Unfortunately, many people have never heard of or been taught about co-ops! Co-ops, put most simply, are collections of individuals who have come together voluntarily to meet their shared needs, whether that be economic, cultural, or social. Of course, this can mean a lot of different things, and thus there are many different kinds of co-ops.
Marketing cooperatives have retailers as members and work to benefit the retailer, whereas worker cooperatives have workers as members and thus aim to benefit the worker. Uproot, being a consumer cooperative, has – you guessed it – the consumers as members, and thus they see most of the benefits! Not only do these benefits come in the form of fresh, local produce options you might not find in large retailers, but also monthly discounts on groceries! Furthermore, member-owners are encouraged to participate in the democratic decision-making processes required to run the co-op. Finally, at the end of the fiscal year, all profits made by the co-op will be reinvested back into the community, whether that be through charitable donations or equal disbursements back to member-owners
This can be a lot to take in, so co-ops like to sum it up with these seven principles:
- Participation in the co-op is voluntary and open to all people, without discrimination.
- Co-ops are democratic organizations, where each member shares equal voting power. Decisions are made based on these votes
- Members equally contribute to and control the funds of the co-op.
- Co-ops are autonomous. If participating in a contract with other organizations, including the government, democratic control of the co-op must be maintained.
- Co-ops provide education for their members, workers, and the community surrounding food access and healthy eating.
- Co-ops work with one another, strengthening the co-operative movement through shared experience.
- Co-ops work to sustainably develop their communities through their policies and actions.