SOCIAL COOPERATIVE – GOOD IDEA FOR GENERATION Y?

What is Social Cooperative?

Social Cooperative business is an idea for people who want run their own business and also support concrete idea. This type of business is an excellent solution for those who are excluded for example: unemployed or disabled people. Social economy existed in Poland during communism times but it was not private. Now, EU is bringing back the idea of S.C. and support it with funds. Apart from that, the polish law is formalized in this activity. There are two formal options of funded Social Cooperative:

1. Group of 5 people make statute of organisation and register it in jury.  Then they have to take a part in competition organised by Voivodeship and get 18.000 PLN (4.000€) for every excluded person to create a work place.

2. Two foundations can make common statute and employ the excluded people.

It’s possible to get money only for 5 new work places, but you can employ in S.C. 1-50 people. For disabled people you can get even more money.

How does it work in Toruń?

The Foundation “Factory UTU” and “ Warehouse of good changes” are group of people who want to activate the community by initiating and carrying out the activities of cultural, artistic, social and civil rights. They actively operate in the field of anthropology and  in the area of culture - design and implementing the project nature of art, education with emphasis on participation, the revitalization of social, cultural, anti- discrimination. They are also in favour of disadvantaged groups, informal education and support tasks in the field of sustainable development, integration and social economy. All these people taking part in creating Social Cooperative were previously excluded. They were all alumni of Fine Arts and Humanistic Science and there is a high unemployment rate among this vocational category.

They create a collective social company called KULTURHAUZ, that combine hostel and culture centre together. This activity started 2 years ago. This is a business but also in the same time they promote balanced development value and art potential of the city. They employ 5 people who were excluded, especially graduates of visual art after studies. They received support from the City Hall of Toruń - in the form of venue. This place needed renovation and they did it itself and attracted external funds by fundraising.  They will also give 20% of their income for the founding statute. This place had gained its popularity among people who are looking for alternative place to stay or seek contact with creative people. All rooms at hostel are flexibly arranged. You can even come with your own beddings sand negotiate a price for the night. There is also a place for common work, rather small co‑workable room.

Kulturhauz Hostel and Culture Centre is  situated in downtown Toruń and designed by artists. In accordance with the principles of slow movement they take care of sorting and recycling household waste and encourage to work in their garden with herbs and plants.

In addition to this harmony development they use also products that were not tested on animals and serves vegan food. They also have friendly kid environment, special discounts for the culture sector, NGO’s  and grassroots initiatives. Kulturhauz is successful because of good cultural program, interesting events and favourable comments on FB. They also have good and strong base with unique atmosphere. 

SWOT analysis

During the Kick off meeting in Toruń was study visit in Kulturhauze Hostel and Culture Centre. We use SWOT tool to check what are the: STRENGTH, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITY, THREAT. People from 11 countries in Europe got the information about the history of this place, talked with the workers and also worked in groups to find answers for these 4 challenges. 

Wishes for Gen-Y

 Social Cooperative is an option for Gen –Y. It’s gives you a possibility to be a boss and also co-worker among friends. There is no limit of branch types you would like to develop. From this year there is a support from the UE funding – in monetary form. For the first year they received 1.500 PLN (330 €) for every employee (Marshal Office) and in addiction 18.000 PLN (4000 €) for every new workplace. After that time they have to run business without these “external support”. Group of people from Kulturhauz started without money support - they simply had an idea of what they want to do in their life. I strongly believe that sharing knowledge of Social Cooperative business among young people can help them to find their way of life and eventually to stay in Toruń.