Co-op Startup

From WikiCo-op

Build a Cooperative Association
Many people working together for mutual gain of all is much better than individuals struggling alone. There is power in numbers.

1. We are launching a non-profit cooperative association.
   1. Members
      1. Some members must learn and apply leadership
         skills.
         1. Locate and provide pertinent information
            1. Search for essential information and confirm it. Clarify and verify. Listen to the members. Use critical thinking.
            2. Learn to retrieve information effectively. Become an expert on what the members need. Make yourself invaluable.
            3. Present or store information where others may retrieve it easily and respond to their feedback. Monitor their interest. Ask questions and listen. Serve them well.
         2. Learn the nature of the membership.
            1. Learn what the membership needs and how they respond to information. Know others, and yourself. Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
         3. Understand the membership's resources. Know them well.
            1. Resources include the available tools, skills, and expertise of the members.
            2. Get to know the members. After all, they are our most important resource.
            3. Help the members learn how to use the available resources. Strive to make it easy for them.
         4. Exercise control over the membership.
            1. Demonstrate your willingness listen to and do what the membership needs done.
            2. Observe the membership and suggest ways to help them get what they want. Never give orders.
            3. Allow members to contribute in their own way. Never interfere. Instead, help them understand how what they do helps or hinders the group effort.
            4. Realize that your duty is to solve their problems. Always be ready and willing to counsel the individual members.
            5. Monitor progress on group projects. Praise good work, offer suggestions when they stray off course. Never criticise. Help them see the 'big' picture.
            6. Realize that the responsibility for success rests on the shoulders of the membership, whereas the responsibility for failure is on the leader.
      2. Members improve their situation by association with other members.
   2. What is a non-profit cooperative?
2. We need to take the following steps.
   1. Provide required
      services
      1. Communication and technology
         1. Internet services
            1. Safercalls.com
               (913) 535-0200
            2. Phonevite
               Phonevite delivers a prerecorded voice message by telephone and gathers feedback from up to 10,000 people at a time for 10 cents per call.
            3. Teleconferencing
               1. Free Conference Call
               2. TalkShoe
            4. Youmail.com
            5. GPS tracking
            6. Project management
            7. Discussion List
            8. Dial2do.com
         2. Every member should have a cell phone.
      2. Membership information
         1. Member manual or wiki .
            1. Introduction
            2. Requirements
            3. Management
               1. Style: Anarchy works.
               2. Introducing new business
               3. Consensus
         2. Membership roster
         3. Learn management skills
3. Who is responsible for each step?
   1. We are a non-profit anarchy.
      1. Why anarchy?
         Anyone desiring to profit, should not empower a bureaucratic leadership. For, those we empower shall most likely use their power against us to maintain their position and extort our money. A leadership position should be earned by one's ability to serve effectively for the mutual benefit of all.
4. How often do we review progress?
   1. Anyone who wishes to monitor progress or initiate action may do so.
5. When do we know when the project is finished?
6. How do we evaluate success?

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Tips for Starting a Non-Profit Organization