I was watching this and got frutstrated:

I left a couple of comments on the video, but they should be kept as notes:

@21:37 and had to stop. There is a cooperative movement in the USA and an even more established one in the UK. Why can’t Leo answer these basic questions about something that already exists? Anyway, the coop sector needs better distribution options, something like an Amazon that offers goods produced by producer coops. It also needs better finance. Not just credit unions, but community owned investment banks that can fuel new cooperative enterprises. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 includes some interesting pieces from earlier bills proposed by Sanders. It’s called SECURE 2.0. I know less about legislation regarding British coops, but the movement there is old and reading the wikipedia entries for “British co-operative movement” and “Co-operatives UK” gives a decent introduction to their organizational achievements. An interesting bit of news lately: “A group of pro-nuclear Dutch citizens have set up the country’s first nuclear energy co-op. Officially due to launch on 31 October, the Atomic Cooperative has 170 members.” Anyway, if you want to learn more about this stuff it isn’t hard. There is even a top-level domain (TLD) for things related to coops …appropriately named .coop I’d start with https://thenews.coop

When new members join a producer cooperative, there are various models and approaches that can be used to integrate them into the cooperative’s operations. The specific model or approach chosen often depends on the nature of the cooperative, its industry, and its goals. Here are some common models and strategies for onboarding new members into producer cooperatives:

1. Apprenticeship Model: New members may go through an apprenticeship or training program to learn the skills and practices required to be successful in the cooperative. During this period, they work alongside experienced members to gain practical knowledge and experience.
2. Mentorship Program: Pairing new members with experienced mentors can be an effective way to help them acclimate to the cooperative. Mentors can provide guidance, answer questions, and assist with the transition.
3. Orientation and Training Workshops: Cooperatives may conduct orientation sessions and training workshops to introduce new members to the cooperative’s history, culture, values, and operational procedures. These workshops can help align new members with the cooperative’s mission and goals.
4. Probationary Period: Some cooperatives implement a probationary period during which new members are observed and evaluated to ensure they are a good fit for the cooperative and meet the required standards of performance.
5. Cooperative Education: Providing education about cooperative principles and practices is essential for all new members. This can include information on governance, decision-making processes, and financial management.
6. Equity Accumulation: New members may be required to gradually purchase equity or shares in the cooperative, allowing them to become full members over time. This approach helps secure their commitment to the cooperative and its long-term success.
7. Member-Vetting Process: Some cooperatives have a rigorous selection process to assess the skills, experience, and alignment with the cooperative’s values before admitting new members. This process can include interviews, references, and evaluations.
8. Involvement in Decision-Making: Encouraging new members to participate in cooperative decision-making processes, such as attending meetings, joining committees, and voting, can help them feel engaged and invested in the cooperative’s operations.
9. Transparent Communication: Open and transparent communication is crucial for new members. They should be kept informed about cooperative activities, financial performance, and strategic planning to build trust and understanding.
10. Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Cooperatives should have well-defined processes for addressing conflicts or disagreements between members, as this can help maintain a harmonious and productive environment.
11. Benefits and Responsibilities: Clearly articulate the benefits of membership and the responsibilities that new members are expected to fulfill. This can help set expectations and prevent misunderstandings.
12. Continuous Learning and Improvement: Regularly assess the onboarding process and seek feedback from new members to identify areas for improvement.

The specific model or combination of models used can vary depending on the nature of the cooperative and its unique needs. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition for new members and to foster a sense of belonging and commitment within the cooperative.

ChatGPT-3.5 “what models are there for new members of producer coops?”