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A Food Co-op inA Food Co-op in Your CommunityYour Community
Mid-North CANOct. 15, 2015
Deb Trocha, Executive DirectorIndiana Cooperative Development Center
Today’s Objectives Today’s Objectives
Definition of a Cooperative
Cooperative Values
Cooperative Principles
How Co-ops Benefit Communities
Critical Requirements
The Food Co-op Development Model
What Is A Cooperative?What Is A Cooperative?
A business owned and controlled by the people who use it – its members. People working together to meet their mutual needs
Co-op ValuesCo-op Values Self Help Self Responsibility Democracy Equality Equity Solidarity Honesty Openness Social Responsibility Caring for Others
Co-op PrinciplesCo-op Principles1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training, and Information
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
7. Concern for Community
How Co-ops Benefit the How Co-ops Benefit the CommunityCommunity
Goods and services are provided according to what people want and need
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 Critical RequirementsRequirements
Communication Commitment Common vision and goals Capital Leadership Planning
The Food Co-op The Food Co-op Development ModelDevelopment Model
Four CornerstonesFour Cornerstones
Vision
Talent
Capital
Systems
Three StagesThree Stages
Organizing
Planning & Feasibility
Implementation
Cornerstone: Vision, Cornerstone: Vision, Stage 1Stage 1
Build a common vision
Conduct community meetings
Identify potential members
Identify community leaders
Cornerstone: Talent, Cornerstone: Talent, Stage 1Stage 1
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
Cornerstone: Capital, Cornerstone: Capital, Stage 1Stage 1
• Draft an organizing budget
• Set up financial accountability systems
• Write grant proposals for organizational costs; other fund raising opportunities
• Raise money locally to support organization and to meet required matching funds for grants
Cornerstone: Systems, Cornerstone: Systems, Stage 1Stage 1
Create a development plan Conduct a preliminary feasibility study Conduct a preliminary supplier analysis Survey community interest Set up accounting systems 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
Next StepsNext Steps
Decide to go forward
From 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
Your Are Not Alone!Your Are Not Alone!
There are about 320 retail food co-ops in the US
Right now over 100 groups are organizing new food co-ops across the US
ICDC and other organizations have resources, advice and assistance for you
New Food Co-ops Organizing Now!New Food Co-ops Organizing Now!