Whether your co-op is 40 years old, just converting or still in the visioning phase, we are here to support you.
We are a co-op ourselves, owned and controlled by our members, who have one-member, one-vote democratic control over VAWC just like individuals have democratic control over their co-ops. We would happily speak with you about what we do and joining our co-op of co-ops. We invite you to contact us: adam@valleyworker.coop or at 413.268.5800.
What do we do?
VAWC builds and communicates the voice of worker co-operation in our region. Our cornerstone activities are:
Support and Development
We write and execute technical assistance plans specific to each member including articles and bylaws, structure and governance, marketing and expansion studies, and more.
Plug Into Peer-to-Peer Support & Best Practices
Membership in VAWC plugs you into the system and experience of worker co-operation in our region. Leaders share needs and goals in a venue of trust and raise all ships in a new tide of worker cooperation.
Education
VAWC creates and delivers on-going education specific to worker co-ops, collectives and multi-stakeholder co-ops involving workers. We also educate the public, operate a Certificate in Co-op Enterprise at UMass with an internship program and connect to regional and national conferences. Click here for more.
Marketing and Advertising
VAWC raises the profile of worker co-ops in the economy. Our Working for a Co-operative Economy campaign drives all co-op followers to our members and VAWC organizes shared advertising for radio and print media.
Legislative Engagement
VAWC advocates for legislation that reflects our members’ goals and values. We have cowritten legislation, successfully lobbied for legislation and connect member voice to legislators. Click here for more.
Interco-operation
A super power of co-ops, interco-operation in and among sectors is part of VAWC’s foundation to achieve shared goals and truly build a co-operative economy.
Conversions
We have supported nine conversions from traditional businesses to worker co-ops – including Oxbow Design Build and Real Pickles. We have everything from articles of incorporation and bylaws to marketing and governance support tools and we are always happy to share how we’ve supported a co-op economy in our region. Are you a prospective conversion or a current one? Contact us: adam@valleyworker.coop or 413-268-5800.
Start Ups
VAWC supports new co-ops, as well, like The Hive Makerspace in Greenfield, Massachusetts. We have tools unique to start ups as well as all the support mentioned above for conversions like incorporation and bylaws, marketing and governance, and connecting you to the world of co-operation.
Please see our Annual Reports for details and contact us for more.
We invite you to contact us: adam@valleyworker.coop.