Episode 1: What's a Co-op?

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.

6. Cooperation among CooperativesCooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

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.

Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreement with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms the ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the cooperative’s autonomy. Find who owns your grocery store! https://grocerystory.coop/who-owns-your-grocery-store and read an article about the impacts of those multi-national corporations: https://frenchbroadfood.coop/who-owns-your-grocery-store/. Watch our sweet renovation videos https://www.youtube.com/@belfastcoop/videos and sign up for the newsletter at the bottom of the page on www.belfast.coop!!

Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

Continue on the journey of cooperative education and Belfast Community Co-op updates. The referenced article by Michael Healy is here: https://columinate.coop/democracy-in-cooperatives/

Come along for the ride Cooperation Nation, and learn more about Cooperative Business!

Learn more about your hosts, Emily and Alessandra, and get an overview of co-op principles and values as well as an update on the Belfast Community Co-op!