Can I be part of several sections?
Yes, each member can join the sections they are interested in.
If I want to be part of more than one section, do I have to buy the social shares for all of them?
Yes, joining each section implies the acquisition of the corresponding shares.
Is Rizoma a for-profit organization?
No, all earnings are invested back into the cooperative itself.
Does Rizoma operate only with the work of its members?
Most of the work at Rizoma is done by its members; however, we have a few remunerated people to handle fundamental management and finance issues.
Who can shop at the Rizoma grocery store?
Only members of the Consumption Section.
What are my duties as a member of the Consumption Section?
According to the regulation of Rizoma’s Consumption Section, each member: (1) does a three-hour shift at the grocery store every four weeks (13 annual shifts). (2) buys a minimum of three social shares (five euros each).
Can friends or family shop for me?
In extraordinary situations, if Rizoma’s opening hours do not coincide with yours at all, you can delegate to a friend or family member, who may shop on your behalf permanently. Your work shift, on the other hand, is not transferable.
Can I bring a non-member?
Yes! Each member can go shopping at Rizoma accompanied by a non-member.
Can my son/daughter shop on my behalf?
Children of members up to 14 years old are welcome to shop using the responsible person’s member number.
Why 14 years old?
We believe Rizoma benefits immensely from the diversity of the people who constitute it. Therefore, when they turn 14 (which is the legal minimum to become a member), we want them to be an active part of the cooperative’s choices.
Can people who are not Rizoma members enter it?
They can! If you are not yet a member but want to peek at what the Rizoma grocery store has to offer, come and take a look. We also sometimes have events open to the public.
How is the work organized within the Rizoma grocery store?
Normally, each shift lasts three hours, and each member is asked to do one every 4 weeks. The main shifts are cashier, grocery, rizobar, and rizochef, but there are also more specific tasks, such as stock counting, to which you can contribute. Each type of shift requires specific training, which is given by a more experienced member on the day of the first shift. Ideally, the shift teams work together to ensure all tasks for the day are completed.
How is the work coordinated within Rizoma, across the different sections?
Each section has autonomy to organize itself as it wishes, schedule monthly or weekly meetings, and nominate a Coordinator and a Representative. Generally, Working Groups (GT) are formed within each section, dedicated to specific activities or tasks. There are also Cross-cutting Working Groups (GTT), which work for/with the entire cooperative, such as the GTT Members, GTT Community, GTT Communication, GTT Governance and Development, GTT Finance, GTT Spaces, or GTT IT. You can learn more about Rizoma’s governance on the about us page.
What happens if I miss a shift?
If you realize you won’t be able to attend your shift, please contact the Working Group responsible for member management (gt-membros@rizomacoop.pt) as soon as possible, so that together you can find a solution that doesn’t leave the shift understaffed. The ideal is for each member to be responsible for ensuring their shift is fulfilled, by trying to swap with another member and making it up on another date.
What happens if I am away for a long period?
If you travel or are unable to work your usual shift for a period of about eight weeks or more (i.e., at least two consecutive shifts), you can request to be suspended from shifts (and, at the same time, you lose the ability to shop at the grocery store).
I am over 65 years old. Do I have to work at the grocery store?
If you are over 65, you can choose not to work at Rizoma, guaranteeing your right to shop at the grocery store. However, it is our conviction that Rizoma can offer a type of work suitable for every member, so we suggest you contact the Working Group responsible for member management (gt-membros@rizomacoop.pt) to help you find the best option for you.
I am pregnant or have just had a child. Do I have to work at the grocery store?
The birth or adoption of a child entitles you to a 12-month period of work exemption. If both parents are members, they can decide how to share these 12 months.
I am a person with a disability. Do I have to work at the grocery store?
People with disabilities or informal caregivers of chronically ill people or people with disabilities can choose not to work at Rizoma, guaranteeing their right to shop at the grocery store. However, it is our conviction that Rizoma can offer a type of work suitable for every member, so we suggest you contact the Working Group responsible for member management (gt-membros@rizomacoop.pt) to help you find the best option for you.
What do I have to do if I want to leave Rizoma?
At any time, you can choose to leave Rizoma, and the value of your cooperative social shares will be refunded to you, if you wish. Send an email with this request to gt-membros@rizomacoop.pt.
Can I be expelled from Rizoma?
Currently, the only way to be “expelled” from Rizoma is to be absent for a period exceeding one year.