These principles were adopted by the Connolly Youth Movement Cork branch after going through several issues with relation to the Barracks and resolving them. They are the synthesis of the contradictions that we have faced as young comrades building a political project from the ground up and serve as a template for others looking to achieve the same.
Principles of Connolly Barracks
The barracks distinguishes itself as a political project from the fact that it is a constant expression of the CYM. The principles embedded within the Barracks should not result in its failure. The primary condition for moving into the barracks is compliance with the rules and these are as follows.
- The barracks is a political project and is to be treated as such.
- Those who occupy the Barracks must be CYM members or probationary members as they will be bound by the branch and its principles.
- Those who occupy the Barracks are responsible for maintaining the barracks and must make efforts to improve conditions with their actions these can include
- Purchasing necessities
- Cleaning of the barracks
- Protecting the barracks
- A contribution target to a house pool fund may be set by the house residents, and may only be spent on communal items like cleaning supplies, or renovation/security.
- This contribution target is not mandatory, but people must contribute in some way (cleaning, house sitting, etc.) to justify accessing the benefits of the house.
- Residents who use the house without contributing anything to its maintenance, threaten other residents, or endanger the project can have their residence revoked by democratic decision of the residents.
- The barracks is to be supervised by the branch in general with a housing committee to be established which will be comprised of internal and external members who are electable and instantly recallable.
- Rules governing the barracks are to be a established at a party level with smaller non consequential decisions being left to the discretion of the occupants and more significant rules being brought to a party vote if required.
- Rules are subject to change if the material conditions require it. A case must be submitted and presented before the party if any alterations are desired.
- No actions by any occupant must jeopardise the barracks unless circumstances require it and the decision is voted upon by the CYM as a whole
- The barracks is not a place for the abuse of any drugs or alcohol.
- The barracks does not belong to any one member and its residents are collectively responsible as well as the branch as a whole.
- Violation of any of the principles within the barracks can lead to their permission to stay being revoked by the other residents, with a step by step disciplinary procedure being implemented first. Each member is given a three strike rule and a period of transitional notice unless they are an immediate threat to other residents.