Dear NvT,
To Key Contact people of the Australian Nonviolence Network, I take the
opportunity of the approaching national gathering to further the organisation
of a billeting system within the network.

The idea of a billet system was floated at the '93 gathering, but little
progress has been made, mainly due to no responses from an NvT article in
June '93 and my preoccupation with my own accommodation arrangements.

The system is supposed to assist the activist exchange program, but can be
used for network activists on interstate campaign business of their own.  A
good example was the visit to Adelaide in December '93 of five members of the
Melbourne-based Spanner Action Group.  We were there to serve time arising
from actions at Nurrungar.  We were well billeted and the exercise was
network constructive.  However, our contact there had initially come through
the Nurrungar protest organisation PAC, and with a little less fortune...

I am calling on Key Contact people to approach potential households in their
region.  If any arise, please forward that info to the gathering.  If not via
a representative, then direct it to my attention at the gathering.

Enclosed as a draft of billeting agreements to standardise understandings
network-wide.  Comment/input invited.  I will compile a small poster of the
agreements designed for permanent display in billet households after feedback
at the gathering.

I look forward to meeting or hearing from you.
James Langley

Draft Billet Agreements
For the visitor:
1. The primary purpose of the visit is activist exchange, unless otherwise
negotiated.  It is the responsibility of the visitor (or cobber) to arrange
the exchange programme.
2. The visitor takes responsibility for their own expenses, e.g. food and
telephone.
3. The visitor participates in general household chores, e.g. washing up,
cleaning toilets, etc.
4. The visitor respects the wishes and privacy of household members.

For the household:
1. The household will ensure billet arrangements are acceptable to all
members of the household.
2. The household should make the visitor feel welcome.
3. Any change in situation will be clearly and promptly communicated to the
visitor.
4. The household will clarify cleaning responsibilities with the visitor at
the beginning of the stay.