the co-oaxaca project - draft summary

Co-Oaxaca (working name) is a cooperative organization that seeks to enhance the “well being” of Oaxaca through the support of businesses, non-profits and NGO’s that create social value in a sustainable manner. There are no shortage of organizations that fit this category, however, many have overlapping services, lack particular skillsets or knowledge necessary to succeed and/or have difficulty in creating a model that allows them to survive.

Through the creation of a physical space with a rich online network that captures the collective intelligence of its members, Co-Oaxaca seeks to build 1) a social network that makes it easier for members to connect with each other, to exchange information and to leverage each others skills, 2) makes links with networks outside of Oaxaca in Mexico and throughout the world for mutual benefit, and 3) an adaptive organizational model that provides mutual incentives in each other’s success.

To be financially sustainable several revenue models are being considered including a scalable monthly membership fee or service requirement depending on ability, fee for specialized services, product distribution and sales revenue, apartment rental fees (see below), among others. Pending results of a survey of potential members, Co-Oaxaca services under discussion could include:

Physical space: Café-deli with meeting places, Demonstration Projects, Shop with Piedra member products, Internet, telephone, fax, computer access and classes…

People connections: Designers, Web design, Lawyers, Accountants, Artisans, NGO’s, Government, Manufacturers, Marketing, Branding, Product distribution…

Connections to outside world: Other Sustainable Business, Social & Environmental organizations, Fair Trade and organic product certification, appropriate technology, Microfinance and other forms of grants and investment.

Virtual network: Website: Newsletter, links to resources, social network, media access and coop branding, product distribution…

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