CO-OPERATIVES

DEFINITION OF A CO-OPERATIVE

A cooperative 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.

CO-OPERATIVE VALUES

Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. In the tradition of their founders, cooperative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.

WHAT IS A CO-OPERATIVE?

A co-operative is a business or organization owned and controlled by its members who can be customers, staff, suppliers, local residents or a combination of the above. Members have an equal say in how the co-operative is run. Members choose what to do with profits, whether distributing among members, reinvesting in the business or giving to the community. Co-ops by their very nature, embed the needs of members at their heart: Localizing the economy and enriching the community. If you are seeking a business or organization structure that is participatory, democratic and principals-driven then a co-operative is for you!
Co-operatives are governed by Seven International Co-operative Principles.

BLUEPRINT FOR A CO-OPERATIVE DECADE

SECOND CO-OPERATIVE DECADE

CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, 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.

2. Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations 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 cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organized in a democratic manner.

3. Member Economic Participation
Member's contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. 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 cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

4. Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.

5. 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.

6. 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.

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

EDUCATION ON CO-OPERATIVES

HOUSING CO-OPERATIVES

CO-OPERATIVE CAPITAL

Cooperative Capital is a cooperative private equity fund that empowers sovereigns to pool their money to make promising investments within their community.
We are in the midst of launching our 1st fund in Northland, [New Zealand] Aotearoa this Spring, which will be a €10M fund with at least 1,000 Northland residents.
A resident can join our fund with a minimum of €1,000 pledge, each €1,000 = 1 vote.
Each member is limited to a maximum of 10 votes and no member can invest more than €200K/year.
There will be a large committee responsible for reviewing opportunities to be considered for investment.
On a monthly basis the top 5 opportunities are presented to all members.
Each opportunity will be put up for a vote – majority wins.
If an opportunity passes vote, before an investment is made, the fund will perform the necessary due diligence.
There is no scope of investment, but we will focus exclusively on opportunities in a pre-determined geographic area specific to the community.
A platform service pledge of €240 Euro Dollars upfront and €20 Euro Dollars each week thereafter will keep accountability within the infrastructure to maintain each Syndicate.
Finally, members will be asked to volunteer 10 hours a week in time, labour, skill or talent, a €20 Euro Dollar on-going weekly pledge and to sponsor or invite Four (4) New Subscribers within the first month of joining and One (1) New Subscriber each month thereafter as their commitment and contribution to their conscious community.