Constitution

Constitution – View PDF(Content Coming Soon)

Cooperation

The Building Between-Eco-Innovation Centre is the marketing, demonstration and research facility of the Green Step Co-operative. It is a not-for-profit constitution and so any proceeds or dues are invested in the organization to assure its effectiveness for the public good and towards its sustainability. The definition of a co-operative by the International Co-operative Alliance is “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.” Therefore each member receives the benefits of marketing at tiered levels according to dues paid, and each member regardless of their contribution is a part-owner of the organization with equal voting rights within the constitution. Therefore decisions are made by majority and members decide how the cooperative is run, based on the understanding that communities and memberships know what is best for their well-being.
All cooperatives are based on international values and principles:

Co-operative Values

Self-help – self-responsibility – democracy- equality – equity – solidarity- honesty – openness – social responsibility – caring for others

Principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice:

The Seven Co-operative Principles

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence for the organization
5. Education, Training and Information for its members
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives
7. Concern for Community in its decisions

Strength in Numbers

The organizational structure of a co-operative model results in exchanges of resources, ideas, and knowledge. Therefore a co-operative increases expertise and produces innovative solutions. The exchange of information and resources and the investment by each member increases the capacity and ensures resiliency and sustainability for the organization, for its members, and for the community.

For more information on co-operatives visit the Ontario Co-operative Association.

Board of Directors – (Content Coming Soon)

Bylaws(Content Coming Soon)