Clearlake Collective
Organization profile published 1978

Publisher:  Len Desroches, Toronto, Canada
Year Published:  1978
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX748

Abstract: 
Connexions has published multiple abstracts on Clearlake Collective.

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This abstract was published in Connexions Digest in 1978:

Clearlak Collective is a small worker collective in Toronto specializing in house construction, repairs and renovations. Clearlake strives to develop analyses of the personal and coporate dynamics of work, of the wider work reality and of collective responsibilities. Through rotating jobs and job coordinators, through collective ownership of vehicles and tools and through regular group reflection and evaluation, the collective is attempting to develop atlernatives to most capitalist worker sturctures. Collective members are also committed to spiritual reflection, interpersonal accountability and non-violent resistance (e.g. to greed, sexism, unlimited growth/waste, manipulation,...)

Clearlake is commited to limiting the growth and size of the collective itself. Consequently it is prepared to support and assist others in building their own groups in order to be able to act effectively for social justice.

Clearklake has a primary but not exclusive commitment to Riverdale (east end of Toronto) as a geographical work area. It wants to maintain a priority of working with and for housing cooperatives, poor individuals/families, and groups committed to a just, human society. (Two per cent of personal wages is set aside into an account that can support work for people who have little or no money.)

A "vision paper", which expresses what Clearlake stuggles to do and be, and why they choose this option, is available to anyone interested.

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This abstract was published in Connexions Digest in 1981 and 1983:

Clearlake Collective has been doing house repairs and renovations in the City of Toronto for the past five years. The collective presently has six members.

Clearlake's major concern is to do good work while "preserving the human relationships that often are trampled upon in our society when excellence becomes the first priority." The collective defines good work as "that which helps customers feel better about their living space, as that which promotes conservation and which respects the original character of buildings (i.e. avoiding whitepainting)." While doing this, the collective members try to make their work a positive experience instead of just a place to earn money. Accordingly, the collective makes a conscious effort to avoid unhealthy job specialization, sexism and a hierarchical work structure.