Cooperatives –where workers control what happens in their
industry-are one way that we can bypass fat cats and big companies.
Below, we re-print a statement by the International Co-operative
Alliance. The constitution for the Bright Kidz Co-operative
was drawn up in line with these principles. Bright Kids is also
a social enterprise and common ownership co-operative.
A co-operative is defined as an autonomous association of persons
united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural
needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically
controlled enterprise.
In the tradition of their founders, co-operative members believe
in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility,
and caring for others.
The co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives
put their values into practice:
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons
able to use their services and willing to accept responsibilities
of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or
religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled by their
members, who actively participate in setting their policies
and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives
are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives
members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote), and
co operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic
manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
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
any of the following purposes: developing their co-operative,
possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would
be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions
with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved
by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled
by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations,
including governments, or raise capital from external sources,
they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their
members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.
5. Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members,
elected representatives, managers and employees so they can
contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives.
They inform the general public - particularly young people and
opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen
the Co-operative Movement by working together through local,
national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their
communities through policies approved by their members.
There are a total of 3 cooperatives involved
in getting these jackets to you –
The Queen Eleanor Co-op LTD 2230-2240, KETTERING
PARKWAY EAST, KETTERING VENTURE PARK,KETTERING, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE,
NN15 6XR. Founded in 1897, in Kettering, where they are still
made. There are about 30 workers at the factory.
Brightkidz.co.uk
also in Kettering, a common ownership social enterprise who promote
walking and cycling to school. There are 10 workers in this Co-op.
The Paperback Cooperative
in Bow East London, make and supply our stationary. They have
been going for 25 years and have 7 workers. Before most of us
knew what recycling was, these are the people who invented a system
for pioneering the categorising of different grades of Recycled
paper,so they know what they're talking about.
This
may or may not be interesting to you, but we think it’s important
as it’s about having an alternative way of working that doesn’t
involve faceless corporations ripping everybody off.
