@modo_carcoop meeting Sept 23 to vote on rule changes #coop #democracy

Vancouver-based Modo the Car Co-op is having a Special General Meeting of members on Monday September 23, to vote on eight resolutions proposed by the Modo board, for changing the co-op's rules:

A. “HOUSEKEEPING” CHANGES

• Resolution 1: Correction of oversights or typographical errors; clarification; and removal of obsolete or redundant items

B. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS PROCESS

• Resolution 2: Create a Nominations Committee and define its accountabilities
• Resolution 3: Create alternatives to in-person voting at annual meetings for elections
• Resolution 4: Create an option to use alternative voting systems in elections

C. OTHER SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES

• Resolution 5: Permit the co-op to pay interest on members’ shares
• Resolution 6: Permit an organization to become a Business Member of the co-op, and to appoint a Delegate to represent it
• Resolution 7: Authorize the Board to invest funds with reference to an Investment Policy
• Resolution 8: Change the name of the co-op to Modo Co-operative

Full details (text of new rules, reasons etc) are accessible only to Modo members (like me) logged in at bookit.modo.coop.

As you can see from my posts on this blog for the past year and a half, I've been very critical of the boards of some large co-ops, which have persuaded their members to approve rule changes that shift power from members to the board. The boards have not described it to members as a power transfer, but in substance that's what it is. The changes undermine Co-operative Principle #2 -- democratic member control -- and open the door to corrupt abuse of power by boards. Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is a prime example.

So I'm happy to report that, as far as I can tell, the rule changes proposed by Modo's board would strengthen, not weaken, member democracy.