Our Misson 🌈
We are a cooperative of working class people living in and around Birmingham. We want to build an organisation that provides mutual aid to us and and our surrounding communities. We want to build a solidarity economy that works for us and not for the rich.
Cooperation is the process of groups of people working or acting together for common, mutual, or some underlying benefit, as opposed to working in competition for selfish benefit.
We aim to promote, platform and facilitate working class democratic self organisation in and around Birmingham, UK.
We were born out of the need for an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic where we delivered over 20,000 meals to people in need (see our older blog posts).
After a period of rest, we re-emerged, using our shared assets to build democratic projects to improve our lives.
At a time where the cost of living is through the roof, fascism and authoritarianism is on the rise, the climate is in chaos and our political system has ceased to the protect the people from the rich… Only we can help each other. Let’s get organised.
Our Structure 🧭
Our projects 💫
- Solid Joy – fundraiser parties
- Punch Up – community gym
- 0121 Do One – radical announcements chat
- Equaliser – soundsystem co-operative
- Stirchley Co-operative Development – housing and worker co-ops
See our previous projects
Our Cooperative Principles 🌱
The cooperative principles are guidelines by which cooperatives put their values into practice. Cooperation Birmingham follows the ICA Cooperative Principles.
1) Voluntary and Open Membership
Membership of a Co-operative is voluntary – you can’t be forced into joining, nor can you be excluded because of discrimination.
2) Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organisations – they’re controlled only by their members. Members should have democratic control (i.e. using consensus or “one member, one vote”).
3) Member Economic Participation
Members have a fair stake in the co-op, and unlike share capital in a normal company, the stake should only have a nominal return (e.g. so that it doesn’t lose its value due to inflation). This capital can be used as the members decide.
4) Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organisations. They are controlled only by their members. They shouldn’t make agreements or contracts that would compromise their autonomy or the democratic control by members.
5) Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for their members. This is to ensure the development of the co-operative.
Co-ops should also provide education and information to the general public to inform them about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6) Co-operation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together. This can be done through local, national, regional and international structures.
7) Concern for Community
Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.