How to use this path
This path is for teams that want to move from cooperative values to practical governance. It combines principle-level references with operating tools for boards, meetings, bylaws, and worker-owner participation.
- 1FrameworkIntroInternational Cooperative Alliance
Cooperative Identity, Values & Principles
The International Cooperative Alliance’s official statement of cooperative identity, values, and seven principles, including democratic member control and member economic participation.
Why this is included: Anchor governance in cooperative values before choosing structures. - 2FrameworkIntroCICOPA / CECOP
World Declaration on Worker Cooperatives
CICOPA’s international declaration defining worker cooperatives and the core characteristics of democratic worker ownership.
Why this is included: Understand the global framing for worker cooperatives. - 3GuideIntroworkers.coop
The Worker Co-operative Code
A worker-co-op-specific code explaining how cooperative principles apply to worker-owned businesses, including governance, membership, work, capital, and participation.
Why this is included: Look at a practical code for member-owned work. - 4GuideIntermediateDemocracy at Work Institute
Democratic Management: A Practical Guide for Managers and Others
A DAWI guide to democratic management practices organized around power, information, people, and money, with tools and examples for worker co-ops and democratic workplaces.
Why this is included: Translate democracy into management practices. - 5GuideIntroU.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives
Building Your Worker Co-op Board
A USFWC Co-op Clinic mini guide on the role, composition, and accountability of worker co-op boards.
Why this is included: Learn how board design supports accountability. - 6GuideIntroDemocracy at Work Institute / South Mountain Company
Meetings and Consensus
A practical resource from South Mountain Company with tips for effective meetings and consensus decision-making in worker cooperatives.
Why this is included: Build better meeting and decision habits. - 7Legal and financeIntermediateDemocracy at Work Institute
Guide to Worker Cooperative Bylaws and Operating Agreements
A DAWI guide explaining how governing documents can codify democratic ownership, governance structure, growth, and conflict-resolution pathways.
Why this is included: Review legal governance documents with care. - 8TemplateIntermediateDemocracy at Work Institute
Sample Worker Cooperative Bylaws
An editable sample bylaws document for worker cooperatives that can help groups avoid starting their governance documents from scratch.
Why this is included: Use sample documents as references, not final legal advice.