Our collective has a closed membership structure for a few different reasons. In many ways we are like an affinity group, having chosen to work collaboratively with a small group of people with whom we have a shared politics. We think a closed membership is important for us to build trust and responsibility amongst members. Having a defined membership allows us to be more accountable, both to each other as well as to other groups and allies that we work with. In addition to engaging in specific actions and tasks as a group, we’re also committed to talking about, and developing, a shared analysis, vision and strategy for long-term organizing in our city. These are things that can take a while, and benefit from a long-term commitment to working together and to being in Ottawa.