1. A Co-op in Your Community?

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

13. Critical Requirements
Communication
Commitment
Common vision and goals
Capital
Leadership
Planning

15. 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

16. The Food Co-op Development Model

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

18. 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.

20. 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.

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

22. 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

24. 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

25. 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

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

27. 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

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

29. 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.

30. 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:

31. Thank You For Coming!!!
If you have questions or would like to talk about volunteering, contact:
Co-op Project Leader
Your name here!