INSIDE DOUGLAS COLLEGE / APRIL 18, 1989

New Work Options for Women

Tired of dealing with the boss day-in and day-out? After an especially bad day at the office or business, self-employment seems a tempting work choice. But on deeper reflection, the finances and responsibility may be too much to handle alone.

But there is another option -- one which combines the better aspects of self-employment with working for someone else. That option is the co-operative or group approach to creating a business.

Community Programs and Services is offering a two-ses- sion course geared specifically for women who are interested in working with others to develop enterprises. It’s called "Another Way to Be Your Own Boss -- Women in Worker Co-ops."

Co-ops have existed for more than a century, with the first starting in England during the In- dustrial Revolution. They can now be found all over the world, and they vary in size and busi- ness interests, from bakeries to printing presses to producers of agricultural goods. There are a number of successful worker co- ops -- including women-owned -- in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

The course will be directed at "people getting together to give themselves employment on a small scale," says Melanie Conn, who will be instructing the course along with co-worker Lucy Alderson.

Conn says there are two main reasons people consider the co- op option. "It’s a way of being in control of an important part of your life (work), and it can be an antidote to unemployment."

She adds: "The structure of-

fers opportunity for women to be more fully involved."

Conn explains that the es- sence of the co-op -- regardless of how it’s structured -- is that the workers are the owners. They are called members, and their active co-operation as they work together is emphasized.

Furthermore, it doesn’t matter how much money each member has put into the business from the start -- everyone has one vote.

Other principles that all co- ops share include: open membership, democratic control and promotion of education

The "Women in Worker Co-

ops" program will examine the co-operative principles and structures. Participants, using their own business ideas, will consider various practical is- sues. These include raising capital, incorporation proce- dures and integrating personal and work lives. They will also examine the individual and group skills that are required to develop and democratically manage a Co-op.

"Another Way to Be Your Own Boss -- Women in Worker Co-ops" is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the New Westminster campus.

For more information call 520-5479. To register by credit card call 520-5472.

Unless otherwise indicated, all events take place in the Performing Arts heatre, Room 4100 (4th floor, North Building. For tickets and information call

the Douglas College Box Office 520-5488.)

@ Wednesday, April 19 - 8:00 pm.

Douglas College Amabilis Singers and Youth Choir presents Tell Me a Story with surprise guest story tellers

Tickets: General $6.00 Students/Seniors $4.00