A Co-op in Your Community?

Today’s Agenda Welcome and Introductions What is a food co-op? What would ours look like? What will it take to make it happen? Is this right for us? Next steps

What is a Cooperative? A business owned and governed by the people who use it (usually called “Members”) People working together to meet their mutual needs A specific type of corporation with a distinct legal structure

Background How did the idea of a cooperative in our community get started? What has happened so far?

Concept: What Will it Look Like? What ideas and goals have been discussed? What do you think? Questions? Pros & Cons?

Cooperative Values Self-help Self-responsibility Democracy Equality Equity Solidarity Honesty Openness Social responsibility Caring for others

Cooperative Principles Voluntary and open membership Democratic member control Member economic participation Autonomy and independence Education, training and information Cooperation among cooperatives Concern for community Adopted by the International Cooperative Alliance 1995 http://www.ica.coop/ica/info/enprinciples.html

How Co-ops Benefit Communities Goods and services are provided according to what people need and want Profits stay in the community Jobs are provided and economic activity is enhanced Co-ops understand and respond to local needs Decisions are made to benefit people locally Co-ops support and stimulate community connections

Critical Requirements Communication Commitment Common vision and goals Capital Leadership Planning

Social and economic impact Payroll Benefits Training Jobs 20% (or more) local purchases of inventory Construction Services and professionals Support for local producers Multiplier effect Food Security Anchor for new development Outreach and education Social benefits Revenues 1.013 Income 1.781 Wages 1.474 Employment 1.130

The Food Co-op Development Model

Four Cornerstones Vision Talent Capital Systems You will require the strong foundation of these cornerstones throughout your organizing process.

Three Stages Organizing Planning & Feasibility Implementation As you move through the stages of organizing the four cornerstones remain a constant, but you will need different skills, resources and outside assistance as development progresses.

How it Works: The following slides show a condensed version of the Organizing Stage development process as seen through the 4 Cornerstones in 3 Stages Model.

Organizing Stage: Vision Build a common vision Conduct community meetings Identify potential members Identify community leaders

Organizing Stage: Talent Develop strong leadership Create a steering committee Set up task forces Recruit interested people Set up basic office and administrative support Find someone to do graphics and web design

Organizing Stage: Capital Draft an organizing budget Set up financial accountability systems Write grant proposals for organizational costs Raise money locally to support organization and to meet required matching funds for grants

Organizing Stage: Systems Create a development plan Conduct a preliminary feasibility study Conduct a preliminary supplier analysis Survey community interest Set up accounting system and checking accounts Create a contact list Define Steering Committee roles and a decision-making process Consider incorporation--Draft Articles and By-laws Research membership programs

How You Can Get Involved Join Steering Committee Community outreach Research and planning Fundraising Incorporation and legal issues Other?

Next Steps Decide to go forward Form a Steering Committee Research co-op organizing strategies Make a plan, timeline and budget for first stages Establish a mentoring relationship with another Co-op Incorporate

New Food Co-ops Organizing Now! Are you on the map?

You Are Not Alone! There are about 380 retail food co-ops in the U.S. Right now there are over 120 groups organizing new food co-ops across the U.S. Food Co-op Initiative and other organizations have resources, advice and assistance for you.

This presentation was prepared by Food Co-op Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting efficient and successful efforts to start new retail food co-ops. For more information on available resources, referrals and other kinds of assistance, contact us at: info@fci.coop www.foodcoopinitiative.coop

Thank You For Coming!!! If you have questions or would like to talk about volunteering, contact: Co-op Project Leader hero@ourtown.coop 800-555-1212 Your name here!