Loomio
Fri 25 Nov 2022 2:50PM

Cooperative Development Working Group

BS Billy Smith Public Seen by 147

From https://www.uk.coop/understanding-co-ops/what-co-op/co-op-values-and-principles

There are seven co-operative principles that define how a co-op operates:   

  1. A co-op is owned and controlled by its members. It exists for the benefit of its members, who may be customers, workers, suppliers or the wider community.

  2. A co-op is democratic – this means every member has an equal say in how it’s run and how profits are used.

  3. Every member contributes financially in some way – from buying products, working for the co-op, investing in it or deciding how to spend its profits.  

  4. A co-op is an independent business, owned and controlled by its members.

  5. It offers education and training to everyone involved, so they can develop the co-op and promote the benefits of co-operation.

  6. It co-operates, works with and supports other co-ops.

  7. A co-op supports the communities it works with.

From principles 6 & 7, we should all be working on creating local co-operatives that help support our respective local communities. :D

Is anyone interested in a working group to share our idea's and experiences?

G

Graham Thu 1 Dec 2022 9:10AM

Whilst I wouldn't necessarily agree with the opening post on this thread, I do think there is a need within social.coop to deliver on the 5th principle:

'Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives 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.'

Creating a well educated and well informed membership will deliver benefits in many respects and turn social.coop into a powerhouse of cooperation. If there is a desire amongst the membership to establish or become some sort of explicit cooperative development organisation, creating/supporting the creation of other cooperatives, again the focus on principle 5 will be invaluable in underpinning that activity.