spółdzielnie (cooperatives)

Cooperatives, known as "spółdzielnie" in Polish, are organizations owned and operated by a group of individuals for their mutual benefit. Members contribute to the cooperative and share in its profits, decisions, and resources. They can take various forms, such as agricultural, consumer, or housing cooperatives. The key principles of cooperatives include democratic control (one member, one vote), equitable distribution of profits, and community focus. By working together, members can access goods, services, and support that might be difficult to obtain individually, fostering solidarity and economic empowerment within the community.