I don't think it's about strength at all. We've certainly proved with 1800+ spaces around the world that there is strength in numbers. But rather, there's no agreement on how to form and structure an association, if an association is needed, and what is the purpose of the association, how we network/connect, etc. Many people have many ideas.
We've discussed this topic at various times on this list. Some people have very strong opinions against an association, some have a strong interest in starting one, some in both camp have left the industry, some are brand new. Our movement is still young, and I think that starting in our own backyards is a great step towards something bigger (again, if the bigger is even necessary). On a smaller scale we can work out best practices, try projects, think about protocols and iron out purpose. Then maybe we can start linking them together in future. Toronto was ready to band together and raise the profile of coworking locally, then we started CoworkingOntario so that spaces in the farther reaching areas in our province could connect and meet up, but the province also affects policy for small businesses, and together we could be be effective as one provincial-wide group. Now I'm sending out a message to all of the Canadian spaces about a national group that could develop into an actual national association because I see a different need for all Canadian spaces to be recognised as one cohesive legal entity. And some spaces might not want to participate, and that's fine. Others will. But each of our coworking groups, municipal, provincial, and federal, has a different and distinct purpose than the other, and a continental or global organisation would also be something different. I highly recommend at least regional groups or associations or collectives. Band together with your local coworking spaces in your city or state or province and do some great things together. Nothing bad can come from getting together as one cohesive group that can be recognised locally. It's all to raise the profile of coworking in your area. Every area is unique. Prove the model on a smaller scale and see where that takes you. r. *____________________ rachel young *[email protected] *Find us in person:* Camaraderie 102 Adelaide St E 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M5C 1K9 (647) 861-4350 *Find us online:* Website/blog <http://camaraderie.ca> and Newsletter<http://bit.ly/camaraderienewsletter> Google+ <http://bit.ly/CamaraderiePlus>, Twitter<http://twitter.com/camaraderie> , Facebook <http://bit.ly/9zv3Fx>, and LinkedIn<http://bit.ly/CamaraderieGroup> *Be in business for yourself, not by yourself! * *Continue the conversations you started on May 27* *at FLCTO2 by joining the LinkedIn group <http://linkd.in/FLCTO>.* * * *Are you a coworking commitmentphobe? * *Try the Coworking Toronto Passport Program <http://bit.ly/CTOPassport2012>* *for a day pass to seven spaces for one price.* * * On 28 September 2012 10:00, John Saddington <[email protected]>wrote: > so you're saying that the movement isn't strong enough to sustain it's own > affiliation like that of a GWA? perhaps sometime in the future? > > i'm all for the organic development... in fact, coworking for a number of > reasons and perspective not institutional. good convo here. thanks jerome! > > -- Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
