Perspectives on the Standards

This Standard ensures that all colleagues feel a sense of ownership and control. This is what makes the clubhouse unique and important to us all. The clubhouse has house meetings and unit meetings that allow members and staff to direct the workings of the clubhouse. In other programs, staff often make all the decisions unilaterally. And most staff in those programs do not have any say in governance, policy-making and development. Open forums such as this Standard mandates are unheard of in other programs. At best, they may have a "consumer" as an advisor, but no one except for a small group of administrators has any decision-making power.

It can be challenging for members and staff to learn to be equals on a team, and to work at establishing consensus in most matters. Working at a clubhouse demands growth from both members and staff, for often both come from structured, controlling environments—school and work, as well as hospitals—where what is not compulsory is prohibited. Orientation is often a process of rediscovering our own ability to take initiative, to work with uncertainty, and to enjoy our freedom.

In conclusion: The Colleague Training Manual you are now reading was incubated and hatched in open forums at Grand Avenue Club. Every aspect of its creation was collaborative, involving teamwork between colleagues. Through the Colleague Training Manual, we hope to influence the future direction and development of our clubhouse, and our movement, by keeping us close to our ideals. Now it is your turn. Welcome to your clubhouse!