Together We Thrive:
Active Members,
Stronger Community!

Why Is Active Participation
the Heart
of Our Co-op?

Active member participation is core to life here at Sojourn. We seek members who are excited to get involved and contribute to enriching our community. One of the key qualities we look for when welcoming new members is a willingness to participate and help make Sojourn stronger. Participation comes in many forms—whether you're extroverted and love organizing social gatherings to bring us together, or you prefer quieter contributions like reviewing membership applications or lending a hand to a neighbour in need. You might enjoy helping in the garden, growing veggies for everyone to enjoy, or simply being there to support others.

The time commitment varies, but we do expect all members to contribute in some way. Sojourn is a small co-op, and it works so well because our members are engaged, caring, and looking to make this community the best it can be—both for now and for future generations. Our committees are always evolving, and participation could even mean starting something new, like a committee to engage the children in our co-op or a sustainability initiative.

There's always a place for your unique skills and interests at Sojourn.
What would you bring to our community?

Our Committees

All members are expected to participate in at least one committee of their choice. Committees meet once a month for about an hour from September to June, with a summer break. Each year, members can choose to stay on the same committee or join a new one, based on their interests, skills, and availability. Some committees require more time than others, so members can select what works best for their schedule. Participation is positive and highly important,
but it's ultimately based on personal preference!

  • Membership

    Handles all matters related to members and prospective members. They select new members when a suite becomes available, conduct interviews, and lead the decision-making process. They also provide conflict resolution if needed and are always brainstorming ways to enhance the co-op’s quality of life—whether through educational workshops, improving community spaces, or other initiatives. Plus, they built and maintain this beautiful website!

  • Maintenance

    Ensures any maintenance issues in members' units—like leaky sinks or broken door handles—are addressed promptly. While they don't do the repairs themselves, they are responsible for responding to requests and coordinating with tradespeople to get the job done. They also ensure regular upkeep to prevent any aging damage to the co-op.

  • Redecoration

    Small but impactful group that meets as needed to enhance the aesthetics of our shared spaces. They choose paint colours, select carpeting, and curate art that reflects the unique character of our community. For larger projects, they coordinate with painters and craftspeople to ensure the work is done beautifully and professionally.

  • Social

    Dedicated to fostering a close-knit, inclusive community by organizing fun, meaningful events to bring members together—such as Pride BBQs, children's activities, and decorating for special occasions. They are mindful of ensuring that events reflect the diversity, values, and heritage of everyone in the community.

  • Gardening

    The gardening committee is most active in late spring, summer, and early fall, with some lighter work during colder months. It’s perfect for plant lovers, taking care of the front and back gardens, raking leaves in the fall, and hiring contractors for larger tasks. Recently, the committee introduced a small vegetable garden on the rooftop patio, growing different veggies and herbs each year for the whole community to enjoy.

  • Move-in Move Out

    This small committee is only active when someone moves in or out of the co-op, making its workload either quiet or very busy. It coordinates with Maintenance to ensure units are move-in ready and provides new members with move-in information. When multiple moves happen at once, the committee manages all move-in and move-out schedules to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  • Co-op Advocacy

    This committee is perfect for those passionate about co-op housing and advocacy. Members meet with others from co-ops in Vancouver’s West End, Coal Harbour, and Downtown to discuss challenges and increase co-ops' visibility to the public.

  • Board

    The board of directors, elected by co-op members, is responsible for governing the co-op’s operations and ensuring the community runs smoothly. These volunteer directors are accountable to the members and have a legal duty to act in good faith and in the co-op’s best interests. While the board oversees the co-op, daily operations and maintenance are often handled by contracted managers.