New Co-op

From VAWC

So you're interested in being a part of a co-op.

There are lots of great places to research how to start a co-op. Here we only hope to provide a simple outline and (will soon) provide resources you can access on your own. At the bottom of this page we have a short list of resources that go more in depth.

But let's start with the basics.

What is a Co-op?

A cooperative (also co-operative or coöperative; often referred to as a co-op or coop) is defined by the International Co-operative Alliance's Statement on the Co-operative Identity as an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.

Co-ops are based on the co-operative principles first drafted by the Rochdale Pioneers in England during the 1800's. For a very short piece on this wonderful and insightful history click here.

Principles

The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.

1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership

Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control

Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.

3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence

Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter to agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.

5th Principle: Education, Training and Information

Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

6th Principle: Co-operation among Co-operatives

Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7th Principle: Concern for Community

Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

For more on the principles visit Wikipedia's Co-operative Principles page.

Different types of Co-operatives

Co-ops are formed for many reasons and in different forms. So what makes worker co-operatives unique from other types of co-operatives – consumer, producer, and purchasing? It is important and useful to co-operate around renting or owning a home, as in housing co-ops. Purchasing co-ops benefits members through lower cost items, like in a buying club or business association. Just as important is to co-operate around what we consume, like the food we buy, where members in food co-ops have a real say. But what about the product or service itself? Worker co-operatives are unique and exciting in that they do not focus on where we spend our money, but rather on how we earn our money.

Resources

There is a good deal of information out there about worker co-operatives. Here are some favorites:

• Worker Co-op Tool Box from Northcountry Cooperative Foundation: A free pdf download of a guide in which two VAWC members are case studies.

• 'No Bosses Here - A Manual on Working Collectively' - by Vocations for Social Change. A 33rd anniversary re-print by Levellers Press of this perennial manual. Table of Contents includes: Starting a Collective; Decision Making; Dividing of Collective Work; Dealing with Feelings; People Issues: Hirings, Firings, Leavings and Salaries; and the movement and Social Change. For a copy, contact Collective Copies - 413 586-5829 - $15 plus shipping.

We appreciate your patience as this page is under construction. We invite you to call us, email us, and/or read our Frequently Asked Questions, on the navigation bar to the left.