Collect information and assess interest, identify common needs, and convene a core group of interested individuals.
Goal: To gather basic information about food co-ops and to assemble a leadership group to research feasibility and prepare the groundwork for starting a co-op
What to do:
- Gather basic information abouat cooperatives and how to organize a food co-op. Review it carefully so that you have a basic idea of what lies ahead.
- Gather information about misconceptions about co-ops as well, so you can be prepared for some of the fallacies you may encounter in future steps.
- Discuss how a co-op could meet your needs with friends, neighbors, and other community members.
- Hold meetings to assess interest in the new food co-op and to tell potential members how a co-op might work.
- Gather information about local and regional resources that may be helpful to your group, especially people who can advise your group, make presentations at meetings, and provide technical assistance at various stages.
- Collect basic information about operating a food co-op in your community—e.g., the cost of retail space, health codes that might apply to your business, the potential market in your area.
- Contact other food co-ops in your local area or region. See what help they may be able to provide. Ask whether one of their members can serve as a resource to your group, explaining how co-ops operate or how to get organized.
Keep in mind: This step will primarily involve a core group of individuals. The information and background you gather will be used in the next step, when you will publicize and try to gather/assess further interest in the community. Avoid a common pitfall of new co-op groups: trying to locate a potential site too early in the planning process. Your group must be prepared to make a reasonable offer or commit to a long-term lease on a facility. To do that, you will first need to develop a membership base, establish feasibility, and secure a base level of financing.
Key Decision:
- Do we have sufficient information about how co-ops operate? Does it seem like a co-op would meet our needs?
- Does the information you’ve collected support the idea enough to justify further research?
- Does the co-op business structure fit your group’s needs?
For more information
Anatomy of Great Meetings
Suggestions for organizing and holding productive and interesting meetings.