Allow GreenNet to join CoTech

Yep, indeed, if they are not formally a co-op according to the House of Companies, at least they need to work as a co-op (1 person = 1 vote, fair distribution of capital ownership [if any], etc.)

An organisation that can hang together for 30 years through 'cooperation' is a coop in everything but domain name IMHO.

But, as Aaron notes, the CoTech definition is quite clear so it would be difficult to agree currently.

(Meantime, if anyone from GreenNet has a tent and would like to join 'us' - CoTechies & G.splinters in field in Kent weekend commencing 22/07 let @andyrcroft know :) )

As this is a public discussion, GreenNet have asked if they can come and add some clarification. I'll approve their account on Loomio.

Just a reminder when voting - please say which CoTech member org you are voting on behalf of. There are a number of people here with accounts who are not CoTech members. See this decision for details.

I should also note we do currently have

If you are already part of a tech co-op (or an organisation that is practising cooperative principles and in the process of formally becoming a co-op) then we’ve already tried to find you to invite you to the network.

on our join page.

Hi all,

Thanks for your enthusiastic consideration of our membership.

GreenNet has been operating on cooperative type principles since before 1990, but have not yet become a formal coop, as Chris wrote above. Our site explains as follows:

“A collective organisation is one in which a group of people work together on the basis of equal benefit to all. There is no hierarchical structure, the organisation is jointly operated, with all staff members having equal decision-making powers, and equal responsibility. In the case of the GreenNet collective, staff members do not benefit from GreenNet's profits, or have any shares in GreenNet. GreenNet is owned by the GreenNet Educational Trust (GET), a registered charity (registered charity no. 1037080), so it is not strictly a workers' co-op, but functions similarly. Any profit made by GreenNet goes directly into GET towards the implementation of projects”

We reckon that satisfies the first part of the criteria, and our work on transforming into a formal coop with HCD should quite neatly satisfy the second part. We can provide more details on that if needed?

Hi Ed, has GreenNet formally endorsed the ICA Co-operative identity, values & principles?

I'd also be interested in the process you are going through -- have you agreed that you will become a co-op or is this an option you are evaluating?

Hi Chris,
As far as I know, GreenNet haven’t endorsed the ICA values and principles, though we have done a lot of work with the ICA over the years.
The Rochdale principles are a core part of our operating values though, we just haven’t taken the step of publicly committing to them.
We have made a collective decision to become a co-op, yes. I'd be happy to explain what we'd need to do to get there if you're interested, briefly that would be to form a new co-op which would buy out our NFP collective.
I hope that clarifies matters! :smiley:

Hi Ed, would it be too much as ask that GreenNet endorses the 7 principals? It is one of the criteria for a .coop and in the same way that you can buy a .coop while in the process of registration etc I think it makes sense to encourage organisations that in the process of becoming a co-op to join CoTech.

I don't see why not!
That would be a compulsory part of the process of becoming a co-op in any case, which we have already committed to.

@shaunfensom what would it take for you to change your mind?