This email list is a project of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives (www.usworker.coop) whose mission is to create stable and empowering jobs and worker-ownership through the development of a thriving cooperative movement. The USFWC advances worker-owned, -managed, and -governed workplaces through cooperative education, advocacy and development.



This list is a tool for practical inquiries and discussion about businesses that are democratically owned and operated by their workers. It's not for political polemics or theoretical discussions.



Group participation is reserved for:

a) members of worker cooperatives, including USFWC members

b) individuals actively planning a worker cooperative start-up, and

c) providers of technical assistance to worker cooperatives.



Other subscribers (for example students or professors who study cooperatives) may join the group as muted observers in order to keep the conversation on practical matters.



Subscribers are expected to abide by two basic community agreements:

1. Only post questions or statements related to the practical operations of worker cooperatives, or networking between cooperatives.

2. No flaming, personal attacks, or mean-spirited commentary.



People who repeatedly or egregiously violate these agreements will be unsubscribed.



In order to join the list please answer the following questions:

- What is your email address AND your name?

- Which of the subscriber categories listed above do you fit into?

- What is the name of your workplace?

- What's the basic structure of the workplace? (who owns, governs, and manages it?)



The moderators of the list are USFWC staff. You can contact them at workercoop-owner@yahoogroups.com.



The listserve is for the benefit of its subscribers and to be used as you see fit! That said, we recommend everyone take a moment to read between the lines of this post: http://www.gksoft.com/a/fun/maillist-lightbulb.html