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WHAT IS A CO-OP?
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A co-op is a company that is owned and operated by the people who use its products and services.
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A co-op is governed by “one member, one vote,” where all members have responsibility for and a say in how the business is run.
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Members “buy in” to the co-op through a monetary capital contribution.
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Members have a material say in how the business is run.
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WHY A GYM CO-OP?
A co-op is truly owned and operated by its members. Our co-op provides people with gym access and the ability to build community in a space that they have a material stake in. (Read more about how gym co-ops work here!) This also allows coaches and trainers to control their working conditions. We believe that a co-op is one of the best ways to enact our values of equity, access, and inclusion.
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What would I get as a member?
At Collective Strength, we think the biggest advantage to being a member of the co-op is that you get to do more than workout– you get to build a community and help create the safe and affirming space for others that you’ve always wanted. But, besides that, you also get:
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Semi-annual membership meetings
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Regular newsletters
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Voting on decisions like equipment purchases, location, etc.
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Ability to run for board of directors
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And, of course, a share of any profit Collective Strength makes
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OK…what does it cost?
There are two main costs: (1) your Co-op membership capital contribution and (2) your monthly gym open access membership fees. Think of your co-op contribution as buying your cool new high-tech phone, and your open access fees as paying for service and data each month.
Your Co-op Membership Capital Contribution can be paid as either a one-time payment of $300, $25 per month for one year, or $12.50 per month for two years. If you choose not to pay your contribution all up front, you become a voting member after just three payments.
For monthly gym open access membership fees, Collective Strength offers a flexible pricing model. Our membership tiers range from $35-90 per month.
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What if I become a co-op member,
but I don’t use the gym?
You can become a member of the co-op even if you don’t live in the Philadelphia area or aren’t planning on using the gym. You would simply pay your co-op membership capital contribution, but forgo the monthly access fees. As a co-op member, you will always get a share of the profit, whether you choose to use the gym or not.
However, to be a voting member, you must have paid your gym access fees for at least three months during the calendar year. We have this rule because we want to make sure that the folks who experience the gym and community first hand get to make the decisions.
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Do I need to do anything
else to be a member?
Members are required to provide 20 hours of work per year to the gym. That can be things like cleaning the gym, staffing open houses, writing newsletter or social media posts, or giving tours to new members. It could even mean planning and hosting a social event! We know everyone has busy lives, and we want these work contributions to be flexible, fun, and meaningful for everyone.
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OUR FUTURE
Collective Strength is working with a co-op specific funder to fund our transition to a bigger space with the ability to hold more classes, accommodate Olympic weightlifters, and have a wider range of equipment! If you become a co-op member, you will get a say in where we end up and how Collective Strength will grow!
