Although our staff manages day-to-day operations, members control Guilded’s vision and governance. Member-owners own equity in Guilded and receive a patronage account that grows in value as Guilded grows.

We encourage users to become member-owners if they are interested, but member-ownership is not a requirement. Member-owners gain a real stake in the organization and a collective voice in how it’s governed. That means shaping policies, voting on leadership, and co-creating an economy that values people over profits.

The process of becoming a member is a simple and low time commitment process. But if you aren’t sure that member-ownership is right for you, that’s ok! Users can still use Guilded to process contracts without becoming a full Guilded member.

We’re here to improve your life, not control it.

Guilded members gain the following rights:

• Democratic decisions making. Guilded members have the right to run for and vote on the Directors of our Board.

• Input on on priorities. Guilded members are invited to shape the vision for how and where Guilded grows, as well as which new benefits we will offer.
• Profit sharing. Approximately 75% of the Guilded service fee that we charge for processing a member's contracts is added into that member's patronage account during the following year. Patronage accounts hold money that members can withdraw if they choose to leave the cooperative.

• Future exclusive benefits. In the future, we may have some benefits that are only available to members.

Guilded members gain the following responsibilities:

• Participation. Guilded members are expected to vote on the Board and attend the annual online membership meeting (when possible).
• Upholding ethics. Guilded members are expected to act according to our values and avoid harming others in our communities.
• Investment. To become a Guilded member, you must process at least 4 separate contracts through us during a year, and buy a share of the business for $100.