Working in partnership
The Charity that loves Co-operation
The word 'co-operation' has two meanings. On day to day
basis, it means doing things together with others. This
meaning is similar to 'collaboration' and 'partnership'.
Cartrefi Cymru has always been committed to this sort of
co-operation, and we are proud of our track record of partnerships
with local authorities, housing associations, other charities, and
community groups. We believe in the Welsh Government's
policies which promote collaboration, rather than competition, as
the right way to deliver better public services even in these times
of financial pressure.
This sort of co-operation is based on seven internationally
agreed principles, as follows;
1. Voluntary and Open Membership -
Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all people able
to use its services and willing to accept the responsbilities of
membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious
discrimination. (So no one can place you in a care
co-op. You have to choose to join).
2. Democratic Member Control -
Co-operatives are democratic organisations controlled for and by
their members - for example, people who produce or buy or use the
services of the co-operative - who actively participate in setting
policies and making decisions. (So the decisions about your care
and support are not made by faceless bureaucrats or shareholders,
but by people you have elected or can challenge as a voting
member).
3. Members' Economic Participation -
Members contribute to, and democratically control, the capital of
the co-operative. (So you are not the helpless recipient of
someone else's largesse, but a contributor, and potentially a
significant contributor).
4. Autonomy and Independence -
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help
organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters
into agreements
with other organizations or raises capital from external sources,
it is done so
based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and
maintains the
co-operative's autonomy. (So your care and support is more
protected against
changes you don't agree with).
5. Education, Training and Information -
Co-operatives provide education and training for members, elected
representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute
effectively to the development of their co-operative. Members
also
inform the general public about the nature and benefits of
co-operatives. (So
you as a user of your own care co-op can expect training too).
6. Co-operation among Co-operatives -
Co-operatives serve their members most
effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working
together
through local, national, regional and international structures.
(So your care
co-op is not alone, but part of a network of co-ops with shared
values,
potentially shared resources, and an interest in each other's
success).
7. Concern for Community - While focusing on
member needs, co-operatives
work for the sustainable development of communities through
policies and
programmes accepted by the members. (So your co-op is outward
looking, and
seeking to support not just you as an individual member, but also
the wider
community in which you live).
If you would like to know more about Cartrefi Cymru's
co-operative journey, or to
join one of the Social Co-op Development Forums which we have
helped to set up,
please email us at:
coop@cartrefi.org
or cydweith@cartrefi.org