Rizoma Cooperativa Integral

Rizoma Cooperativa Integral started as a community-run grocery store in the Anjos neighbourhood of Lisbon. It has since grown into a nonprofit, multi-sector cooperative with six active sections: - Consumption, which runs the grocery store - Culture: the Cave Cultural space - Services: a co-working space - Housing: Habirizoma - Agriculture - Crafts New members choose which section or sections to join, and contribute at least the minimum in social shares to each one. The name comes from the botanical term “rhizome”, a stem that grows horizontally. The cooperative wants to grow the same way: organically, naturally and democratically, as a network of mutual support. Its core units are the Working Groups (*Grupos de Trabalho*). Each has a Representative, who speaks for the group at the General Meeting, and a Coordinator, who represents it in the Coordination Circle. Within a group, active members try to reach decisions by consensus. The General Meeting brings members together at least once a month and makes collective decisions by consent. Twice a year, a General Assembly decides on the annual budget, the strategic plan and any changes to the bylaws. Its votes need a 50% quorum and a three-quarters majority. In a conventional capitalist business, the capital invested decides who holds power. At Rizoma, every member has equal decision-making power. Members manage the fruits of their labour together and reinvest the wealth it generates in shared community assets, such as multi-use spaces, equipment and educational materials. The aim is a fairer, more resilient local economy in a city that is increasingly privatised.