The links on this page lead to tools that a group may use when exploring co-operative solutions to their needs.  The tools are designed to enable the group to examine their resources, values, and abilities to develop a co-operative.

Exploring Community Assets

Co-operatives enable groups to work together to meet their mutual needs. Whether it is for the initial development or for the ongoing operations of the co-operative, the co-operative will need resources to succeed. Some of those resources or assets are available within the community.

Often groups may not be aware of the wealth of resources that are available. Concrete resources such as equipment and buildings may be obvious, but more intangible resources such as creativity and determination may be less recognized.

This tool is designed to help a group reflect on the resources available to them. The session plan outlines the process for engaging participants in identifying the community’s assets. Following the identification of assets, the group explores the opportunities to make use of the assets.

This tool is designed for a community to explore and identify ways to enhance or protect the assets available in the community. The exploration may lead to the creation of a new organization such as a co-operative or a non-profit society. On the other hand, if the group has a co-operative initiative in mind, the group can explore the use of the assets to enable the co-operative to be successful.

Alternative Organizational Types

Use this when the group is exploring which types of organizational structure (e.g., co-operative, partnership, investor oriented organization) would be the better fit for their situation. The session plan includes a worksheet on which participants rate their agreement with different sets of values for an organization that could meet the group’s needs. Having completed the worksheet, group members then participate in an activity that enables them to share their perspectives and exchange their views on what is important.

Wall Sheets:

Co-op Self Assessment Tool

When several minds work toward one objective, it can produce amazing results. It can also be very challenging. As the author of this tool points out, developing a new co-operative requires long hours, several meetings, and little if any monetary compensation. Is your group up to the task?

Force Field Analysis

No, this is not an invention from Star Trek! A Force-Field Analysis is a process an individual or group may use to identify forces at work in a situation that the individual or group seeks to change. By identifying “Forces for” and “Forces against” the desired situation, strategies to move from the current to the desired situation can also be identified.

Although this may be used by an individual or a group, the session plan provided is for facilitation of a group.

SWOT Analysis

A long standing tool used by organizations for strategic planning, a SWOT analysis may also be useful for a group that is considering entering into a business. If you’re planning to start a new co-op, the SWOT analysis may help you to identify opportunities that your group could capitalize upon. It will also help you to see those areas that you should avoid.

Determining Ends  

This tool borrowed from Policy Governance® ensures that a group examines its intended outcomes at a broad and specific levels before embarking on structural decision, strategic planning, etc.  Yes, Ends are not means, but in this case Ends are more than that.

If you have any questions regarding the application of the tools, contact ACCA’s Director of Co-operative Development, Richard Stringham, PAg at 780-823-0230 or email: coopdev@acca.coop.