Membership
Become a member
Preston Cooperative Education Centre (PCEC) is a workers union-cooperative focused on learning. We provide education about cooperatives, trade union organising, politics and economics along with skills development aiming to flexibly meet the learning needs of anyone with an interest in cooperative values and democracy, people hoping to set up their own cooperative, trade unionists and community activists.
By becoming a member, you can show your commitment to cooperation and trade union organising and help us develop a dynamic centre for education that makes a difference in Preston and the surrounding areas, as well as more widely nationally and internationally through online teaching and learning.
PCEC is the UK’s first co-operative education centre established as a union cooperative.
As a union co-operative, we’re guided by an active community of members who shape our strategic direction, scrutinise our activities, increase our influence and ensure that we’re a voice for progressive social change and a fairer society across Preston’s communities and workplaces. We are allied to the Preston Model of community wealth building.
Why become a member?
Membership is for people and organisations who are passionate about co-operatives and cooperation and want to:
establish
Support and help us establish and grow a centre for education that is governed and organised by its members
explore
Support and explore alternative models of learning and research (i.e. cooperative ones).
support
Make a difference by supporting cooperative activities in Preston, the surrounding area and beyond.
have a part
Share in education about cooperative activities, union organising, community organising and links between such activities.
participate
Play a part in the work of PCEC and participate in its democratic processes.
apply knowledge
Make use of cooperative education and services wherever possible.
build
Build cooperative partnerships with others which foster the sustainable development of local communities.
help
Help us re-vitalise the links between the cooperative and trade union movement and other social movements.
link
Build upon international links with others doing similar and inspirational work across the world.
What happens when I become a member?
When you become a member…
You demonstrate your commitment to cooperative principles, values and action.
You are showing support for cooperative enterprises which generate quality local jobs and return wealth to local communities.
You are signing up to the creation of a stronger, fairer, more cooperative society.
By becoming a member you will join a growing community of like-minded people and organisations who believe in the value of education in establishing the necessary culture for cooperatives to thrive.
You will be helping us forge constructive alliances between cooperatives and trade unions and other forms of community action, and develop the learning that will deepen democratic participation across all these organisations.
You will be joining us in the belief that co-operative thinking and action together with strong trade unions and community voice can build a better future for everyone in Preston and beyond.