Who We Are

What is a cooperative? A co-op, or cooperative, is a business owned and run by its members, who work together voluntarily to grow their jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. Co-ops aim to support their local economy and community and can operate in almost any industry. Unlike most businesses, where the leadership owns and profits from the business, a co-op reinvests its surplus funds back into the business, its members, and the community.

What We Stand For

We adhere to the International Cooperative Alliance's principles, using them as a framework to practice our cooperative values.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

Cooperatives are voluntary and open to all who are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.

2. Democratic Member Control

Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote).

3. Member Economic Participation

Members contribute captial to the co-op by paying membership fees. This ensures that the cooperative’s capital is equitable and democratic, as everyone shares ownership and decisions. Together the co-op decides what to do with any extra money earned.

4. Autonomy and Independence

Cooperatives are groups run by their members, who make their own decisions. If they work with others or raise capital from outside organizations, they still keep control and independence, making sure members have a say in everything.

5. Education, Training, and Information

Cooperatives teach their members, leaders, and workers how to help their cooperative grow. They also share information with the public, especially young people and leaders, to explain what cooperatives are and why they're good!

6. Cooperation among Cooperatives

Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.

7. Concern for Community

Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.

  • A member-owner in a cooperative is both a user and an owner. You’ll benefit from the cooperative's services and have a stake in its ownership. This gives you a say in decisions and a share in any profits or benefits.

  • The Philly Dye Co-op offers various membership tiers. Depending on your tier, you may get first access to new plant dyes, the ability to host workshops, voting rights to influence the co-op's direction, and more. As a member, you'll be part of a vibrant plant dye community right here in Philly.

  • We are working on rolling this out. If you're interested in membership, please click here to sign up for updates about our launch!