About Co-ops
"By democratizing workplaces, worker co-ops can give shape to a real, daily democracy on a society-wide basis." - Richard Wolff
We believe cooperatives (and specifically worker co-ops) are a critical component to realizing a more sustainable, equitable, and democratic future. Read more to learn why.
What is a cooperative?
A co-op is a business that is owned and self-managed by its members with the principle of “one person, one vote.” There is no boss, CEO, or Board of Directors who can make decisions by themselves and for their own personal benefit. Co-ops are people-centered, and are driven to create sustainable enterprises and long-term stability for all involved in them.
The values that form the base of any cooperative are self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. The management structures and day-to-day operations are designed according to the needs and desires of the co-op members and can vary greatly.
There are many types of cooperatives:
- Worker Co-op: A business that is owned and controlled by the workers, who together decide the business operations, strategic directions, profit distributions, etc. -- Examples: Equal Exchange, Cooperative Home Care Associates
- Consumer Co-op: Owned by members who direct the co-op to purchase the goods or services they need, ensuring better availability, and more. This model is often seen in groceries, electrical distribution, childcare, banking, and housing. -- Examples: UW Credit Union, REI
- Producer Co-op: Producers of a product band together to have a greater market share. Members are usually businesses themselves, not individuals, and such co-ops are often seen in agriculture. -- Examples: Dairy Farmers of America, Ocean Spray
- Purchasing Co-op: Purchasers of a product band together to improve their purchasing power. Members are usually businesses themselves, not individuals. -- Examples: ACE Hardware, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative
- Multi-Stakeholder Co-op: Owned and controlled by a mix of members and workers. -- Examples: Weaver Street Market, Boisaco Inc.
Cooperatives are not a new idea. Today, the International Cooperative Association’s research shows that “at least 12% of humanity is a cooperator of any of the 3 million cooperatives on earth.”^[[1] https://www.democracyatwork.info/about_co_ops]