What is a Co-op?
Definition: A co-operative is 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.
Broader description: Co-operatives are business organizations
owned by the members who use their services. Control rests
equally with all members ("one member, one vote") and
surplus earnings are shared by members in proportion to
the degree they use the services. Co-ops are structured
in a democratic way that allows members to have a say
in their actions. The members elect the board of directors
and decide what should be done with any surplus that is
generated in the co-op. The members of the co-op are people,
or groups of people, who use and need the services and
products a co-operative provides. If the co-op is created
to provide work, the workers are the member-owners. If
the co-op is created to purchase goods and services, the
consumers (buyers) are the members. Co-ops can be either
for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises. In Canada, most
co-ops in the healthcare, childcare and housing sectors
are not-for-profit co-ops. While some co-ops (such as
family housing co-ops) receive some government funding,
co-operatives are NOT government organizations. Co-ops
are community initiated organizations and businesses.
Want to start a Co-op? Do you know a group of
people with a common interest? Would they benefit from
working together?
The Co-op model is the solution for many people trying
to build a better life.
If you would like more information on starting a Co-op,
send an email here.
Check out the Links
section to see how many types of Co-ops there are in North
America. |
