Help Form An International Employee Owned Company Designed For The Profit And Benefit Of All - inclu

Well, interesting thought here. Perhaps we should be working with the OWS movement. They currently have no defined leadership which we could help to organize. They also have $500,000 in donations that they don't know exactly what to do with. I believe the type of Cooperative we're defining here may solve some of the very problems they are attempting to voice. Below is a link to whats currently being done with the money:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...

I mean it is tough to say. I think there has to be at least a general idea of the business before joining that movement.

If you were to align yourself with them at this moment, there would be a target on you from the federal level.
So it would be important to have a structure in place. This can all be done, but you can''t rush into something like that. At least in my opinion.

I like th eidea of a co-operative, but of what. It will have to be decided sooner than later. I know you need to gather more people to your cause, and i understand that. Until you have a good core, that you feel comfortable with, and a structure in place, it would be pushing to fast to join the ows.

I am not against joining with that movement, but if you don't do it right, you could actually cause more harm than good.

I am just giving my opinion. If you don't agree then please disregard.

Originally posted by KingAtlas
I mean it is tough to say. I think there has to be at least a general idea of the business before joining that movement.

If you were to align yourself with them at this moment, there would be a target on you from the federal level.
So it would be important to have a structure in place. This can all be done, but you can''t rush into something like that. At least in my opinion.

I like th eidea of a co-operative, but of what. It will have to be decided sooner than later. I know you need to gather more people to your cause, and i understand that. Until you have a good core, that you feel comfortable with, and a structure in place, it would be pushing to fast to join the ows.

I am not against joining with that movement, but if you don't do it right, you could actually cause more harm than good.

I am just giving my opinion. If you don't agree then please disregard.

Strange as this may sound, I don't want to join thier movement, I would rather they join this one. Though the OWS has accomplished getting attention, they don't seem to be solving the problems. I don't see any reason to fear Federal attention, what we're doing here is legal. In fact I would think many who work for the Government would agree something like this is necessary to accomplish actual changes worldwide. A World united by its People through peaceful means shouldn't be feared, it should be embraced! A World controlled by it's people should be welcomed by all. Together we stand, divided We fall. I'm sure many are screaming that this is a NWO plot, but no, this is not. This a business designed to allow the individual people of this world to control and prosper within thier world.

The point of this thread is not for me to start a Global Cooperative, it is for Us All to start a Global Cooperative. I only want to be part of it, a fellow equal owner. This is not about being against the Governments or World Banks, this is about Balance and bringing needed balance to corrupt systems. I am hoping this company helps bring financial stabilization to our individual countries and ourselves. I hope we work with them, not against them. First we must work with each other.

Originally posted by WakeUpRiseUp
Great idea.
Cooperative institutions work great, the best examples being credit unions which are better then banks in every single way.

how's about giving all the m.ps an ultimatum to give up all material goods in exchange for love of the people.

reply to post by CaptainKostr


Okay, I understand a little better.

I think you might need to design a website maybe that would be a good first step.
It might be easier to developpe the idea on an individual site.

I really get the idea, this has the potential to change things. It also requires alot of determination, and commitment. The vasteness of this project makes this even more true.

I am not saying that to demotive those who wish to be involved, in fact this is what actually inspires me about this.

I like the positivity you present Kostr.

I think that if you want more people to join, it will have to be more defined.
People are very hesitant to involve themselves in something they don't understand, especially since OWS.
I am not trying to push you to do anything, I am just looking at the logistics from a realist POV.

Kostr, you are heading this, it's your baby.
Considering this, I am going to give a list of things i think need to be done before this can get off the ground.


First, the general idea and tone has to be created, so far this is a global co-operative.
But that has to be further defined. Is the structure a complete co-operative, or will it be structered to provide greater divident to those with the most involvement or skills.

What area of business does the co-op intend to involve itself with. This obviously has to be considered based on the skills of those who are joining, but a general idea, that can be changed later, would help to garner positive attention from those with skills.

Is the co-op going to be completly based on the internet. This has to be adressed also. Even if so, there still has to be considered that legally there has to be a declaration of business in a country of origin for tax purposes. Of course that is getting a little ahead, but has to be considered.

There has been mention of a mission statement, and basic concept of how the co-op will run within itself. This also has to be defined further. Are those mentioned going to be the actual regulations, or are there to be ammendments to those. For legal purposes it is important to state clearly these things before anyone donates or invests any money.

Most of these can be adressed in the business plan. Once there is some decision the generalities of the endeavor then it can more ahead more quickly. I would stress that you not take any donations or investments until these things have been adressed, for the potential success and future of your idea.


For my own knowledge, how serious about this are you Kostr?
I am not doubting your sincerity.
I am looking at it logisticaly, and objectionaly.
For everyone who wishes to be involved I believe it has to be adressed,
I will put it this way, If you want serious people to be involved, you have to be serious.

I hope you don't take any of this negatively. Trust me, I like the idea.

I created this thread yes, but it is not "mine". The whole idea is supposed to be that this is a company in the making that belongs to everyone. I was simply the one who created a title and basic statement. It's my understanding that others have tried something like this here on ATS previously. Why it didn't work then I don't know? Perhaps it's because in todays world so many give up and become disheartened. Perhaps because it is such a large undertaking and seems overwhelming?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. All we have to do is take one step at a time and we'll be there before you know it!

Think about this: Thomas Edison tried and Failed over 2000 times to create the light bulb. Imagine if people like him gave up because it didn't work the first Thousand times! Creating something worth while is never easy, that does not mean it is impossible. I suppose it really depends on whether you consider it is worth your time. I suppose it is whether you really believe in it or not. Think about your own resolve the next time you flip on that light switch.

I'm the kind of guy who likes to fix broken things. That's just me, always has been. When something breaks, the first thing I do is identify the problem. Once I identify the problem I try to repair or replace what's broken. Well, if something keeps breaking, it's time to start looking at why? Once I identify why it keeps breaking I redesign the thing that keeps breaking and fix the problem for good.

I've worked for more than one company that doesn't like to fix things. They will keep using a half broken piece of equipment until it falls apart. I have a friend who uses a tractor with no brakes over at a local marina. They drive it right up to the edge of deep water to perform daily tasks. The owner has the money to fix the problem, but it's cheaper and easier to just keep using it "as is". The ones who drive the tractor hate it. The owner doesn't drive the tractor, his employee's do. He's not in danger, so because it's not affecting him things stay the same. Now for the employee who has to drive it? Well thier LIFE is in danger just to fill in a hole next to a bulkhead! If someone dies, they'll probably buy a new tractor. Sorry, but to me that doesn't make any sense. Should it take someones Death to fix something we already knew was a problem. Something simple that should have been fixed before it created a bigger problem? To me that IS the problem, people will avoid fixing something until it creates a major problem.

Well it seems to me the World is like that broken tractor. It's still running and being used "as is" even though there's quite a bit wrong with it. Would people be protesting World Wide if everything was just fine? So what is the problem? How do we fix it? Should something be added or redesigned to fix whats wrong? Well, I would say of course!

In my many years of fixing things, I've learned a few things...

1. First of all you have to even realize there is a problem.
2. Identify the problem. ( What's broken? )
3. Analyze the problem. ( How do we fix what's broken? )
4. Fix the problem. ( Take action! )

Basic common sense right? Great well then lets use it!

Right now on the planet Earth there are sooooooo many problems. Does that mean that we can't fix them? I know 100% that we can fix these problems. I say we will fix these problems - if we try and don't give up! At times in life there is so much going on that it seems overwhelming! No one person can do it, but together we can! We each have 365 days in a year. If you do just one thing a day you will have done 365 things in just one year. If each of us did just one thing a day towards fixing these problems, we will have fixed ALOT of problems in just one year!.

Skills?
Every one of us have different skills. Are some peoples skills more valuable than others? Hmmm... Do you think that a CEO can do anything without the workers who build the products? Without each persons skills combined together to form a company a CEO's skills are worth almost nothing. Granted, the leadership and management skills of any company are needed, but without the skills of the people designing, building, shipping ect the other fails.

I personally believe wages should be equalized. I don't think the people at the "top" should make any more than the people at the "bottom". Does this mean the management team should make low wages? NO! I think we should All make Great wages! As the company makes more money, everyones wages should go up up up! Should there be a probationary period where as someone new to the company and in training makes less money? Yes I believe so. However if someone comes in with prior training there should be exceptions shouldn't there?

If every person in the world quit thier job tomorrow, every company in the world would be out of business. The skills of each individual are where the true value is. If a manager and a production operator are both making Great wages, who's unhappy? If you are in management and your wages are growing rapidly and the company is now hiring more skilled workers to meet demand, would you be upset because they came on board at the same wage as you? Why not be happy you're making great wages and be happy that they came on board. Because they work here, now the company will make more money and your wages will go up again!

Perhaps I've handled things incorrectly here in this thread. I suppose that is part of the problem, I am one mind. More minds are needed to make this work correctly. Here's a basic list of my skills so that you can get an idea of what I can do.

Owner/Operated a computer outlet
Owner/Operated software distribution company
Computer Engineer Microsoft certified MCSE + I and A++
AOL Technician
Air craft mechanic - Jets
Pilot
Importer/Exporter
Production Design Manager for a fortune 500 company - ACAD 3D
CNC Production Operator
CNC Machinist
Inventor - invented the all-in-one printer/scanner/photocopier
Shipping/Receiving for several large companies
Sales/Marketing fortune 500 company and several smaller ones
Have acquired large funding for various self created projects ( the most being one billion dollar letter of credit )
Contract negotiation
Contract writing
Grant writing ( Helped secure four million dollars for one city.)

I have a few more skills, but hopefully you will get the idea that I have generally usefull skills. Right now, I'm self retired but operate a few small side businesses.

Yes, I'm serious about this. Why am I serious? Because it's the right thing to do! Will we all make money from this once it's operational? HAHAHAha ha. I would say those who decide to become part of this will be doing the happy dance.

I had imagined that once we have the basics developed here, we would move to our own web site immediately. I suppose we would also leave a link behind for others to follow.

So back to the Global Co-operative. In my opinion wages should be equalized top to bottom for the reasons stated previously. Anyone who agree's or disagrees, please share your thoughts.

reply to post by spacedonk


Spacedonk, everything you say is beautifully thought out! We must create:

A Constitution for the Global Co-Operative.

IHMO This is where the Co-Operatives future success live or dies. To those participating, please please please get involved in this phase. Even if you think this whole thing will fail and you are just watching, please throw in any idea's you have. I will be researching and adding as well.

Global Cooperative Constitution

Article I – ORGANIZATION
This organization shall be called Global Cooperative and referred to as “GCO” “Global” or the “Global Co-op.”

Article II – PURPOSE
We hold these simple truths to be self-evident; that all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Freedom and the pursuit of Prosperity. To secure these rights, people organize their skills and cooperate together; Business organizations are established to provide prosperity deriving their powers from the skills of their employee’s and the benefit of their cooperative efforts. The purpose of this Global Cooperative is to provide a governing structure; for the members of GCO, by the members of GCO for all GCO endeavors world wide; to support professional level administration and organization of members and assets in all forms as pertain to our Cooperative; and to share ideas; create innovative working projects; hone individual and group skills in all areas in which we endeavor; to provide financial safeguards and prosperity for our future as both individuals and as a group worldwide.

This is a rough draft for the first part of the constitution. Please criticize - add/remove where needed.
We still also need:
Article III – MEMBERSHIP
Article IV – LEADERSHIP
Article V – MEETINGS
Article VI – RESPONSIBILITIES
Article VII – AMENDMENTS

( The faster we get this part over with, the sooner we will be ready for the money making aspects. Once the money making aspects are revealed, of course everyone will want to join. The money making aspects of this will not be revealed here though, they will be revealed on the new web site. )

BTW in a previous post I stated "Perhaps I've handled things incorrectly here in this thread. I suppose that is part of the problem, I am one mind. More minds are needed to make this work correctly." I re-read that and realized it may be misunderstood. Those minds which have contributed here are doing a Great job and thank you for your efforts! What I was trying to say was that when I started this thread I wish that I would have worded it with more fore thought. If I'd had more minds working on that aspect it would have been better.

PLEASE NOTE

******* I have the funding aspects of this venture covered! *******

Funding is NOT an issue.



Some of you may be asking why would you do something like this publicly? Why not do it the traditional way and form the company privately?

My best answer is this: Because the foot prints we leave behind here will help others to follow in what we have done. This is not about greed, this is about doing what it takes and doing the right thing. This is about people from all over the world working together for the common good of all.

Hi Cap, I am on a small vacation and will be back Monday. I skim read the new posts and like the first impression of the constitution. Will be posting more as soon as home.

Keep up the great effort!

Thread is looking great and the concept is appealing on multiple levels. Although I have no skill in business, marketing, or the general engineering of such a monumental movement, my skills in art and design may be of use. A list of those skills at my disposal are:

Graphic [2d] Design
3d Design [Modeling, Texturing, Rendering]
Writing

No not a large list as you've stated for yourself; but these assets may be useful to the formation of an official website, illustrations/visual demonstrations of products (both 2d and 3d), and other task as seen fit.

Let me know when/if you'll need help with building a website to start --- the company logo, template, font(s), etc. I can begin drafts for that as soon as you like.

Best Regards,
Zach

I like this idea providing all alterior motives from any such members are guaranteed to be non existent. Tough gig though judging by human history.
So for someone like me with no notable business skills as my occupation lies within the building and construction industry, what roles could be provided for someone like me?
Sure there's the manufacturing aspect but the way I see it, that wouldn't be till down the track once the business model is successfully established. How could I get involved now, with no obvious business or legal credentials and at the same time ensure my voice is heard?

While I think this is a great proactive idea, it does seem naive and idealistic.

Our societal problems are social issues that have persisted since Biblical times. Can you really create any company, organization, or social group with the necessary checks and balances to ensure that everyone is playing by the rules?

Large organizations require hierarchy and everyone cannot be at the top. So how can you keep the leaders honest?

To those who are concerned whether their skills will match up with the Cooperatives previously stated goal of manufacturing goods: Manufacturing will be one of the many areas we conduct business within. The plan is to be very diverse. Manufacturing was slated in as business "A" so to speak for the purposes of designing the foundation of our business model. There will be other businesses - "B" "C" "D" and so forth.

The main concern here is to first define our Cooperatives foundation so as to provide an umbrella for all other business areas that we enter into.

The ideal goal is to build a foundation that allows equality, accountability and prosperity for all members. When we're done defining things there should be no "top" or "bottom" or we've done something wrong.

Article III – MEMBERSHIP

Section I – Individual membership shall be open to anyone. All who are considered active members of the Global Cooperative will be considered individual members of the Global Cooperative.

Section II – All GCO members may serve in advisory, ex officio and support roles, as needed.

Section III – The membership of GCO shall be based on application to the Global Cooperative and will follow the processes and procedures outlined for GCO membership applications. The Global Cooperative Constitution will serve as the formal constitution submitted by and approved by the founding Global Cooperative members.


Please add/revise where needed...

article III

Section IV- Membership Type,

Paragraph I

First time applicant for membership, will have a trial period, to be determined by the board of GOC.

Paragraph II

Trial period members will have no access to funds, servers, and accounting records.
If they are required to acces one of these areas to perform their task, then a senior member
must vouche for them.

Paragraph III

Beginner membership will be a period of membership following trial membership.
The Beginner membership will last for a set amount of time to be determined by the board of GOC.

Paragraph IV

Beginner members will have limited access to funds, servers, and accounting records.
Beginner members may be exempted from these limitations if their tasks require access,
senior members must be made aware before access is granted.

Paragraph V

Novice Membership will follow the beginner membership, once the time period has passed.
Novice Membership is the first level of full membership.
There is no time limitation on novice membership.

Paragraph VI

Novice members will not be limited in access to any area outside their own field.
Novice members may present ideas to the board at the monthly member seminar, which will be
adressed lated.
Novice members may be called on to represent beginner and trail members at board meetings.
Novice members will also be tasked with a trail member to support and answer questions.
The failure of a trail member, that a Novice member has been tasked with, to achieive membership,
shall in no way reflect on the Novice member negatively, unless there was inproper conduct.

Paragraph VII

Adept membership will follow novice membership.
Adept membership has no time limitation.
Adept members will be adept in their field and will so be recognised by this title.
Members of this level are expected to act with high regard to the rules and original purpose
of the organisation.

Paragraph VIII

Adept members will be reponsible to notify senior members of any problems that are occuring.
Adept members will also be responsible to inform beginner and trail members of any infractions.
Infractions, unless they endanger themselves or other members, will be given warnings.
When there has been a significant amount of warning to a trial or beginner member,
Adept members are to infor Senior or Board members.
Adept members are also expected to advise Novice members who are tasked with trial members.
Adept members will be granted further priviledges to be determined by the board.

Paragraph IIX

Experienced membership will follow Adept membership.
Experienced membership has no time limitation.
Experienced member have adept knowledge of their field, but are also experience in the
organisation and are to be recognised with this title.
Members of this level are expecte to act with high regard to the rules and original purpose
of this organisation.

Paragraph IX

Experienced members are responsible for notifying the senior members or board of any problems.
Experienced members should try to aid all other members, when possible.
Because of their experience they may be called upon to represent all sub members in board
meetings.
Experienced members will be granted further priviledges and responsibilities to be
determined by the board.

Paragraph X

Responsible membership will follow Experienced membership.
Responsible membership is the first level of Senior membership.
Responsible members have show extensive knowledge and experience in their field and
in the organisation, and have been shown to be responsible member acting in accordance with the
original intent of the organisation and will be recognised with this title.

Paragraph XI

Responsible members are to ensure all sub members are acting within the original intent of the
original intentent of the organisation.
Responsible members are also eligible to serve on the board.
Responsible members are to make sure all problems of the sub levels are heard and any concerns are
dealt with.
Responsible members are to hold member seminars, in a way determined by each field, that will
give a voice to members.
Responsible members are also responsible for assigning which trial member will be tasked to
which Novice member.
Responsible members will be granted further priviledges and responsibilities to be determined by the board.

Paragraph XII

Reknown membership will follow responsible membership.
Reknown mebership has no time limitation.
Reknown members have proven themselves extensivly experienced in their field and in the organisation,
have are reknowned for following the original intent of the organisation and will be recognised with this title.

Paragraph XIII

Reknown members are eligible for the board.
Reknown members are responsible for delegating the resonsibilities of the sub members.
Reknown members first responsibility is making sure the original intent is followed,
in this way they are the safety net from the organisation deviating from the original intent.
Reknown members are to make sure the organisation is followig the original intent, and if they have
any concerns about this they are to bring it up to the board, and if the board dismisses it,
and there are still concerns on the part of the Reknowned member, then they are to talk to a
Responsible member and have a member seminar on the subject, it may then be allowed to vote on
over ruling the board decision, by gaining a majority of the members of the organisation's support.
Reknown members will be granted further priviledges and responsibilities to be determined by the board.

Paragraph XIV

Board members are to be elected by vote of all full and senior members.

Paragraph XV

Board members are representative of all sectors of the organisation, and its membership should
reflect this.
Board membership will have a time limitation to be determined at a later time, by majority vote.
Board members responsibilities will be determined at a later date.
Board member must act in accordance with all rules and original intent of the organisation.
Board members will be granted further priviledges and responsibilities to be voted on by the majority of the
members.

Paragraph XVI

Consulting members are mebers who have previously served on the board.
Consulting members have a long history with the organisation, and will be recognised with this title.

Paragraph XVII

When the Board members are determining the futur of the organisation, they should, but are not required to,
ask for the advice of Consulting members.
Consulting members eligibility for the board will be determind at a later date by the voting members.
Consulting members are to hold member seminars for the Expert, Responsible and Reknowned members.
Consulting members are to hold regular meeting to discuss the organisation, its fiscal and economic
success and failure, and the organisations following of the original intent.
Consulting members are to have regular meeting with the Board members to advise them on their findings
in the meetings and seminars.
Consulting members wil be given further priviedges and responsibilites to be determined by the majority
of the voting membership.

Well I hope you consider it, make some changes if you guys think they should be made.

I did put some time into this, so I hope some of it is kept

Well adjust as necissary.

I think the tiered mebership is the best way to make the organisation run. Because each area is responsible for different things as well as their own field.

Also it is built right in so that board members can be overruled by the majority of members if they are not acting in accoradance with the original intent of the organisation.
That should help keep any mis-actions by the Board members under control.



Well tell me what you think.