A cooperative (co-op) is a great place to practice democratic values of equality, the common good, and popular sovereignty while also getting to know those in your community. A co-op is an association of people who join to meet a shared need or goal, whether economic or social, through joint-ownership. Co-op members control the direction of business democratically, usually with one vote per member and an elected board of directors. Also, co-ops return their financial gain to their members in some form, such as discounts or refunds. Common types of co-ops include housing or building co-ops, public utility co-ops, agricultural co-ops, co-op banks or credit unions, and retail co-ops (like a food co-op).
A counterbalance to the concentration of wealth and power in government, cooperatives serve as an example of a way to accumulate common assets. Co-ops offer not only ownership, but also a community with opportunities to belong and to serve. Of course, you also enjoy the use of the co-op’s product/service.
Like any democracy, you need to give it some of your time to make a co-op work well. Since co-ops are like mini-democracies, practice your democratic values and virtues by not only joining but also actively participating in the co-op of your choice.
— Habib Todd Boerger in Practicing Democracy with Your Money by Habib Todd Boerger, Kristin Ritzau