Being activists isn't easy. Many of us are on low incomes, living at the whim of private landlords or in debt to banks, tied to unrewarding jobs, forever scrabbling to get to a position where we can do the things we feel are really important.
Taking control of basic aspects of our lives can be an important step in changing this.
For almost 20 years, Radical Routes has been promoting the co-operative model as a tool to build radical communities, bases of inspiration and resistance across the UK.
Co-operate!
Co-ops are legal entities which can borrow money and buy houses regardless of the circumstances of individual members.
However, unlike conventional companies, co-ops are run democratically by their members, not by external shareholders.
Housing co-ops borrow money to buy houses, and use rents to repay loans and maintain their properties.
Members of Radical Routes co-ops can claim housing benefit since they do not profit individually from the co-op's activities.
Radical Routes began in the late 1980s as an informal network, and registered in 1991 as a secondary co-operative (a “co-op of co-ops”). We're a decentralised network with no paid staff (except a finance worker).
We make decisions through a consensus-based process at quarterly gatherings, which rotate around the country.
The work of the network is done by working groups for finance, publicity, co-op support and so on.
DIY building society
Radical Routes lends money to its member co-ops, typically in the form of “top-up” loans for buying houses.
Banks might lend 70% of what is needed, we then provides 20%, and the co-op itself is left to find the remaining 10%.
RR gets its money largely through Rootstock, an ethical investors' co-op (see box).
Loans are usually secured against property, so that if a Radical Routes co-op fails while owing money (which has only happened twice) the loan can be repaid by selling the property.
Radical Routes has a remarkably good lending record (much better than high street banks!), demonstrating the strengths of “peer-to-peer” lending with inherently high levels of scrutiny and support.
Two years ago, when a housing co-op was in serious trouble, Radical Routes not only agreed a repayment holiday, but also provided mediation to help the co-op to work effectively again.
Town house?
Currently, there are about 35 co-ops in Radical Routes. Housing co-ops can be found in many major UK cities, and often they provide additional community facilities such as meeting rooms and offices for campaigning groups.
One example is Coventry Peace House which was started in 1999 by individuals involved in the Alvis peace camp.
The Peace House combines a housing co-op with a thriving peace and environment centre on a busy street in the heart of multi-cultural Coventry.
Activities include asylum seeker support [as featured in the July-August PN], two major peace projects and a bicycle workshop.
Or country house?
Radical Routes co-ops are also exploring new approaches to sustainable rural living, incorporating low-impact dwelling, renewable energy and organic farming.
Keveral Farm in Cornwall, an ancient hamlet nestling in the hills above the sea, is home to a vegetable box scheme, woodlands and orchards, joinery and mushroom growing businesses, regular courses and a campsite for visitors.
Like many other rural communities, they've been involved in ground-breaking planning battles to establish the right to work and live sustainably on the land.
Work
In terms of work, our co-ops are active in accountancy, training, printing, and co-op development.
Footprint Workers Co-op, a printing co-op living in the basement underneath Cornerstone Housing Co-op in Leeds, was set up in 2000 to provide printing services to the highest possible ethical and environmental standards.
Footprint has produced booklets, flyers, CD covers, stickers and books for a huge range of progressive groups.
Another workers' co-op is Catalyst Collective which has provided advice and support to enable over 200 new co-ops to form.
And play
Social centres are the newest type of Radical Routes co-op, offering facilities such as bars, cafes, internet access, libraries and performance spaces.
The Sumac Centre, set in one of Nottingham's residential backstreets, provides resources and a meeting place for local and national campaigning groups, a busy social club and café, and houses Veggies, the well-known vegan catering campaign.
If you are attracted by these projects, please bear in mind that Radical Routes is for co-ops that are working actively for radical social change and that are willing to do regular unpaid work for the network.
It's quite a commitment, but the benefits can be huge in terms of being part of a unique and inspiring community exploring new ways of taking control of our housing, work, culture and activism.