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Updating the join oage to offer clearer benefits of joining CoTech with links to more information in the wiki.

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Membership of the Co-operative Technologists network is open to all co-ops that sell technical/digital products or services that are run and owned by their workers.
Our vision is a fairer world in which wealth and resources are distributed to the people who need them rather than those best able to take them.
Secondary co-ops and multi-stakeholder co-ops are also welcome so long as all they (and their members) do not generate money for investors by exploiting their workers.
## Why join CoTech?
We refer to these as tech co-ops, though many of us are focused mainly on design or film-making, for example. There are many ways to get involved depending where you're coming from.
As an existing worker cooperative there are many reasons why you might want to join the fastest growing UK tech worker coop network.
#### Existing tech co-ops
### 1. More work and better business
If you are already part of a tech co-op (or an organisation that is practising cooperative principles and in the process of formally becoming a co-op) then we've already tried to find you to invite you to the network.
Joining the CoTech network will allow you to:
* get referrals from other members,
* collaborate or partner on projects,
* supplement your team with skills that you dont have,
* meet the needs of your own clients.
If you were hiding somewhere or missed our call then [get in touch using our open Discourse forum](https://community.coops.tech/c/cotech).
Being part of a larger network can increase your own reputation as a business and value proposition that will enable you to win work and grow your business.
#### Existing tech/digital companies
### 2. More skills and better knowledge
If you are part of a company or social enterprise that sells digital services and would be interested in becoming a workers co-op then we're here to help.
You can tap into skills and experience from other cooperatives that will enable you to
* learn about better ways of working and
* solve common problems
* share your knowledge and experience on various aspects of your work
* promote your cooperative to potential partners and collaborators.
We have found that co-operatives are more democratic, effective and fun to work for than other structures such as social enterprises, partnerships and traditional companies. If you'd like to find out why then get in touch.
Sharing skills and knowledge helps us all to be more efficient and reduce the likelihood of duplicating efforts.
Once you're on the path to becoming a co-op you can become a member of the network.
### 3. More support and a better network
You will join a friendly and welcoming network of co-operative businesses and people. We support each other through
* regular meetups and workshops,
* peer-to-peer mentoring and shadowing,
* access to private threads on our community forum,
* co-working opportunities,
* a private Slack channel.
#### Individuals that want to work for tech co-ops
Meeting like minded people is a crucial aspect of building trust and solidarity within the network and will provide a vital support network of like-minded individuals for your co-op.
If you are an individual that would like to work for a tech co-op then you can either apply for a job at an existing member co-op or start your own.
## Who can join?
To express an interest in working for a tech co-op you can [contact us using the jobs board on our open Discourse forum](https://community.coops.tech/c/jobs) explaining about your skills/experience and why you want to work for a tech co-op.
To join CoTech you need to be a worker owned co-operative providing digital or technical services in the UK.
For more details on who can join and how to join, please see the wiki pages linked to below:
The majority of jobs in our network are for developers, designers, project managers, etc. but if you have some skills you think we need then let us know. If you would like to start a tech co-op then we'd love to help you.
There are many types of co-op that are eligible for membership of Co-operative Technologists including worker co-operatives, freelancer co-ops and various types of consortium co-ops. We can share our various models with you and you can pick one you like and adapt it to your needs.
Co-operatives in the UK take various legal forms including companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee, co-operative and mutual societies, partnerships and unincorporated bodies. All are eligible for membership of Co-operative Technologists.
#### Individuals that don't want to work for tech co-ops
If you are interested in what we're doing and would like to support our efforts but do not want to join or start a tech co-op then you will soon be able to become an official supporter of Co-operative Technologists.
We're still working our exactly what this entails but in essence you will provide support of some kind and in return will be invited to events, given opportunities to feed into the network and receive support where we can offer it.
If you'd like to find out more and help shape this official supporter role then please get in touch. You can also read more about us and check out our manifesto. You can also read more [about us][about] and check out our [manifesto][].
* [https://wiki.coops.tech/wiki/Who_can_join_CoTech](https://wiki.coops.tech/wiki/Who_can_join_CoTech)
* [https://wiki.coops.tech/wiki/How_to_join_CoTech](https://wiki.coops.tech/wiki/How_to_join_CoTech)
[about]: /about
[manifesto]: /manifesto