Features & Sacco Leadership

How to form a steering committee for a cooperative society

Characteristics of cooperative societies: Different Types of Cooperative Societies: Roles of a member in a cooperative society: How to Name Your Co-Op: How to Form a Steering Committee: responsibilities of a steering committee in a cooperative society: How to attract new co-op members

When starting a cooperative society, one of the essential first steps is forming a steering committee. This committee is crucial as it takes charge of setting up the co-op and guiding its early development.

What is a Steering Committee?

A steering committee is a group of individuals responsible for the groundwork of establishing a cooperative society. Their tasks include making key decisions, handling administrative tasks like submitting government forms, and planning the co-op’s finances and membership. Essentially, the committee lays the foundation for the co-op and often represents its core team.

How to Form a Steering Committee

  1. Initial Planning: Start by gathering a group of interested individuals who are committed to the co-op’s goals. These should be people who are willing to contribute their time and skills to the project.
  2. Invite Additional Members: While the committee usually consists of the first members of the co-op, you may also invite others who are not part of the co-ops ownership structure but have a vested interest in its success. This could include local businesses, organizations, or community leaders.
  3. Hold Initial Meetings: Organize meetings to discuss the idea of forming the co-op, gauge interest, and begin planning. During these meetings, seek volunteers for the steering committee and outline the roles and responsibilities.
  4. Consider Government or External Support: In some cases, local governments or other entities looking to support new services might issue a call for steering committee members. This can help gather a committed group ready to drive the project forward.

Responsibilities of a Steering Committee

The steering committee has several key responsibilities:

  • The committee should clarify the purpose of the co-op. This involves understanding and articulating what the co-op aims to achieve and how it will serve its members.
  • Decide who the co-op’s members will be and what criteria they need to meet. The steering committee should include some of the future owners or those who will have a stake in the co-op’s success.
  • Establish how decisions will be made within the co-op. This includes setting up transparent processes and determining how the organization will operate.
  • Although not always necessary, creating a business plan can be very helpful. It outlines how the co-op will be run, including staffing, selling goods or services, managing finances, and interacting with members. A well-prepared business plan is crucial for communicating the co-op’s goals to stakeholders and securing any necessary funding.

 

Andrew Walyaula
Author: Andrew Walyaula

Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. waliaulaandrew0@gmail.com

Andrew Walyaula

About Author

Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. waliaulaandrew0@gmail.com

Leave a Reply

You may also like

Factors to consider before taking a loan in Kenya: The risks of being a guarantor: what you need to know: SACCO Loan Requirements
Features & Sacco Leadership

Factors to consider before taking a loan in Kenya

The surge in borrowing activities across Kenya highlights a growing inclination towards loans among its populace. With an array of
What is the importance of credit policy in Saccos: Benefits of Sacco membership for small business owners: How to increase Sacco membership: Why Sacco loans are cheaper: Factors contributing to member exits from SACCOs: How to exit from a SACCO
Features & Sacco Leadership

Why Sacco loans are cheaper and more accessible

Kenyan individuals and households are increasingly turning to Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisations (Saccos) and microfinance banks for loans, rather
error: Content is protected !!
×