BSC MEMBERS DIGEST -- April 29, 2024

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  2. BSC MEMBERS DIGEST -- April 29, 2024

The 2nd Annual Co-op Job Fair (FREE)

Tuesday, May 28, 5-8PM

Humanist Hall, Oakland

RSVP as a job-seeker or employer at NOBAWC.ORG/FAIR

EVERYBODY wants a job. NOBODY wants a boss. That's where we come in...again.

That's right — who wants to work for a co-op? & to our co-ops: who's hiring??

Your co-op peers are building off our biggest event ever with more MUSIC, NETWORKING, PRESENTATIONS, and MORE. your coop network has been visiting co-ops all over & we keep hearing one thing: co-ops need workers!! so we're jumping in to support the best — and funnest — way we know how: ANOTHER FREE JOB FAIR!

So spread the call far and wide — we're looking for democratic employers...and the job seekers who want to be a part of a broad-based movement for worker power and democratic ownership...aka the NoBAWC leaders of the future!

and by the way...even if your co-op ISN'T actively hiring...you should still come out and table to meet the ~eligible candidates~ for when you WILL need people...because we all know you will ;)

RSVP as a employer or a job seeker — or a community group that wants to table — at nobawc.org/fair

WHAT: A job fair centering worker-owned businesses, nonprofits, & collectives. RSVP at nobawc.org/fair

WHERE: Humanist Hall; 390 27th St, Oakland, CA 94612

WHEN: Tues, May 28th from 5pm-8pm

COST: FREE for tablers & seekers :)

WHO's ORGANIZING?: The Network of Bay Area Worker Co-ops, your local worker co-op network, of course ;)

!!!DESK JOBS HIGHLIGHT!! 
 

WRITTEN BY JAE MANN (HiCom Chair)

The Hiring Committee recognizes the need for workshift that can be done for those with non-normative needs. As such, here is a list of desk jobs for those who have difficulty with traditional workshift.

Unless stated otherwise, jobs fulfill workshift and any extra hours are compensated with a $22/hr rent credit

HiCom emails OFTEN go to SPAM. To prevent missing out on interviews and jobs, please add "hicom@bsc.coop" to your contacts.

Here are the jobs available right now! (Updated April 18th.)

Before filling out the BSC Job Application 2023-2024 (Google Form), please review these Tips for applicants.

Conduct Committee

ASAP and ongoing: Conduct Committee Chair

5 hrs./ wk.

Ensure that the decision-making processes of the Conduct Committee are fair, procedurally sound, efficient, sensitive to the member, and well documented.

Train ConCom members each semester, make necessary preparations before each meeting, and fulfill a number of responsibilities to the Board that occur after each meeting.

ASAP and ongoing: Restorative Justice Practitioner

up to 70 hours per semester

RJ Practitioners will be trained in Restorative Practice (RP), Restorative Justice (RJ) and other forms of conflict resolution.

Responsible for providing services in these areas for members and managers in the Berkeley Student Cooperative.

ASAP and ongoing: Development and Alumni Relations

5 hrs./ wk.

Aid with fundraising and alumni relations!

Help with BSC events!

Possibly the most fun job in the BSC.

Cooperative Experience/Member Resources

Starting Fall: Member Resources Assistant

17 hrs./ wk.

Preference will be given to former house managers.

Provides support for and assistance to the Member Resources Coordinator in their duties, including
the organization and development of training programs, New Member Orientation, NASCO Institute,
correspondence and research, clerical support and budget monitoring.

Operations

Starting Fall: Administrative Committee Chair

5 hrs. / wk.

Ensure that the decision-making processes of the Administrative Committee are fair, procedurally sound, efficient, sensitive to the member, and well documented.

Train AdCom members.

Make necessary preparations before each meeting, attend all AdCom meetings, AdCom screening meetings, and AdCom appeals meetings.

Starting Summer: Administrative Member Advisor

8 hrs. / wk.

Be the primary resource for members making requests to the BSC Administrative Committee.

Attend all Administrative Committee (AdCom) meetings, and AdHoc meetings, screening meetings.

Assist members with requests to the AdCom and appeals.

Summer only: Network Manager Coordinator

8 hrs. / wk.

Be the primary resource for house level Network Managers.

Promote the availability of peer technical assistance among Network Managers.

Must have experience installing, maintaining and trouble-shooting at least one of the following types of routing/QOS devices, switches, and access points: Cisco, custom Linux-based solutions, Linksys, etc.

Must have experience with network and computer hardware trouble-shooting and documentation; experience with DHCP, DNS, NAT, and WINS management; and experience in creating network documentation.

Senior Management

Starting in Summer: Hiring Committee Member

Up to 30 hours a semester.

Help recruit for BSC member jobs.

Sit in on interviews for member positions over 10hrs/week.

Vote on best candidates for roles over 10 hrs/week.

Starting in Fall: Committee Administrative Assistant

10 hrs./wk.

Four Jobs Available: One for each Committee: Please specify which committee(s) you are interested in assisting.

  • Internal Affairs Committee (IACom)
  • Capital and Finance Committee (CFCom)
  • Experience and Training Committee (ETCom)
  • External Affairs Committee (EACom)

This job is 100% REMOTE and requires the AA to have a working laptop/computer and stable internet access.

MUST COMMIT AND ATTEND ALL SCHEDULED WEEKLY MEETINGS ON TIME

Typically on either Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday evenings.

  • Must be experienced in Google Suite and type at least 70 WPM.
  • Experience with taking and transcribing meeting minutes is strongly preferred.
  • Must be reliable and punctual.
  • REQUIRES A ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT
  • This job pays 5 hours workshift and 5 hours rent compensation.
  • Strong preference to candidates who do not hold another BSC position or house manager position.

Happenings In The Member Resources Department

WRITTEN BY PORTIA LEWIS (Member Resources Coordinator)

Revamping the BSC's Member Resource Newsletter

Wouldn’t it be great to have a bi-weekly Member Resources Newsletter? Agreed!

Help me bring it to life - if there are resources you would like to see shared with BSC members submit those to me @ mrc@bsc.coop

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Poster Design Contest

We are excited to announce a Poster Design Contest aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. This initiative seeks to encourage creative expression and spread important messages that can save lives and foster a supportive community.

Eligibility

  • Open to individuals of all ages.
  • Participants can be amateurs or professionals in graphic design.

Poster Requirements

  • Theme: All entries must focus on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The design should convey hope, support, understanding, and the importance of talking about mental health issues and seeking help.

Content

  • Title: Each poster must include a compelling title that reflects the theme.
  • Graphics: The visual component should be powerful and convey the message without the need for excessive text. Examples of graphic themes include:
  • Two individuals engaged in a supportive conversation, illustrating the power of talking and listening.
  • A depiction of someone reaching out for help, with open hands symbolizing support and understanding from the community or individuals.
  • Imagery representing light overcoming darkness, symbolizing hope and recovery.

Format

  • Posters can be created digitally or through traditional artistic methods (painting, drawing, etc.).
  • Digital entries should be submitted in high-resolution JPEG or PNG format. PDF can also be accepted.
  • For non-digital entries, a high-quality photograph or scan of the artwork should be submitted.

Size

There are no strict size requirements for posters. Participants are free to choose a size that best suits their design vision and effectively communicates the message.

Originality

Entries must be the original work of the participant and not previously published. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

Submission Process

  • Participants should submit their entries at bscaa1996@gmail.com, including their full name, contact information, and a brief description of their poster.
  • The deadline for submissions is April 30th. (May be extended)

Judging Criteria

  • Relevance to the theme of Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness.
  • Originality and creativity.
  • Emotional impact and the ability to convey a message visually.
  • Overall aesthetic appeal and design execution.

Prizes

$200 (sponsored by the BSCAA!)

Terms and Conditions

  • By entering the contest, participants grant the BSC, BSCAA, and SSPC the right to use, reproduce, and distribute their submissions for promotional purposes related to the cause.
  • Decisions by the judging panel will be final and binding.

Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact bscaa1996@gmail.com.

We are excited to see your contributions and how you use your creativity to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Your artwork has the power to inspire, educate, and support those around you. Let’s come together to make a positive impact through our creativity. Good luck to all participants!

The Berkeley Student Cooperative Alumni Association (BSCAA) is sponsoring this Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Poster Design Contest!

The end goal of the contest is to have the winner's poster put up around BSC units to raise awareness about suicide prevention, mental health & wellbeing (promoting non-Western approaches to health & wellbeing is encouraged), & community care. <3

If You Recently Received Emails From The Central Office Regarding Your Outstanding Balance & A Hold On Your Account - You May Have A Lot Of Questions

What should I do now?

  • To view your account statement, login to the BSC member portal and click “View Account Statement” on the bottom left under the Member Account section.
  • To make a rent payment, login to the BSC member portal and click "View Balance/Make a Payment” on the bottom left under the Member Account section.
  • If you have questions about your account, please contact the Accounting Department at arc@bsc.coop. If you call the office and want to speak to someone in Accounting, please press option 2.
  • If you have questions about your housing contract, please contact the Housing Department at housing@bsc.coop. If you call the office and want to speak to someone in Housing, please press option 1.
  • For support in connecting to available resources, please contact the Member Resources Coordinator, Portia, at mrc@bsc.coop

What if I want to dispute my outstanding balance?

What if I have compensation that I think should have been applied to my account?

I was not able to pay off my outstanding balance by April 3rd, 2024 - can I still submit a payment plan?

What if I owe thousands of dollars on my account (10k-30k)?

  • ASAP First fill out the AdCom Payment Plan Request Form [Google Form]
  • You are also encouraged to submit a payment plan…
  • Short-term = just for the current rent payment → automatically approved
  • Longer-term/larger-scale payment plans need to be approved by AdCom
  • Reach out to Portia at mrc@bsc.coop for support in connecting to available financial resources, navigating submitting a payment plan, etc.

What happens if I just move out and don’t pay my rent?

  • This is not a good idea! The BSC Board recently approved sending former members' debt to a Debt Collection agency that will call you and attempt to collect your outstanding rent.
  • We are here to work with you... If you set up a payment plan with us your name will be removed from the debt collectors list!
  • You are encouraged to submit a payment plan BEFORE you move out!!
  • Longer-term/larger-scale payment plans need to be approved by AdCom
  • To apply: First fill out the AdCom Payment Plan Request Form [Google Form]

*Please note that if you have any other holds or have received 15-day notices, e.g. student status, workshift, etc., you must resolve all notices.*

Available Resources ($$)

Resources compiled by other people:

UCB Basic Needs Center Housing Search Resources - I am focusing specifically on funding, but this includes a lot of how-to-find-a-place-to-live resources

BSC SPECIFIC - SHORT TERM

BSC Emergency Grant

Can apply at any time - First fill out the AdCom Payment Plan Request Form [Google Form]. It says “payment plan” but you can also use it to request an emergency grant.

You can request $2,500 per request, and receive up to $5,000 per semester.

Will be awarded by Consensus of the Operation Manager (Dave - om@bsc.coop) and the AdCom Assistant (adcomasst@bsc.coop) (I don’t know who this is).

Payment plans

Short-term = just for the current rent payment → automatically approved

longer-term/larger-scale payment plans need to be approved by AdCom

To apply: First fill out the AdCom Payment Plan Request Form [Google Form]

Payment arrangement details: You can submit a request for a payment arrangement to the Administrative Committee for approval using AdCom Payment Plan Request Form. You may contact the AdCom Assistant (adcomasst@bsc.coop) for assistance in preparing and submitting your request. Your request must include a clear schedule of what amounts you will pay by specific dates. This payment arrangement will be automatically approved by the Administrative Committee if your remaining overdue balance will be repaid within a two-month time period. If you request a plan to repay your remaining full balance due over more than two months, your request will be evaluated by the Administrative Committee using its usual criteria and process, which requires 1) an explanation of your circumstances/why you were not able to pay your balance due and 2) what income source you will use to pay your balance due now, along with 3) documentation of both. Please be aware that compliance with approved payment arrangements will be monitored, even for those payment arrangements that were automatically approved.

LONGER TERM BSC-SPECIFIC

BSC Scholarship - CLOSED NOW, available next year

Opens once a year

Same limits as emergency grant

Need a FAFSA or CDAA

BSC Jobs

Generally for paid work shift, amount of time and type of work varies. More of a long-term solution, tbh.

Currently hiring for:

  1. Dump Run Coordinator - Summer - 10h/wk
  2. Delivery Coordinator - 12hr/wk
Applying to a BSC Job

https://hicom.bsc.coop/apply

Tips for Applicants

Paid workshift at CFS

They always need folks and the $22/hour will be subtracted directly from your outstanding balance!

Paid workshift at your unit

Your unit looking a little gross right now? Talk to your WS manager about doing deep cleans or other habitability related things for $22/hour that will be subtracted directly from your outstanding balance!!

UC BERKELEY

UC Berkeley Basic Needs Emergency Fund (for Berkeley students)

  • Can apply to rent, food, housing deposits, or “other emergency and safety needs”
  • Fill out the Basic Needs Center Assistance Form [Google Form])
  • Response time varies. If you are currently unhoused or in danger of becoming unhoused in the next 72 hours, you will get a priority response. If not, you will get a response within 7-10 business days.
  • The form is relatively long. It is mostly multiple choice, but there are a few paragraph responses required–the most in-depth/important is that you will need to describe your current circumstances (changes in employment/income, increases in expenses, changes in financial obligations, resources already accessed). You will then have to select whether or not you would like to meet with a member of the Basic Needs Center.

UC Berkeley Short-term emergency Loan

More about: Short-Term Emergency Loan - Financial Aid & Scholarships

Living expense loans can be up to $2,000

Repayment:
  • The principal loan amount and administrative fee are due approximately 60 days from the date of the application of the loan.
  • Financial aid awards, loans, or other credits to your account may result in the loan balance being paid before the due date.
  • Funds eligible to pay the loan balance will not be issued as a refund of overpayment until the loan balance is paid-in-full.
  • Borrowers are responsible for repayment whether or not they receive a bill.
  • Financial aid may be able to pay off the short-term emergency loan

Emergency Housing Resources Through UC Berkeley

Other Emergency Needs

Hygiene
Meals/Food

College Financial Aid

First Step To Apply For Financial Aid Is To Complete The FAFSA - FAFSA - APPLY NOW!

Peralta Community College District Financial Aid Info

Berkeley City College Financial Aid Office

College of Alameda Financial Aid Office

Laney College Financial Aid Office

Merritt College Financial Aid Office

CITY OF BERKELEY

City of Berkeley Housing Retention Program

One time grant of up to $5,000. Stricter requirements than some of the other grants.

  • Must be Berkeley resident
  • Must be at “imminent risk of losing their permanent housing”
  • Your income must be verified by documentation from a third party
  • You must have a signed rental agreement
  • Your monthly income must support your monthly expenses
  • The grant must prevent your eviction
  • You must meet at least one of these requirements:
  • Decrease in income
  • Unexpected medical and/or disability expenses paid without credit
  • Fleeing domestic violence
  • Work-related vehicle expanse
  • Other unexpected significant expense

You will need to have the following documentation:

  1. Completed Application
  2. Picture ID for all household members older than 18
  3. Verification of Current Income for all income included in the budget sheet
  4. A dated Notice of Eviction from landlord stating amount owned for back rent - a 3-day notice of eviction is recommended; the Notice of Eviction must be dated in the current month
  5. Rental Agreement or Lease - if applicant is not on the lease, the lease holder must submit a signed dated letter indicating applicant’s portion of the rent and rent due; If Section 8 Housing or Shelter Plus Care, copy of Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Agreement.
  6. W-9 Form (Tax I.D.) signed by landlord
  7. Proof of Building Ownership is needed if not a BHA property
  8. Documentation showing decrease in income, unexpected medical/disability expense, fleeing domestic violence, or work-related vehicle expense

City of Berkeley COVID Housing Retention Grant

Up to $10,000.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Berkeley resident at imminent risk of losing permanent housing
  • Grant must prevent an eviction OR support housing related financial assistance (rent, future rent, utilities, health and safety home repairs) due to loss of income during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • You must be at or below 80% of the area median income. You need income verification from a third party, or to sign an affidavit stating your current income during COVID.
  • You must meet one of the following:
  • Decrease in income
  • Unexpected medical and/or disability expenses paid without credit
  • Fleeing domestic violence
  • Work-related vehicle expense (vehicle is required for the job supporting documentation from employer may be required)
  • COVID-19 related financial losses
  • Falling behind on rent for other factors to be approved at the discretion of the fund administrator

To apply for a city of Berkeley grant

Call the Berkeley Eviction Defense Center - (510) 452-4541 and tell them your name, phone number, and that you are a Berkeley resident seeking assistance. They will then call you back.

(THANK YOU MAX (CZ HP) & TAVI (CZ NW) FOR HELPING PUT THIS INFORMATION TOGETHER)

Reach out to me anytime at mrc@bsc.coop or come visit me in my standing ‘Office Hours’ Fridays 10-11:30am!

SAVE THE DATE FOR UPCOMING BSC EVENTS

C O - O P    G R A D U A T I O N

~ hosted by the BSC Alumni Association ~

Location: Alumni House, 1 Alumni House, Berkeley CA

Date: Tuesday, May 7th, 2024

Time: 5-9 p.m

Co-op Graduation is open to all BSC members!

Are you graduating this Spring or Summer or did you graduate in the Fall? Please complete this form if you would like to participate in the Class of 2024 Co-op Graduation ceremony!

Graduating this Spring? Remember that all BSC Grads get a year of free Alumni Association (BSCAA) membership! The BSCAA is always looking for coop alums to join the Board for more information contact bscaa1996@gmail.com

SPRING 2025 STUDY ABROAD APPLICATIONS OPEN!

Berkeley Study Abroad

Study Abroad Programs Application Timeline

Student To Student Peer Counseling (SSPC)

Due to the incredible work of SSPC leaders, our Mental Health Working Group, & the BSC Alumni Association SSPC will now allow non-UCB students who are BSC Members to book appointments with their peer counselors!

Lean On Me UC Berkeley

Lean On Me allows students to talk to trained peer Supporters in a convenient and anonymous setting - learn more on Lean On Me’s Website: https://leanonmechat.wixsite.com/ucberkeley

”Lean On Me strengthens communities by providing peer-to-peer text lines that allow for easy access to confidential non-crisis support. We envision a world where anyone can seek and receive emotional support.”

Text (650) 275-5766 to connect with a peer Supporter

Free, anonymous, 24/7 peer support

Cooperative Reuse & Cal Move Out

From Anton in CFS,

“Cal Move Out is happening! This is a great time to clear out Free Piles and Furniture Storage rooms. You can drop off and pick up used furniture. You can drop off old nasty mattresses. Chipman Moving will come to your house and pick stuff up. This is all free to those who participate.

Please take a look at this forwarded email and make a plan for your house today!

“Also, Graham is retiring from his position as Dump Run Coordinator at the end of the semester! Three cheers for Graham <3 for being such an important part of the BSC. If you see Graham around, please thank him for his efforts for the last four years. Please spread the word that we will be needing a new Dump Run Coordinator soon and apply through the Hiring Committee.”

Student leaders are also on track to host Cooperative Reuse, the furniture and household item recycling program again this year!

This year from the campus side:

  • Finals end May 10. Commencement is May 11. For some, Move Out begins!
  • It's happening! Cooperative Reuse (furniture recycling, managed by students), staged at Clark Kerr for the 6th year. Dates are May 17 to May 28 ish
  • Cooperative Reuse is led by Tatum Hurley, Zero Waste Fellow, Office of Sustainability (OS), Chair, Zero Waste Coalition; Tiffany Mar Zero Waste Coalition Vice Chair; and Sylvia Cheeseman, Zero Waste Coalition Education Chair with support from GCR, OS and SERC.
  • Check out the Cooperative Reuse instagram for inspiration.
  • Goodwill will be back again this year to collect small household items, books, clothes, small electronics.
  • Chipman Moving has again donated professional moving services to collect reusable household items from student households and deliver them to Clark Kerr.
  • Mattress recycling at Clark Kerr in partnership with Mattress Recycling Coalition
  • The 2024 Move Out Student Coalition will meet soon and is co-convened by Tatum Hurley and with leadership by ASUC EAVP Alex Edgar’s Local Affairs Director Nick Grosch and the Local Affairs team. The Coalition manages outreach and supports all Move Out/Cooperative reuse activities and operations.

Fun Fact: Coöperative Reuse was started by BSC Members! <3

Current members can attend a Berkeley Repertory Theatre show(s) at a half-price rate this season (use code BSC50 or this link)!

How is this possible?! One of our alumni helped found the Berkeley Rep! Get your tickets with this link. This offer does not include opening nights and is limited to 1 discounted ticket per person.

Reach out to me anytime at mrc@bsc.coop or come visit me in my standing ‘Office Hours’ Fridays 10-11:30am!

Portia Lewis

CZ '18-20, Rochdale '20-21, HiP '21

BSCAA President '23-'24

Want to get Board, Cabinet and Committee Updates, Meeting Agendas, and Announcements?

Come join the Members At Large listserv if you are interested in learning about the discussions that take place at Board, Cabinet and Committee spaces and receive Board updates, agendas and announcements. Please click the following link to join or rejoin as the listserv was recently reset:

https://groups.google.com/a/bsc.coop/g/members-at-large

Housing Department

Giovanni Smith, Housing Supervisor will be holding regular Advising/Office Hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:30pm-4:30pm.

Schedule an office visit with Giovanni Smith, Housing Supervisor.

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Useful information with FAQs about who to contact at the Central Office.

CENTRAL OFFICE

2424 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA 94709
(In front of Casa Zimbabwe)
Central Office: (510) 848-1936
Central Food & Supplies: (510) 549-5969
Central Maintenance: (510) 549-5965
Business Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsc.coop/

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