Employee-Owned.
As of August 1st, 2021, Metta has joined a rich community of cooperative businesses in Baltimore, and across the nation. Co-ops around the world adhere to a core set of values and principles that benefit workers, build wealth, and bolster local economies. Scroll down to meet our owners and learn more about cooperative business.
Principles of Cooperative Business
Special thanks to the Baltimore Roundtable for Economic Democracy (BRED) and to Seed Commons for helping us with the transition to worker ownership. We couldn’t have done it without you!
BRED has helped numerous local businesses form and re-form into cooperatives. Learn more about BRED here.
Seed Commons is a national network of locally-rooted, non-extractive loan funds that bring financing options to local communities. By sharing capital and resources to support local cooperative businesses, we build the possibility for a democratic and sustainable new economy. Learn more here.
1. Voluntary and open membership
At Metta, this means that all of our therapists have the option to become owners. (Scroll down for more information about our client membership; which is different.)
2. Democratic member control
This means that each owner has equal say in the business. (“One member, one vote.”) No person or entity is allowed to ‘buy’ more decision-making power.
3. Members’ economic participation
All members (owners) are working employees of the business. No outside entity is allowed to make business decisions!
4. Autonomy and independence
We maintain our autonomy and commitment to democratic ownership in all of our business decisions.
5. Education, training, and information
We believe in what we’re creating! We educate ourselves, our employees, and our community about the nature and benefits of cooperatives.
6. Cooperation among cooperatives
By working together through local, national, and international structures, cooperatives bolster local economies and more effectively meet community needs.
7. Concern for community
We are committed to serving community in all aspects of our business. To us, this means paying our therapists fairly, taking care of our environment, hosting community events, and reinvesting business profits into community support programs. Stay tuned for more information!
Become a member
Clients and neighbors are encouraged to support our business by becoming members! Membership costs $90/year and helps our business build capital. In return, you receive 10% off of all services booked at Metta. If you visit us monthly or more, you will see the savings add up!
The fine print:
Membership is valid for one year from purchase date.
Membership fees are non-refundable.
Membership may not be shared with others;
Family membership is available for $135/year – that’s 50% off for additional members!
Membership renews for 50% the current rate (within 2 months of expiration).
Your membership is not an ownership share;
Members are eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors.
Become an owner
All of our employees are eligible for worker ownership. Learn more about applying to work with us here.