How do worker-owned organizations like Up & Go make the world better? It’s simple, really. One room at a time. One job at a time. One life at a time.
Here’s how.
How co-ops benefit clients, communities, and the local economy
Because a co-op is worker-owned, each member has a real stake in seeing it grow and thrive. That pride of ownership shows up in all kinds of ways, like above-and-beyond service that leaves your space sparking clean.
And rather than funneling profits to far-off corporate offices, worker co-ops reinvest earnings back into their local communities. So you can feel good about where your dollars are going and actually see the impact of your choice in stimulating economic growth and creating stable employment opportunities for the people in your area.
What’s more, in traditional corporate models, decisions tend to flow one way, from the C-suite down to the frontline staff. But in worker-owned co-ops, it’s the members who collectively make the decisions. And as on-the-ground decision-makers they’re in a prime position to innovate, evolving new products and services that meet the needs of their clients, without having to “run it up” the corporate ladder.
How Up & Go changes the world one life at a time
Perhaps the best proof of the power of co-ops is in a simple before-and-after story of one of our members.
Natividad Aguilar is an Up & Go worker-owner. Before joining Up & Go, Natividad typically worked 40+ hours a week as a cleaner — for less than minimum wage and with zero overtime.
With Up & Go, she now makes $25 to $40 an hour, based on the services she’s providing, and has total control over her schedule and workload. Which means no rushing through jobs just to make ends meet. Or giving up time with her family to pull in a few extra dollars. “It’s changed my life,” she says.
Better service for clients. Better work-life balance for members. Better outcomes for local communities and economies. It’s world-changing stuff, and we’re proud to be part of it.
