A Food Co-op inA Food Co-op in Your CommunityYour Community

Mid-North CANOct. 15, 2015

Deb Trocha, Executive DirectorIndiana Cooperative Development Center

Today’s Objectives Today’s Objectives

Definition of a Cooperative

Cooperative Values

Cooperative Principles

How Co-ops Benefit Communities

Critical Requirements

The Food Co-op Development Model

What Is A Cooperative?What Is A Cooperative?

A business owned and controlled by the people who use it – its members. People working together to meet their mutual needs

Co-op ValuesCo-op Values Self Help Self Responsibility Democracy Equality Equity Solidarity Honesty Openness Social Responsibility Caring for Others

Co-op PrinciplesCo-op Principles1. Voluntary and Open Membership

2. Democratic Member Control

3. Member Economic Participation

4. Autonomy and Independence

5. Education, Training, and Information

6. Cooperation among Cooperatives

7. Concern for Community

How Co-ops Benefit the How Co-ops Benefit the CommunityCommunity

Goods and services are provided according to what people want and need

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

Critical Critical RequirementsRequirements

Communication Commitment Common vision and goals Capital Leadership Planning

The Food Co-op The Food Co-op Development ModelDevelopment Model

Four CornerstonesFour Cornerstones

Vision

Talent

Capital

Systems

Three StagesThree Stages

Organizing

Planning & Feasibility

Implementation

Cornerstone: Vision, Cornerstone: Vision, Stage 1Stage 1

Build a common vision

Conduct community meetings

Identify potential members

Identify community leaders

Cornerstone: Talent, Cornerstone: Talent, Stage 1Stage 1

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

Cornerstone: Capital, Cornerstone: Capital, Stage 1Stage 1

• Draft an organizing budget

• Set up financial accountability systems

• Write grant proposals for organizational costs; other fund raising opportunities

• Raise money locally to support organization and to meet required matching funds for grants

Cornerstone: Systems, Cornerstone: Systems, Stage 1Stage 1

Create a development plan Conduct a preliminary feasibility study Conduct a preliminary supplier analysis Survey community interest Set up accounting systems 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

Next StepsNext Steps

Decide to go forward

From 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

Your Are Not Alone!Your Are Not Alone!

There are about 320 retail food co-ops in the US

Right now over 100 groups are organizing new food co-ops across the US

ICDC and other organizations have resources, advice and assistance for you

New Food Co-ops Organizing Now!New Food Co-ops Organizing Now!

Q & AQ & A

THANK YOU!

Debbie Trocha dtrocha@icdc.coop 317.692.7707