Eligibility

 

PACA membership is open to all cooperative organizations located in the Philadelphia region that operate as a cooperative as defined by the International Cooperative Alliance. Co-ops and credit unions are full voting members of PACA.

Membership benefits

Co-ops and credit unions join PACA to grow and strengthen their own co-op or credit union and to support the cooperative movement in the Philadelphia area. Member dues depend on annual revenues.

Benefits of membership include:

Education, Training, and Resources:

• One free 90 minute “Introduction to Co-ops” presentation for your co-op member-owners, staff, community members, etc.
• One 2 hour leadership development training targeted to staff or board at a flat rate of $200
• Co-op and credit union member-owners attend PACA’s Cooperative Leadership Institute workshop series in partnership with CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia for $10
• Free participation in CultureWorks hosted workshops for individuals who belong to PACA’s member co-ops
• Event information about professional development and co-op development workshops, trainings, and networking opportunities from PACA partner organizations

Democratic Participation:

• Co-ops and credit union members can vote for board members and serve on PACA’s board.
• Monthly updates and insights about  PACA’s development targeted to co-op members in support of your role to be a check on PACA’s governance and operations

Growth and Development:

• Tailored technical assistance for member co-ops at a discounted member rate of $75 per hour.  

Public Policy:

• A voice on behalf of co-ops and credit unions with government and the public; promotion of legislative and administrative initiatives to support cooperative businesses and development; support in navigating City of Philadelphia agencies or programs.

Marketing & Outreach:

• Features on member co-ops and credit unions in PACA’s Co-op Scoop newsletter, including promotion of your  co-op or credit unions
  • Events
  • Programs
  • Job opportunities
  • Other information members want PACA to share

Funding Support:

• Assistance with finding and accessing capital and funding sources.
  • PACA is a trustee of the Kiva Zip microlending program and is working on developing a regional cooperative loan fund. 
  • PACA is also a part of The Working World’s National Peer Network that brings together place-based organizations around the country to build a national infrastructure of cooperative lending and non-extractive finance. 

 

To become a co-op or credit union member, please contact Jamila Medley at jamila@philadelphia.coop.