Grassroots, or Radical Co-operatives

There are many different types of co-operative all over the world; all share the Co-operative Principles and Values.

But some Co-ops choose to interpret the Values and Principles in more radical terms. We appreciate the strength of the vision that the founders of the Co-operative Movement had: equality and mutual aid.

For us, using 'grassroots' structures, and non-hierarchical decision making methods strengthens our co-operation with each other and with other Co-operatives.

Radical, or grassroots co-ops usually:

have non-hierarchical, 'flat' power structures - everyone has exactly the same power within the co-op;

have no management committee - everyone participates in all management decisions;

make decisions by a technique called consensus decision making;

have pay structures that value every worker equally. For some this means everyone is paid the same hourly wage no matter what their job involves. Other co-ops use techniques like 'income sharing'. In income sharing co-ops everyone is paid the amount they need to live to an agreed standard. People with children, elderly relatives that they care for, or other special needs may be paid more than single people with less financial responsibility. It relies on honesty and trust within the co-op;

incorporate their ethics into the co-op's aims and decisions They are likely to be working for social change - running environmental or social projects, or undertaking campaigning work, for example. Radical housing co-ops often provide affordable and supportive homes for environmental activists. Rural co-ops are likely to be working their land in a sustainable way;

work together for mutual benefit. For example, many of the radical co-ops in Britain are members of Radical Routes, a network of radical co-ops whose members are committed to working for positive social change. Radical Routes brings these co-ops together, to share skills and information, raise money, and find other co-ops that can help them with a service (a housing co-op may find another co-op to help them with their electrics or plumbing).

Seeds for Change: a non-profit activist co-op