---
date: 2024-04-24
title: Co-op Resources
tags: co-ops
---
This list is not a how-to on starting or operating a co-op. It is mostly a link dump. The resources that seem most useful are at the top and should provide all you need to get started. I haven't read through all of these resources but they all look directly applicable at least.

The one place that is probably the most helpful - definitely for the US and possibly in general - is the [US Federation of Worker Cooperatives](https://www.usworker.coop/en/). I highly recommend attending the startup webinar or [watching a recording](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaBJm2WPf2Y&t=4s). There is a [link document](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kFGLppPxCWHI7HsbF6W3fyMDRPaIqkpLubknA6hKlds/edit) that goes with that webinar with more resources I don't list here.

These are good introductions to co-ops, how they work, and why you'd want one.
- [A Technology Freelancer's Guide To Starting a Worker Cooperative (PDF)](https://electricembers.coop//pubs/TechCoopHOWTO.pdf)
- [Worker Coops: A Better Way to Make a Living in Tech](https://modelviewculture.com/pieces/worker-coops-a-better-way-to-make-a-living-in-tech)
- [Think Outside the Boss (PDF Book)](https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_rgt0QdXUbycnprd3hhYzdWNnc/view)
- [Everything for Everyone (Book)](https://nathanschneider.info/books/everything-for-everyone/)

Though the organization is not specifically for co-ops, [Seeds for Change](https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/resources) does offer some resources for co-ops in the UK.

For governance, [Sociocracy](https://www.sociocracyforall.org/) looks promising. I'd recommend going through their [free course](https://learn.sociocracyforall.org/courses/sociocracy-journey/) that explains the fundamentals of this governance model.

[Co-opLaw.org](https://www.co-oplaw.org/) has a bunch of legal resources for co-ops.

A co-op called Enspiral shares their [entire handbook](https://handbook.enspiral.com/) online for free.