Some colleagues on this list and I met to think about this approach. As I skimmed some of the responses to your post, I think an open approach is to borrow a bit from the established lines of thinking as well as innovative, novel perspectives. Rather than debating over corporation types (non-profit vs. for profit) or whether a single approach does or does not seem viable, I am interested in focusing on building a business or venture model that facilitates our work openly and collaboratively. In other words the model dictates the incorporation type (would love to be in Vermont right now).
As part of that model, I am personally seeking to explore, document and implement ways to connect early pipeline innovators and entrepreneurs to the greater wealth of resources often and primarily available to VC targets and incubators. We have a ton of like-minded, yet diverse folks that are connected by many facets of Co-working. How about we begin to translate our online discussions into a rotating offline salon between all of the spaces currently operating? We can stream gatherings online to afford full, active participation when we can't make it to a designated venue. One month we're in San Francisco and another we are in Philly. We can start by learning who is in the room and how we can help each other. I think it starts as simply as that, provided we can agree to come in with an understanding that the goal is not to influence anyone to do things one way, but to resource build through discussion and collaborative interaction where it makes sense (and please let that be by a broad definition of what makes sense). I am happy to meet with folks to explore further (of course we will document online to keep things democratic). Anyone want to Skype in and gather in person next week? I am in NYC and can secure a venue if one isn't suggested first. Cheers, d Forgive any typos-- shopping and typing presents challenges. -- dawn im: realrainmaker skype: unitedcommunityventurepartners -- ...sent from my iPod Touch via wifi ;- ) On Oct 9, 2008, at 6:52 AM, Karen Origlio <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Over the past few weeks I've met/emailed several group members to > discuss the idea of creating a non-profit organization to support > coworking space owners and members. > > The idea is to have an organization whose mission is to help spaces > start and sustain themselves, and link them together. Imagine a > knowledge base of information and resources for a space catalyst, or > collaborating with members in other locations via video conferencing > or finding the specific expertise you need for your latest project > through a member directory... Coworking will be an industry, not just > a movement. > > This organization can also assist the independent worker and > entrepreneurial spirit found in so many members...I'd love to connect > members with affordable and much-needed medical or disability > insurance... > > There seems to be some interest in this idea. What do YOU think? Good > idea? Let's discuss. > > If yes, I see two next steps: > > 1. Form a Board of Advisors to define the mission and vision of the > organization and contribute their expertise and knowledge. Not sure of > the time commitment needed - probably minimal - perhaps an hour > conference call in the next few weeks. > > 2. Define a list of projects for the Cowork Network and help identify > people to assist. > > Would love to hear your opinions pro or con, on list or off. > > Thanks, > Karen Origlio > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
