Why a Cooperative?
A. Appropriate Structure
In order to create a viable organization the New University needs a formal structure. It has been proposed that we seek a charter from traditional first nations governments. But a particular organizational structure has not yet been put forward. The cooperative model makes sense because it is highly democratic and participative. The workers, if there happen to be any, can play a governing role, as can the students or the public. And these people are democratically selected rather then chosen by a closed door committee of elites as is currently standard practice.
B. International Principles
A cooperative is the organizational structure that best meets the goals and vision of the New University. All cooperatives around the world are united by the following seven principles:
1. Voluntary and open membership: open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic member control: cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
3. Members economic participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
4. Autonomy and independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
5. Education, training and information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives.
6. Cooperation among cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together with other cooperatives, and through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
C. Building on a unique history
The idea of a cooperative as an organizational form first developed in the UK by a factory owner called Robert Owen who supported the first cooperative store. The Rochdale movement was inspired by this example when a group of poor weavers formed their own shop and their principles formed the basis of the seven international principles above. In Canada, Alphonse Desjardens created the first caisse populaire in Lévis in1900, responding to the difficult conditions of farmers and oppressive banking conditions controlled by the ruling class. In 1928, Father Moses Coady and Jimmy Tompkins initiated the Antigonish movement in Cape Breton in which fisherman, farmers and forestry workers critically examined their problems in study circles building self-consciousness, self reliance and solidarity amongst oppressed workers. Credit unions and cooperatives were the key organizational structures used to improve their conditions and avoid the ruling classes.
D. Solidarity within the cooperative sector
While the cooperative movement in Canada has a radical history, it has a very different role today. An educational organization acting in solidarity with the cooperative sector could help revitalize the ideas and philosophies that make cooperation a true alternative to capitalism.