GAA clubs are all about community. To our knowledge, however, not one other GAA club has ever self-referred or operated as a Co-op – until now! But what does it mean to be a Co-op? Here’s a quick rundown of the basics.

Since 1995, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) has defined a “Co-op” as: an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

In plain language, TGAC , as a “Co-op”, is an equally co-owned and democratically governed (by the membership) member-club of the GAA. Because of the critical importance of co-ownership and democratic processes within this and similar organizations, good governance is fundamental to the healthy existence and operation of any Co-op.

Good governance requires a highly diligent effort by all members in regards to education, participation, and consultation with regard to the Co-op’s operations, direction, and achieving of its goals. Rather than short-term gain, good governance and the decisions made via its structures and associated, enumerated responsibilities must focus on sustainability and long-term Co-op and community development.

For some more info on Co-ops, check out this article about Co-op Governance.