Tag Archives: principles

Our Worker Co-ops Have a Unique Role to Play

Posted on February 13, 2017 by John McNamara

We are living in very interesting times.
It can be difficult to figure out a coherent strategy with which to negotiate the next 1,237 days (or more). We almost need an individualized strategic plan to manage all of the areas of … Continue reading →

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The “We” Generation

Posted on January 23, 2017 by John McNamara

Here we are.
The next two years will seem to bring to life the ancient curse, “May you live in interesting times.”
The need for mutual self-help and self-reliance along with solidarity will be at the forefront for many of our cooperatives … Continue reading →

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Worker Development Brings a Better World

Posted on September 25, 2015 by John McNamara

REFLECTION NO. 276
Work is the attribute that gives a person the highest honor of being a cooperator of God in the transformation and fertilization of nature and in the resulting promotion of human well-being. That people exercise their faculty of … Continue reading →

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The Things We Know

Posted on March 10, 2014 by John McNamara

This weekend I noticed a posting from a friend, colleague and mentor of mine: Tom Webb. He had found an old write up called The Things We Know. I am not sure of the source of this document, but if … Continue reading →

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The Open Door Policy of Worker Co-operatives

Posted on August 22, 2011 by John McNamara

The 6th Principle of Co-operatives is called, somewhat reflexively, “Co-operation Among Co-operatives.” I have talked about this in a previous post. Today, I want to focus on it from a different perspective provided to us by the spiritual guide of … Continue reading →

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It Is Okay to Criticize Co-ops, We Know We Aren’t Perfect

Posted on June 13, 2011 by John McNamara

In thumbing through Don José María Arizmendiaretta’s book of reflections (Pensamientos), I came across a neat quote regarding the value of criticism and acknowledging that co-operatives do not ensure perfection.
“We do not apologize for shortcomings that may be pointed out … Continue reading →

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#24 Concern for Community

Posted on February 22, 2010 by John McNamara

Concern for Community is the last of the principles listed in the Identity Statement. It is the expression of the value of solidarity and social responsibility. It creates one of the multiple bottom lines for co-operatives. It is not enough … Continue reading →

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#23 Co-operation Among Co-operatives

Posted on February 15, 2010 by John McNamara

I usually make the snarky comment that the only time that I hear about this principle is when some slacker co-op wants a discount or donation. . . that is horribly unfair, of course. Also, we should discount each other—we … Continue reading →

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#21-Autonomy and Independence

Posted on February 1, 2010 by John McNamara

This is a good week for a discussion about the 4th Principle of Co-operatives. On my other blog, Breathing Lessons, I discuss the role of co-operatives in the race for Governor in Wisconsin. We, in the co-op movement, get pigeon-holed … Continue reading →

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#20 Payment Solidarity

Posted on January 25, 2010 by John McNamara

The Mondragon Co-operatives maintain the concept of wage solidarity. From the beginning, the ratio of the highest paid position (manager) and the lowest paid (new worker) was locked at 3:1. In the 80’s this changed and today there are some … Continue reading →

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