Model Rules 2.0
You will find everything you need to develop your new Rules right here. You will want to review the stages and steps set out in the step-by-step guide carefully.
CHF BC was key to creating this resource, with help from experienced lawyers.
Why Use Model Rules 2.0?
In this short video, co-op housing lawyers Grant Haddock and Geoffrey Dabbs answer this question for housing co-ops in British Columbia
How do I start?
You will see that the first stage in the Step-by-Step Guide is ‘Preparation and Review’ and includes setting up a rules committee and reviewing your existing rules. This is the best place to start.
The time it takes to complete the stages from here varies from co-op to co-op depending mostly on how much preparation work and general membership consultation is required. You can also work through in a different order than the steps identified, if you find this works better for you.
If you’re having trouble getting started, or you stall in the process, we can help! The CCL team can answer questions about the resources, and CHF BC offers consultation services.
An evolving resource
We will update the model periodically with your feedback to make sure that it continues to represent the gold standard in co-op governance. Check our website regularly to see how the model is evolving to meet the governance needs of housing co-ops. Over the last years, we have learned a lot and are already beginning to think about Model Rules 3!
Stage 1: Preparation and Review
These first two steps are very important to make sure that you are set up to successfully get the job done. Don’t forget that you’ll need to schedule extra meetings to engage members in important discussions and to formally adopt the Rules.
Stage 2: Choose a Membership Model
Before you start working on your new Rules, you need to identify your current membership model and talk about whether to keep it or switch to a new membership model.
The co-op lawyers and CHF BC recommend that your co-op take this opportunity to talk about whether your current membership model is meeting your needs. Experience over the last ten years shows that all membership models have merit and can work effectively.
Stage 3: Tailoring Your Rules
Once you have chosen your membership model, you are ready to review which other options are the best fit for your co-op.
Once you have chosen your membership model, you are ready to review which other options are the best fit for your co-op.
Everything in Model Rules 2.0, including all the options, is consistent with the Cooperative Association Act. Keep in mind that the Model Rules reflects best practices that have emerged over time. You’ll find some changed rules, some new rules and you’ll notice that some old, familiar rules have been removed.
Stage 4: Drafting New Rules
You should now have taken all the steps necessary to produce your first draft of your new Rules. Take this draft to the Board for review.
Once the Board has approved the draft you will want to engage your membership again with a meeting to inform them of progress so far and to seek their feedback. At the end of this stage you should have a final draft to present to the Board, and set a date for a meeting of members to approve the new Rules.
Stage 5: Adopting Your Rules
These final steps should be followed very carefully as they will bring your new Rules into legal effect.
