Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t we strike or protest to force companies to become co-ops?
Strikes and protests can be powerful symbols of discontent, but they often leave the power in someone else’s hands.
You’re asking for permission instead of building something new.
Strikes can also lead to burnout and cycles of harm.
Co-ops change that dynamic.
We’re not asking to be included – we’re creating our own systems. That takes time, but it’s more stable, more constructive, and puts the power back where it belongs.
Why don’t you start a fund we can pay into monthly or yearly?
Right now, I want the movement to stay decentralised.
The moment I start managing people’s money, it puts too much focus on trusting me as a person, and that’s not what this is about.
This is about trusting the idea. I’m not against doing something transparent and aligned in future, but it would need to be structured carefully and not built around me.
Won’t the establishment make sure this never works?
That fear is understandable, but it’s also paralysing. History shows that strong, well-organised communities can build resilient systems under pressure.
We’re not waiting for permission or trying to overthrow anyone. We’re quietly building something parallel, step by step, and that’s much harder to shut down.
Won’t one greedy person end up exploiting the others?
Greed is a factor in any system, but co-ops are designed to minimise that risk. They spread power, risk, and reward across members.
No one person can take over if the structure is built properly. It’s not a magic fix – it still takes good people and good culture – but the system makes exploitation harder, not easier.
How do we stop co-ops from becoming exploitative like regular corporations?
Through structure, culture, and accountability.
Co-ops are governed by their members, not shareholders. When structured well, they’re transparent and democratic, with built-in limits to power.
But culture matters too – co-ops need shared values and strong processes to stay true to their mission as they grow.
Are co-ops inherently good?
No, they’re just a tool. But they’re a powerful one.
Co-ops let communities shape their own priorities and distribute power, risk, and reward more fairly.
They aren’t perfect, but they give well-meaning people a better structure to work with than most alternatives.
Are all co-ops the same?
Not at all. Some are worker-owned, some are consumer-owned, some are hybrids.
Some are highly democratic, others are looser. Some are radical, some are just practical.
The co-op model is flexible – the key is how it’s used, and what values guide it.
Do other organisations count? (e.g. non-profits, freelancers)
Not everything needs to be a co-op to be part of the movement.
The goal is to shift power, ownership, and benefit toward communities.That can include non-profits, mutual aid networks, small ethical businesses, and even freelancers working in solidarity.
But co-ops offer something deeper: shared governance and collective ownership – two things that make them especially powerful for systemic change.
Can we speak on the phone or meet in person?
Sometimes, on a case-by-case basis, but I need to know a bit about you first.
A lot of people reach out, and I’m creating resources for everyone, so my time is limited. Calls and meet-ups take energy, and I’ve learned I need to be intentional with that.