Our purpose is to make it easier for co-ops to form and grow
Why co-ops?
Co-operatives are a great way for communities to solve the social, economic or cultural issues they face. The first co-ops were created because communities needed a way to deal with the exploitation and hardship that came hand-in-hand with the Industrial Revolution. Co-ops have proven themselves time and again as a highly effective alternative to the dominant capital-led model that places the shareholder as the prime beneficiary of the business. In contrast, co-operatives are purpose driven organisations, they are a democratic form of mutual self-help and they keep the benefits of the business within the community.
The challenges facing communities today are as serious as they have ever been; inequality, environmental destruction, falling trust in democracy and a boom in misinformation. There are many ways for an individual or a community to respond to these challenges, but forming a co-operative is one the most constructive and effective ways to take control of the situation.
Our purpose as an organisation is to make it easier for co-operatives to form and grow.
“Inspiring others with a better model for business and the economy”
The Phone Co-op has shown that it is possible for a new consumer co-op to enter a mass-market industry and be successful.
Inspiring others was always part of the vision for the Phone Co-op and thanks their financial and institutional support, the Foundation now exists to take this idea to another level.
Our goal is to work strategically to support and empower people and communities to form co-operatives that meet their needs and give them greater control of their lives.