Values are what make Co-ops different
If I think about the organizations that have had the most profound impact on me, it’s co-cps every time. I will hold that it’s the values of these organizations that has allowed them to become so entrenched in my life. I live in a co-op, I’m a Car Co-op member and Board member, I’m a proud member of Vancity, and my longest standing co-op affiliation is with MEC. I’ve been a member at MEC since I was old enough to take my first trip to a town that was big enough to have a MEC store.
The co-op I live in (China Creek) is incredible. An eclectic collection of people passionate about the community they live in and serious about continual improvement of the community. Emotionally charged, yes, as most co-ops. Nonetheless, China Creek is a continued source of inspiration and a playground for personal growth.
The Car Co-op just makes plain sense. Given where I live, I just don’t need a car on a daily basis. I still do have a car but I plan to take advantage of the Scap It Program before the next big repair! It’s environmental, convenient and way more financially intelligent than owning a car.
Vancity. There’s a line in the movie Grey Owl that is something like, “you can judge a person from the way they dream.” Vancity has dreamed well. In BC, it’s a no brainer – there is simply no other financial institution that is guided by a such a strong set of community and environmental values. I worked there for 4 years, and although I’m no longer working at Vancity, I still do all my banking there.
And finally MEC. MEC has achieved in me what most companies can not even dream of. I’m an openly vocal advocate for the organization, and I don’t consider, even for a second, ever shopping at any other outdoor gear shop. They’ve done the research. They know the products they source are amongst the most ethical, environmental available and the quality is always top notch. Throw a Rock Solid guarantee on everything and really, why would anyone shop anywhere else.
Back to my original point. These organizations have struck a chord with me. There is a connection with these organizations that is not found in any other organizations. Is it the structure? Is it the attitude of the people who work for these organizations? Is it a different set of success metrics they use to govern themselves? Is it just a common sense approach that leads to sound judgement and decisioning?
I don’t know what it is about co-ops that have made them so profoundly different but I can say that the outcome is engaging people at a level that is not available to other types of organizations.
Comments
Well said. Thanks Ned. I'm
Well said. Thanks Ned. I'm looking into my Co-operative auto membership today. Been meaning to for a while!
What I like about the coop
What I like about the coop is the financial structure. If there is a surplus at the end of the year, it is either distributed to member-owners or retained and re-invested in the business. When I think of franchises and multi-nationals, some fraction of the dollar spent leaves the local economy and goes to shareholders that may be anywhere in the world. Member-owned co-ops make excellent sense for people wanting to make an ethical choice with their spending.
Right on arcwoodland, ...and
Right on arcwoodland,
...and making, 'an ethical choice with their spending' is so critically important. If you ask me, spending in a manner that is aligned with your values is one of the most powerful thing an individual can do....especially for the fortunate segment of our population that has money to spend. I'd love to bring more general awareness of this to the masses. How can we get more people to understand the true benefit of spending ethically and the true cost of spending money at organizations that actually our environment and our communities?
Hi Ned. Thanks for this
Hi Ned. Thanks for this post.
As people, especially in this area, want to see the businesses they deal with share their values on some level, co-ops are an interesting option for people to consider. Between your home, your financial institution, your car, your outdoor gear, you're pretty much covered by dealing with co-ops.