As you know, we have long celebrated the power and potential of employee ownership to transform businesses and communities. From enhancing productivity to fostering a sense of belonging and mutual success, the benefits are immense. Today, we want to invite you to be a part of an exciting new initiative: starting an informal network dedicated to developing employee ownership in countries with emerging economies through volunteers who live in other countries.

Why Employee Ownership in Countries with Emerging Economies?

In countries with emerging economies, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well, but resources and opportunities can often be limited. By enabling employees to be responsible and have ownership stakes in their businesses, we can cultivate an environment where everyone has a vested interest in the companies’ success, leading to improved outcomes for all.

Our Vision: A Simple, Effective Approach

The concept behind our proposed informal network is straightforward: we aim to connect individuals and organizations in countries with emerging economies with those from outside their countries who are interested in consulting as volunteers on employee ownership.

How You Can Get Involved?

We invite you to join us in this mission by sharing your expertise, experiences, and enthusiasm. Our informal network will act as a conduit, linking those who want to make a difference with others who share their passion. Here’s how you can get involved in efforts with the following countries identified so far:

  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Sierra Leone
  • Sri Lanka
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda

Please express your interest in what we are doing by sending us an email at newsletter@cobap.org indicating which country you would like to help, your professional background, and why you believe you would be a good volunteer consultant in an emerging country context. It is not a disqualifying factor if you do not have emerging country experience. In addition, in a sentence, please write your expertise in any of these roles (lawyer, investment banker, retirement administrator, valuation, or trustee). Our committee will evaluate the responses to make the appropriate introductions for volunteers with like interests.

The Power of Connection

Our role will be to simply put together those who want to help with those who say they need assistance. We believe in the power of connection and community. By fostering relationships and sharing resources, we can collectively make a significant impact. Our goal is not to dictate or manage the process of providing volunteer consulting but to facilitate and support those who are able and passionate about creating change through employee ownership. Our only roles are to establish the network, to have two objective sources outside of our organization read the paragraph descriptions of your qualifications to provide volunteer advice on employee ownership to someone in another country, and to get back to you and let you know our evaluators’ recommendations. Once you are approved, we will introduce you to the person or organization who needs help to build employee ownership in their country.

Join Us on This Journey

We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and the potential to make a meaningful difference in the world. Join us on this journey of empowerment, growth, and shared success. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.

John Hoffmire is a Research Associate at the Oxford Centre for Mutual and Co-owned Business