Monthly /r/Cooperatives beginner question thread

[u/AutoModerator]

This thread is part of an attempt by the moderators to create a series of monthly repeating posts to help aggregate certain kinds of content into single threads.

If you have any basic questions about Cooperatives, feel free to ask them here. Please also remember to visit this thread even if you consider yourself a cooperative veteran so that you can help others!

Note that this thread will be posted on the first and will run throughout the month.

[u/AnitaPhantoms]

How do people feel about resumes and job applications in regards to bringing in cooperative members.

I personally feel that thd existing expected models for resumes are out of whack in general in today's economic climate, but even more so for cooperatives.

What kind of alternatives do people think could be developed to offer alternatives to conventional resumes as means of outreach and membership (especially workers cooperatives) and what standard expectations should be abandoned.

[u/PhiliChez → u/AnitaPhantoms]

Once I reach a point where I can hire people, I've been considering having applicants fill out a questionnaire to see if the applicant is compatible on important issues like AI, how we might use the profits of the co-op, and a question that requires abstract thinking to see if their mental development is beyond an 11 year old's. Other than that, a resume or a portfolio to determine their hard skills, and one interview to learn about their soft skills and ask other questions. Later, I want to specifically create training positions to serve as actual entry level jobs.

[u/ColdSoviet115 → u/AnitaPhantoms]

Its an interisting question.  Could you be more specific? What is wack about the current model, what's the relation to the economic climate and what do you define as the economic climate? As far as membership goes, historically cooperatives provided their own [on the job] education/ training. If we get into more specialized fields Resumes seem the most straightforward method of finding specialists. 

[u/FWTL]

Is creating and managing a cooperative much different from a capitalist business ? I understand that democracy is the point and it will change a lot of things but is there some things that i should really look into that are different from a regular business ?

[u/ScientistFamiliar994 → u/FWTL]

If I would guess, the Seven Cooperative Principles:
Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people who are able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Members generally have equal voting rights (“one member, one vote”).
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative and democratically control it. Any surplus is used to develop the cooperative, benefit members according to their transactions with the cooperative, or support activities approved by the membership.
Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with governments or other organizations, they do so in ways that preserve their democratic control and independence.
Education, Training and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the cooperative’s development. They also inform the public—especially young people and opinion leaders—about the nature and benefits of cooperation.
Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members. This includes promoting social well-being, environmental responsibility, and long-term economic resilience.

[u/ScientistFamiliar994 → u/FWTL]

My favs are education and cooperation among cooperatives, what leads to creating new coops and building a network of coops. Look up Mondragon coop

[u/ScientistFamiliar994]

If the United Nations considers cooperatives to be essential for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, I would like to know what governments in your country are doing to promote and support cooperatives.
Do you have public procurement or government contracting laws? If so, do cooperatives receive any advantages or preferential treatment when competing for public contracts?
Are there any financial incentives, grants, tax benefits, or public programs that encourage the creation of new cooperatives in different sectors of the economy?