What does it take to become a YECN member?
You are European
Every European who wishes to become a member can join. Why? Because we aim to meet in person as often as we can. Our target group is cooperators within Europe.
You're a cooperator or aspire to be cooperator
Not only experienced cooperators but also those interested in cooperation or dreaming of starting their own cooperative are welcome as members.
Membership criteria
To become a member, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are aged 18-39 (for full membership, see membership types below)
- You are based in Europe
- You are active in a cooperative or a cooperative-related organisation (e.g. federations, associations, support structures, coop start-ups, research bodies linked to coops).
If in doubt, applicants may contact the Steering Committee at coopyoutheurope@outlook.com for clarification.
Applicants who do not meet these criteria are not eligible for membership. Membership automatically ends once a member reaches the age of 40, after which they may continue to contribute as an ambassador.
What it means to be a full member
As a full member of the YECN, you become part of a European community of young cooperators.
Membership means:
- staying informed about opportunities, events, and activities within the network;
- being invited to participate in meetings, exchanges, and working groups;
- having the right to vote in the YECN Assembly and contribute to decisions that shape the network;
- connecting with other young cooperators to share experiences, knowledge, and ideas;
- promoting the cooperative model together with peers from across Europe.
By signing up you will get access to our forums, be added to our Mailchimp newsletter, and invited to join our chat.
Membership is voluntary and free of charge.
There are many opportunities — you may simply stay informed and join occasional activities, or you may take a more active role in working groups, projects, or even coordination roles within the network!
What it means to be an ambassador
Ambassadors support the YECN by sharing experience, promoting the network, and joining open activities, but they do not hold voting rights.
Membership is voluntary and free of charge.
There are many opportunities — you may simply stay informed and join occasional activities, or you may take a more active role in working groups, projects, or even coordination roles within the network!