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An editable sample bylaws document for worker cooperatives that can help groups avoid starting their governance documents from scratch.
A sample bylaws document gives founders a concrete way to see what governance questions must be answered before a co-op can operate responsibly.
Early-stage worker co-ops preparing for legal formation or governance redesign.
Heirloom Library entries are summaries and wayfinding notes. The original source is the best place to read the full resource.
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Democracy at Work Institute
A DAWI guide explaining how governing documents can codify democratic ownership, governance structure, growth, and conflict-resolution pathways.
Sustainable Economies Law Center
A legal and practical manual from SELC, EBCLC, and the Green Collar Communities Clinic on starting and operating a worker-owned business.
Equal Exchange
A real-world example of articles of incorporation and bylaws from Equal Exchange, one of the better-known U.S. worker cooperatives.
This free 2013 Democracy at Work Institute resource is an editable Word document. It is most useful as a learning and drafting aid that makes choices about membership, voting, directors, meetings, and ownership rights concrete.
It is an older sample, not a ready-to-file legal document. Worker co-ops should not copy it blindly; they should adapt it to their entity type, jurisdiction, and actual governance practices with qualified legal support.