Our form of government

When we bump into people from the neighbourhood, when we chat with workmates or talk to our family, are we cohabiting? Maybe we are simply co-existing. Cohabiting implies organisation, conflict and crisis, moving from individual actions to collective ordered actions, pursuing common objectives which do not necessarily correspond to personal benefit. The strength of the group lies in its capacity to emerge reinforced from these conflict situations which are inherent to cohabiting.

Since the Asociación Vecinal de Manoteras (Manoteras Neighbourhood Association), La Soci, dreamed up the allotment, it was decided that it would be assembly-based. For this new community it was a first, and taking part in the assembly, managing ourselves, putting forward and accepting disparate opinions has changed us completely.

The goals we agreed upon as a group, the conflicts arising from cohabiting or our new worries become part of our identity. You don´t need to take part in these areas from an intentional political awareness for changes to happen, politics without trying.

The open nature of the space itself makes possible a safe place for people less prone to participate. We only ask for a minimum: attending some assemblies and sometimes helping with communal tasks. This also teaches the rest of us to respect different rhythms.

The HCM becomes a school of citizenship, where you learn to debate and even to argue vehemently, from affection, recognition and solid relationships with thousands of years and experiences behind us.