How wonderful to read the Maine Compass about the expanding cooperative economy (Oct. 10).

Co-ops are growing globally because this business model finally brings democracy to the workplace. Spain and Italy have city-size cooperative communities, including university and banking sectors. Scandinavia and Europe are teeming and growing with co-ops. Developing nations, too.

It’s really the business model for the 21st century. The article’s U.S. examples from energy, food stores and publishing to agriculture, housing and restaurants can be supplemented easily.

Co-ops are growing in recycling, especially clothing and electronics. Media and weatherization are also hot areas. There is probably no business activity that cannot fit the cooperative model. And it would perform better as such.

Besides being caring places to work, co-ops foster equality, freedom and dignity. It’s a group effort in the best American sense of teamwork.

It’s obvious: People work better, harder and happier with clear personal ownership in the firm. And when the company has a mission to improve the community — as cooperatives do — the benefits multiply.

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Co-ops regularly appear on “Best Companies To Work For” lists. Two such make outdoor equipment used by many Mainers: REI and Gore-Tex. Many others prosper beneath corporate media interest, all fostering new social relations, a humane social contract, and the beginnings of a new economy.

Ordinary people have started co-ops doing home cleaning, daycare, bakeries, laundries, lawn care, whatever can be imagined. Join a co-op (maine.find.coop). Or start a co-op (cooperativemaine.org).

October is National Co-op Month and launches the United Nation’s World Co-op Year. Catch the co-op spirit!

James Murphy, Starks


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