What is a co-op?

The International Co-operative Alliance defines a co-operative as "an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise." In other words, co-ops are in business to provide
what their members want, and they are controlled democratically by their members.

Cooperatives keep economic benefits within the community through creating jobs and, most importantly, supporting local producers and suppliers whenever possible. Profit is not siphoned off by outside interests and profit is never put before the needs of the members. The co-op's members are its owners.

Common Ground is part of a larger, international community of co-ops that are an important force for economic democracy. There are consumer co-ops (e.g., food, housing, rural electric power, credit unions); producer co-ops (e.g.,farming, fishing); and worker co-ops (e.g., carpenters, mechanics). There are co-ops for day care, health care, farm supplies, insurance, tourism, and more. A "primary" co-op has human beings for members; a "secondary" co-op has whole co-ops for members. It is estimated that more than 750 million people in the world are members of one or more co-ops. Common Ground is a primary consumer co-op.