Values Agreement

This document articulates the unique set of shared values we have chosen to guide our actions and efforts to implement RAD housing.

Context

There were/are six steps within our values calibration process, undertaken with active members of the collective over the course of a year:

Step 1: Collecting potential shared values for further discussion

Step 2: Reflecting on how our values align and diverge

Step 3: Writing up an agreement detailing a short set of shared values

Step 4: Vote on values agreement

Step 5: Integrate agreed values into the Brassica project

Step 6: Review and recalibrate shared values periodically.

These steps led to a set of values that move from internal transformation to systemic impact.

Values Agreement - Short Description

We use housing as a lever for transformative justice: stewarding homes to practice personal and collective change so we can act in solidarity with broader movements for justice.

1. We change ourselves

2. We relate across differences

3. We lean into conflict

4. We are playful

5. We practice, learn, and share new ways or being and doing

6. We embed in local contexts

7. We engage in wider ecosystems

8. We change society

9. …and through all this We change ourselves.

Please open the following image in full-size view summary of this agreement, and scroll down for further details.

Values Agreement – Extended Description

1. We change ourselves

   We stretch ourselves to actively challenge and adapt the patterns, beliefs, habits, identities, and behaviours that shape how we think, feel, and act, so we can act in alignment with all our values.

2. We relate across differences

   We reach for each other even when it feels difficult. We reach for connections, communications, and ways to find common ground with people who are not exactly like us. We listen to understand. We recognise humanity in each other, bridge gaps with empathy, and build connections that transcend the things that set us apart.

3. We lean into conflict

   We raise tensions early and often, actively engage in learning to do conflict better, have the courage to fail, and celebrate the messiness as a pathway towards transformative justice.

4. We are playful

   We value curiosity, humour, and a sense of wonder. We embrace fun and imagination, allowing ourselves to be creative, experiment, and enjoy the process rather than focusing solely on outcomes. We use play as a means to enrich our interactions and the work we do together.

5. We practice, learn, and share

   We evolve our attitudes and cultural norms. We seek out new ideas, are open to information that challenges us, acknowledge that we don’t know everything, accept we will make mistakes, and experiment with new ways of being and doing (trying, failing, adjusting and trying again). We reflect on successes and setbacks to extract lessons. We share what we learn, practice and refine with wider communities.

6. We embed in local contexts

   We build local, place based mutual connections and relationships. We shape and are shaped by our neighbourhoods in ways congruent with the reality of climate and ecological collapse, and of massive injustice. We build bridges, not lifeboats.

7. We engage in wider ecosystems

   We purposefully weave ourselves into the fabric of related communities, networks, and systems in order to take part in movements of solidarity, transformation and liberation - both locally and internationally. We work to reduce barriers to entering, participating in, and leaving the collective.

8. We change society

   We build upon resistance work and move beyond reacting to existing conditions to become an active driver of liberatory transformation, using our resources and influence to reshape the world in ways that are more just, sustainable, and beneficial for all.

9. …and through all this We change ourselves.

Review conditions

This agreement (Version 2) will be reviewed in any of the following circumstances:

• When another agreement is amended in ways that impact the implementation of these guidelines

• When an amendment is proposed to these guidelines.

Context Questions, Assumptions, and Risks

Why are these values important to the Brassica project?

These values aren’t linear; they feed into each other. Playfulness makes conflict safer to lean into. Practicing and sharing helps embed values locally. Engaging wider ecosystems amplifies local changes to change society.

1. We change ourselves

• Changing oneself is often the most accessible yet profound way to contribute to broader societal shifts.

• We first change ourselves before we can change the world around us.

• It connects us to transformative movements, not just reformism.

• We don’t just plan for who we are now, we plan for growth, we see change as an ongoing process, not just one and done.

2. We relate across differences

• We value and make space for different ways of being and doing.

• We understand and accommodate participants differences for better decisionmaking, ways to process and interpret information.

• Sharing spaces means relating across difference in an intense way (especially for those raised in certain societal cultures).

• Difference and diversity is a source of resistance.

• If we can’t work well together, the project is at risk of failure.

• A little bit of positive bias goes a long way to reducing inequality and creating more diverse movements/spaces/projects.

• Important for creating connections across the broader community and with other people or groups outside of the Brassica’s collective.

• Ensures we get input from people who may not feel comfortable expressing themselves or participating in our ‘usual’ ways.

3. We lean into conflict

• Conflict is a catalyst for growth.

• Gently helps to challenge tendencies towards avoidance.

• Challenges the idea that we must ‘get it right’ the first time.

• Orderliness is not always appropriate or possible.

• Useful to keep practicing failure, to get more comfortable with it.

• Leaning into discomfort is a crucial part of being in community.

• Healthy conflict allows us to speak out when something is wrong or unethical.

• We can use conflict for good and for growth.

• Transformative justice is well positioned to support other aspects of struggle.

• Navigating conflict is a survival skill, especially as the dominant systems collapse and we need to rely on our social contexts to meet our basic needs more and more.

4. We are playful

• Playfulness lowers defenses and fosters creativity.

• It’s radically opposed to capitalism and therefore so essential.

• Playfulness and curiosity allows space for process.

• Helps to reduce stress.

5. We practice, learn, and share new ways of being and doing

• Turns theory into lived experience and spreads wisdom.

• Agile learning spiral means we can quickly adapt to change.

• Links the collective with broader community.

• Aligns with the transitional model as a step in the direction towards a different future.

• A commitment to sharing our learnings and reflecting on our processes and iterating them is a crucial aspect of creating change both within ourselves and broader societal contexts.

6. We embed in local contexts

• Global values need local roots to take hold.

• It acknowledges the reality of the climate crisis.

• This is a crucial aspect of the RAD housing model that is difficult to explain in concrete ways.

• It reminds us that we need to build community with people who we don’t get to choose but will need to relate to and potentially even rely on.

7. We engage in wider ecosystems

• Local action connects to broader systems.

• It reminds us to be outward focused.

• It would keep us connected globally.

• Provides encouragement and support, a solid base, for people to have the energy for activist work.

• Allows others to learn from us and for us to learn from others.

• Encourage us to implement concrete resilience practice for our neighbourhoods.

• Others can take our learnings and adapt them to build ever-more appropriate ways to the changing conditions we face.

• Could use this to agitate or create wider change in public housing or community resilience.

8. We change society

• The ultimate goal is systemic transformation.

• Congruence

• It’s so important to focus on what we want, not just fighting what we don’t want.

• We can use the Brassica collective to expand the circle of care.

• A housing movement can be part of, rather than just a respite from, this tipping-point moment for society.

• Everything we do contributes to changing society so we should be intentional about how we are contributors to that change.

• Personal-is-political; we are all contributing to either changing society or reinforcing the status quo - let’s be intentional about how we change it.

9. …and through all this We change ourselves.

What are the risks or things to be mindful of when implementing these values?

1. We change ourselves

• Becoming myopic and inward-looking if taken out of context of other values.

• Too much expectation on the individual, often requires support from others.

• We need inputs, we don’t just change through reacting/accepting.

• Requires a level of self-awareness and willingness for ‘rude shocks’, going from ‘unconscious incompetence’ to ‘conscious incompetence’ is always painful.

2. We relate across differences

• Only certain differences are accounted for (eg Brassica’s are not currently culturally diverse).

• Unclear understanding of what gaps there are to bridge.

• We can reach for connection but people won’t always be available or wanting to connect. We can’t take responsibility for things outside of our control.

3. We lean into conflict

• Leaning into messiness feels vulnerable.

• Messiness can be challenging, especially for people who lean towards clear, predictable, processes.

4. We are playful

• Can create anxiety for people who aren’t naturally playful or been able to access their playful side.

• Play can sometimes be used to side-track or dismiss serious considerations.

• Play can be seen as frivolous or ‘non urgent’ and so the opportunity to do it may not arise.

• How to manage conflicts around how or when people feel playful.

5. We practice, learn, and share

• Can get stuck in constant innovation, don’t settle into process and build.

• Need to ensure there’s enough implementation and integration before iteration.

• Need to be willing to be open to and engage with people we disagree with.

• Need to be open to being wrong and being humble about it.

• These values are aspirational, rather than settling for what we know we are good at.

6. We embed in local contexts

• How do we celebrate when we do this well?

• Can this include the ‘more-than-human’?

• We need to think of ways to keep learning to do this better.

• Figuring out what forms of relationships we focus on culturing within our place-based contexts.

• We don’t need to reinvent or replicate things which already work, we already use existing resources and knowledge, and will likely continue to do so.

• How far do we go with this? If we’re collectivising transport, do we extend that to our neighbours?

• What if our local context is very different to us, would we still be open to this? Would we impose ourselves on the community or still be open to learning from them?

7. We engage in wider ecosystems

• Could potentially overwhelm participants.

8. We change society

• How do we de-centre ourselves/our collective? Eg raising up marginalised groups/people and stepping out of the way.

• How do we work with people/groups who we may disagree with on some things?

• Is this just words and we are setting ourselves up for disappointment?

• Such big statements could be read as hubris.

9. …and through all this We change ourselves.

How can we, as individuals or a collective, embody and support the implementation of these values?

1. We change ourselves

• Regular reflective practice - examine beliefs, biases, and behaviors, journaling or work with your Accountability Supporter.

• Learn new skills that align with the values you want to promote, eg deep listening, conflict resolution, or sitting with emotions.

• Be intentional about the things you engage with, seek out diverse voices and perspectives.

• Start small, align daily actions with these values in minor ways eg practicing honesty in everyday conversations, giving feedback in low stakes ways.

• Establish safe mechanisms for members to give and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement (twinges in Assemblies, etc).

• We all have knowledge and insight to support and influence others. Sharing personal journeys or tips and tricks can help others with the work.

2. We relate across differences

• Stay open in our posture - assume the best of others’ intentions.

• Think about conflict from a place of care, kindness, and compassion.

• Respect each other’s different ways of being and doing.

3. We lean into conflict

• Remember that it’s not us against each other but us against a problem.

• Approach conflict with curiosity instead of judgement.

• Practice disagreements in safe spaces to build tolerance for discomfort.

• Instead of reacting defensively, pause to ask, “What need is unmet here?” or “What story am I telling myself about this person?”

• The Conduct Agreement outlines protocols for conflict.

• The Conduct Supporters, both Care and Accountability Supporter roles, support participants through conflict.

• Test and implement different structured formats like non-violent communication or restorative circles to support understanding and unpacking conflict.

• Create psychological safety so members feel safe to challenge ideas without fear of retribution.

4. We are playful

• Bring curiosity into serious tasks.

• Ask “What if?” questions.

• Allow yourself to be imperfect and laugh at mistakes.

• Consider designing meetings and workshops with game mechanics, improvisation, or creative breaks.

• Celebrate failures as learning moments. Create a culture where experimentation is rewarded, even if it doesn’t lead to immediate results.

• Use humour to diffuse tension during conflicts.

5. We practice, learn, and share

• Adopt a growth/learner mindset.

• Dedicate time to practice new skills.

• Document your journey (blogs, journals, videos) to make your learning visible.

• Actively seek feedback.

• Build learning loops where every project ends with a retrospective.

• Open source resources, case studies, and tools.

• Potential mentoring opportunities.

• Host show-and-tell sessions to share wins and losses.

6. We embed in local contexts

• Practice deep listening to our immediate communities, including neighbours.

• Learn about local history, culture, and power dynamics before proposing solutions.

• Adapt global principles to fit local realities rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Partner with local organisations, leaders, and stakeholders.

• Co-create initiatives with local communities.

• Tailor messaging and methods to resonate with local cultural norms and languages.

7. We engage in wider ecosystems

• Stay informed about regional and global trends.

• Join networks or coalitions that align with our values.

• Leverage the collective in larger forums (online, council meetings, industry groups, etc).

• Build relationships between local groups and national/international movements.

• Share successes to inspire others and learn from their experiences.

8. We change society

• Align your lifestyle and consumption with the society you want to see.

• Support collectives, groups, organisations, work that drives systemic change.

• Influence policy through coordinated advocacy.

• Shift cultural narratives through storytelling.

• Build infrastructure that supports the new values.

9. …and through all this We change ourselves.

Why doesn’t this agreement consider all possible scenarios we might face as a collective?

• We also expect this agreement to be updated as we try, fail, learn, and review our shared expectations of how to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of our collective.