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Cooperative
We are currently in the process of incorporating as a Vancouver-based Canadian multi-stakeholder for-profit cooperative. In addition to our existing userbase of our email, web, and database hosting services, our colocation [overview] [definition] efforts are in full steam.
We'd welcome participants in almost any relevant role. Feel free to join one of our mailing lists, email us at inquire@cernio.com, or attend one of our meetings.
Not sure what a cooperative is? "A cooperative (also co-operative or
co-op) is an association of persons who join together to carry on an
economic activity of mutual benefit." See the Wikipedia article for a more complete explanation.
Benefits of Membership
Shared infrastructure
We aim in part to make life easier for entrepreneurs working on
non-profits and for-profits alike. To that end, members have access to
our shared infrastucture – currently including server colocation and network services.
Member pricing on all services.
Services are available to the general public with payment of a
non-member surcharge, which is calculated to earn a profit for the
cooperative. Members receive member pricing, which is calculated to
reflect the actual cost of providing the services in question.
Profit sharing from sales to non-members
Members share in any profits from sales to non-members. This may
take the form of lower member prices, increased member services, and/or
member dividends in the form of a check.
Collaborative technical support via member forums
Members have full access to the member forums, where members and
staff ask and answer questions related to the services provided by the
co-op. Non-member customers may read forum discussions that have
already occurred, but only members may ask questions and otherwise
participate in the forums.
Ability to vote on issues put forth to the membership
While the CEO makes decisions on the short- and medium-term
operations of the cooperative, and the Board of Directors ensure proper
governance of the organization, the membership at large must decide on
the proper course of action on certain important decisions facing the
cooperative. For example, the membership elects the Board of Directors.
In general, non-members may submit suggestions, but the membership as a
whole has decision making power over the important decisions facing the
cooperative.
Democratic decision making
Each member has equal voting power. No member has greater voting
power than any other, regardless of the share quantity, financial
value, or class. One member = one vote.
Opportunities to participate in cooperative operations, governance, and ICT policy work
Membership in this or a similar cooperative is a prerequisite for
consideration of applications for key management positions such as the
CEO. Membership in this cooperative is an important prerequisite for
eligibility to stand for election to the Board of Directors. Qualified
members may also be eligible to participate in delegations to
technology policy conferences.
Requirements of Membership
Read, understand, and agree with the Statement of Principles
Cernio was founded on certain important principles.
Read, understand, and agree to abide by the Terms of Service
The Terms of Service govern the relationship between the cooperative and its users.
Payment of membership processing fee (US$10)
This fee covers the administrative costs of adding a new member to
the cooperative and processing multiple small payments. This fee is
waived for members who invest the full US$300 in their first payment.
Purchase of member-owner shares (US$300)
Each member is required to invest in a financial share of the coop.
Members may choose to pay their entire share investment in one payment
of US$300, or they may choose to pay installments of at least
US$50/year (plus admin fees) until they are fully vested. These
investments are fully refundable should a member choose to terminate
his/her membership.
Voting in at least one election per year
As a member of a cooperative, one is obligated to participate in
the decision-making process on important issues facing the
organization.
How to Join
Step 1: Read, understand, and agree to the above.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We can talk via email, IM, IRC, telephone, or (depending on where you are) we may be able to meet in person.
Step 2: Make your member deposit
Send either US$300 for a full deposit (admin fee waived) or start your six annual payments of $60 ($50 deposit, plus $10 admin fee).
You may mail a check (payable to "Cernio Tech Co-op") to this address:
Cernio Tech Co-op
Attn: Graham Freeman
49 Cardinal Way
Santa Rosa, California 95409-4108
USA
Or, you may use Google Checkout to pay online.
Step 3: Participate!
Subscribe to one or more of these email lists:
- Attend our regularly scheduled meetings, and/or organize one in your region
- Introduce yourself - tell us who you are, what you do, and what you'd like to get out of your Cernio Tech Co-op membership.
