Chapter 9

Warm up Questions

1. Would you share a car with someone that you don’t know?
2. Did you ever buy something that you only used once?
3. Right now, do you share anything within your family or with your neighbours?

Reading

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1. There are both benefits and drawbacks to cooperative ownership which can be easily illustrated by several organizations within Waterloo Region.  Communauto is a car share company where members have access to vehicles for as long as they wish.  This type of rental may be for several days or minutes depending upon an individual’s need.  The Library of Things is just like a library where, rather than borrowing books, individuals who have joined the organization can take out tools, equipment, or small appliances for a specified time.  A third type of cooperative organization includes artistic groups.  One example of this type of organization is The Waterloo Potters’ Workshop, which is a group for potters who can have access to a fully equipped studio, classes, and events.  Other cooperative groups are formed around landownership like housing cooperatives and insurance groups or agricultural activities.
2. One advantage of shared ownership is that these groups have a democratic structure and are operated by a board of directors made up of members of the group.  This allows opportunity for participation in the way the group operates. In order to function, some cooperatives may require participation such as a working co-op where every member contributes in some way to the organization.  This sort of participation may include activities like website maintenance, holding a position on the board of directors, or cleaning the facility depending on the member’s capability.  Jobs like this often rotate annually. Overall, being part of a cooperative organization allows members to gain skills and experience in a variety of roles.
3. One of the most obvious benefits to cooperative membership is economic; members can save money.  In the case of Communauto, members only have the cost of a vehicle when they are using it; whereas a typical car owner has expenses like insurance even if the car is only being used occasionally.  Artists who cannot afford to purchase the expensive equipment required to start a pottery studio can spare that initial expense by sharing the Waterloo Potter’s Workshop.  In addition, an individual who changes their car tires for the winter season does not need to purchase a hydraulic car jack for that purpose when it can be borrowed from the Library of Things only when required.  
4. The concept of cooperative organization has been around for ages, and examples can be found in several countries around the world.  The Israeli Kibbutz, which is a collective agricultural community, is an example.  In all the organizations mentioned, it is obvious that a true sense of community would develop.  Members would rely on one another to complete their assigned tasks.  Not only would they be unified with a common goal, but they would also build a network where the best interest of everyone involved would be met. This is a positive and natural consequence of people with a common interest coming together.
5. Being part of a cooperative does add more work for the members.  Working members will have to meet the obligation of the organization by doing their assigned job.  They may need to take time to understand and follow the guidelines for use of facilities or equipment.  There will undoubtedly be some record keeping such as indicating gasoline purchased or milage driven for Communauto or prebooking equipment before being picked up at the Library of Things.  These extra tasks are a drawback.
6. Anyone who had to share toys with their siblings when growing up knows that the hardest part of sharing is just that – sharing.  In each of these organizations, members need to plan their activities.  They may not be able to access what they need at the last minute because someone else may be using it.  There are also rare occasions where an item may be damaged.  As a consequence of the damage, it will be unavailable until it is repaired or replaced.  This may cause inconvenience to the next member waiting for their turn. This negative aspect of cooperative organizations is often what causes members to leave the group.
7. Even though there are challenges to cooperative ownership, it continues to be a positive option for a variety of people.  Membership with an organization like Communauto may be temporary for a new graduate.  On the other hand, an artist may develop lifelong connections with a group like the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop.  Next time you think about doing a seasonal job, completing a home renovation, or cooking a special meal, perhaps something you can borrow from the Library of Things will make the job easier.

Comprehension Questions

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. The writer mentions three organizations in the article.  Explain what they are.
2. What are three advantages of belonging to a cooperative organization?
3. What is a disadvantage of belonging to a cooperative organization?
4. When would the Library of things be helpful?
5. Why would an artist join the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop?
6. Who would benefit from being part of Communauto?

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Vocabulary Words

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