Selva in Action

Cooperative Project

Contents:
.....The Selva in Action Cooperative Project
.....The Cooperative Model and Principle
.....Cooperativa del Río Momón  - Members Roles and Responsibilities
______Members…..Leaders…..Project Coordinator

The Selva in Action Co-op Project

The Selva in Action cooperative project targets villages along the Rio Momón.  The Rio Momón is a tributary of the river Nanay which flows into the Amazon near the city of Iquitos. This population along the Rio Momón is isolated and largely ignored by the authorities.

After an original feasibility study The SIA team concluded that a cooperative model promised the best means to assist the communities to increase access to health care and a better way of life.  A health care cooperative is based on the concept that if a group of people pay a bit little at a time, then the bill for what otherwise might not be affordable is already paid.  Health care can then be available when needed.  In essence, the cooperative acts much like an insurance product.  

Back to top

The Cooperative Model and Principle

 Defining a Cooperative:
A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

 Basic Cooperative Values:
Cooperatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and unity.  Ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others are promoted for all cooperative members. The members are the owners, the decision makers and the beneficiaries.

1. Self-help is based on the belief that all people can and should strive to control their own destiny.

2. “Self –responsibility” mean that members assume responsibility for their cooperative – for its establishment and its continuing vitality. Members have the responsibility of promoting their cooperative among their families, friends and acquaintances. Members also ensure that their cooperative remains independent.

3.  Cooperatives are based on “equality”. Members, whether an individual or a group, are all equal. The social and economic status of the member is not relevant. Each member has one vote.

4. Achieving “equity” within a cooperative is a continuing, never-ending challenge.

5. “Solidarity” ensures that cooperative action is not just a disguise for limited self-interest. This means that the cooperative has a responsibility for the collective interest of its members.

 

A Health Care Cooperative:
A health care cooperative is based on the concept that if a group of people pay a little bit at a time each period, then the bill for what otherwise might not be affordable is already paid. Health care can then be available when needed. In essence, a health care cooperative is a local group of people who come together to share health care costs. The cooperative acts much like an insurance product.
After researching failed projects, SIA developed their mission, the team’s responsibilities and their activities. (see “About Us”)

 

Back to top

 Cooperativa del Río Momón
Members Roles and Responsibilities

Members & Leaders must fulfill their responsibilities to build and maintain a successful cooperative:

 MEMBERS MAKE THE COOPERATIVE SUCCESSFUL
Members….

Elect the cooperative leaders

Approve legal documents

Identify the services that are most important to the community

Make decisions on major cooperative issues

Follow the bylaws and rules set by the cooperative

Recruit other members

 Finance their own cooperative by paying their dues on a timely basis

Promote the activities of the cooperative

Utilize the services offered by the cooperative as needed

Attend Cooperative General Meetings

Express opinions to the leaders and vote for the interest of the community

Back to top

Member’s elect their leaders. 

The Leaders should have the following attributes:

Show Leadership

Respected and trusted by the community

Thinks independently and can clearly communicate their views

Place the community and cooperative interest first

Make good business decisions

Make the most of available resources

Promotes the Cooperative

Good listeners

Get along with others

Have time to perform their responsibilities

 

Leaders:
Being a leader is an extremely important function in a cooperative and it must be taken seriously. In addition to the “Members’ Roles”, the leaders are also responsible for the following:

Attend and actively participate in the Cooperative Leadership meetings

Develop future plans to better serve the community

Receive feedback from the community members

Share decision made by the cooperative leaders

Communicate with the members, providing updates from the leadership meeting and discussing Cooperative plans

Supervise the activities of the cooperative

Develop operational and organizational policies

Make big view decisions

Provide direction for the Cooperative

Preserve and demonstrate the core values and principles of the cooperative

Educate the members on Cooperative procedures

Collect membership dues

Protect members’ investment

Make sound financial decisions

Hire an accountant

Management Cooperative Resources

Help resolve problems, such as miscommunication

Elect Board Officers

Back to top

Project Coordinator (Education and Development): 

• Teach  the strategies for developing, implementing, and managing a cooperative

• Conduct Leadership Development training

• Facilitate and coordinate Cooperative Leadership Meetings and Membership General Meetings

• Assist in establishing and maintaining relationships and follow-up with strategic partners such as MINSA and the Mayor of Punchana

• Maintain records, and reports

• Educate the members

• Assist Leaders in developing business plans

  • Keep the PAMS team informed of the progress of the Co-op

Back to top