By Kenzie Love When it comes to the seven co-op principles, a case could be made that some of them aren’t unique to co-ops. Plenty of conventional businesses, for instance, claim to show concern for community, be open to employment for all, and engage in education and training. But the second co-op principle, democratic member … Democratic Member Control at the Foundation of Worker Co-ops
By Kenzie Love For Vancouver Island-based worker co-op Weaver Digital Design & Storytelling, the year since its launch has been one to remember, with the impact of the pandemic offering both challenges and opportunities. Initial concerns about whether there would be enough work to go around were soon replaced by the realization that there might … Creating Websites Just the Starting Point for Weaver Digital Design & Storytelling
By Hazel Corcoran The Tenacity Works Fund is an investment fund wholly owned by CWCF with the purpose of encouraging the creation and expansion of worker co-ops. The Fund can invest an amount between $15,000 to $50,000 in worker co-ops, on the basis of a completed business plan which indicates the co-operative can meet the … CWCF’s Tenacity Works Fund Interest Rate is Changing
By Kenzie Love Among the obstacles the co-operative movement faces, education — or a lack thereof – is often cited as a key factor, with co-operators pointing to neglect of the model in many business schools’ curricula. As Simon Berge of the University of Winnipeg observes, “most business schools currently present the neoliberal capitalist model … Lack of Awareness a Barrier for Co-op Education on Campus
CWCF is excited to begin our bilingual 2021 Conference, Building Better Together, November 16 with a keynote panel and peer learning session. The keynote panel will draw on the experience of members of Canada’s worker co-op sector to explore what strategies worker co-ops have used to survive and thrive in the face of the pandemic … CWCF 2021 Conference: Day One Preview
By Hazel Corcoran CWCF is excited to be hosting our first ever fully virtual conference this fall, from November 16-18. Our theme, “Building Better Together”, will explore how worker co-operatives have demonstrated resilience and solidarity throughout the Covid19 pandemic, while facing significant challenges. We will share particular strategies of worker co-ops in dealing with crises … Report from the Executive Director, August 2021
The third co-operative principle is Member Economic Participation. It states, “Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for … Principle Three and the Co-operative Values —Kenzie Love
