What is a steering committee and its roles?

When starting a cooperative society, forming a steering committee is a crucial first step. This committee is responsible for guiding the creation and launch of the co-op.

What is a Steering Committee?

A steering committee is a group of individuals tasked with setting up and managing the early stages of a cooperative society. This committee outlines how decisions are made, handles administrative tasks, and drives the co-op from an idea to an operational entity.

Key Responsibilities of a Steering Committee

1. Organization
   • Get organized and assign tasks.
   • Define the co-op’s mission and goals.
   • Gather broader support if needed.
2. Action Planning
   • Follow a structured action plan to incorporate and launch the co-op.
3. Governance
   • Outline the governance structure, which often includes forming the first board of directors.

How to Form a Steering Committee

1. Gather Initial Members
   • Typically, the committee is made up of the co-op’s first members. However, others who support the project may also be invited to join.
2. Meet and Plan
   • Hold meetings with potential members to gauge interest and recruit volunteers. This helps in forming the steering committee and beginning the planning process.
3. Expand Participation
   • Sometimes, local governments or other organizations may call for committee members to help manage and advance the project.

Ideal Skills for Committee Members

1. Financial Expertise:
   • Knowledge of budgeting and fundraising is crucial.
2. Governance Experience
   • Familiarity with governance practices helps in making organized and transparent decisions.
3. Legal Knowledge
   • Understanding legal requirements and jargon is beneficial for drafting documents and navigating regulations.
4. Technical Knowledge
   • Industry-specific knowledge aids in effective business planning.
5. Communication Skills
   • Good interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with members, lenders, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities of the Steering Committee

1. Defining Purpose
   • Clarify the co-op’s mission based on input from potential members.
2. Determining Ownership
   • Decide on membership criteria and identify future owners.
3. Decision-Making
   • Establish how decisions will be made and ensure a transparent process.
4. Business Planning
   • Develop a business plan outlining operations, staffing, and financial management.
5. Incorporation
   • Draft and file articles of incorporation and bylaws. Reserve the co-op’s name and ensure all legal requirements are met.
6. Financing
   • Create a budget, identify funding sources, and plan for fundraising.
7. Membership Engagement
   • Report back to members and involve them in key decisions to maintain their support.

Post-Incorporation

After the co-op is incorporated, the steering committee often becomes the first board of directors. They manage financial and business planning, create bylaws, and handle membership processes until the first annual general meeting, where a new board is elected.

Author: Andrew Walyaula

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