thursday at 6pm.
  • All members rotate through bathroom cleaning in teams of two or three people per bathroom, followed by a 2-4 week rest cycle before their next assignment.
  • All members are scheduled for Dishes or Floors to clean up after house dinners about three times per month, depending on occupancy.
  • Members are assigned additional workjob duties such as cleaning, maintenance, winter shoveling, yard work, or administrative work.

House Meetings

House meetings are opportunities for members to communicate, propose ideas, and discuss all manner of house matters. Meetings are held every two-and-a-half weeks, alternating Sundays and Wednesdays. At the end of each house meeting, we either enjoy a house-sponsored ice cream outing or hold a lottery for exemption from dish-floor duty among those present.


Work Weekend

Every Spring and Fall, the house spends a Saturday taking care of the storm windows, deep cleaning, and other house projects. We start the day with a tasty breakfast and celebrate the end with a well earned dinner ordered by the house.

Workjob
Officer Position - House Representative
Officer Position - Workjob Coordinator
Officer Position - Big Treasurer (Big T)
Officer Position - Little Treasurer (Little T)
Officer Position - Secretary
Membership Coordinator
Cooking
Dishes
Floors
Maintenance Crew
Grounds Crew
Bathrooms
Supplies
Common Rooms
Halls & Stairs
Compost
Trash
Stove & Hood
Rags & Rugs
Rotating Cleaning
Specialized Disposal & St. Vinny's Donations
Kitchen
Fridges
Dining Room
Plants
Computer