Benefits
For any information not answered on this page, please see the FAQ.
Knowledge Sharing
We are accomplished professionals, but no one of us can know everything. Whether it’s a new technology or one that's gone rusty, the cooperative has the collective experience to support each other through any challenge. SCC members help each other avoid common pitfalls and share experiences to succeed together.
It isn’t all about technology, either. We all run businesses, so we all share things like contracts, NDAs, insurance, tax services, and other things to help our businesses thrive. Membership in the SCC means not having to rediscover the experiences of other members, giving back precious time spent on running our businesses.
More Project Opportunities
We all get project opportunities that don’t quite fit our skill set, our availability, or our rate. Instead of passing on these opportunities, SCC members pass them on to each other. This means more opportunities for all and less time spent finding work.
Shared Marketing
It takes a lot of time and effort to find clients. SCC members share marketing efforts through the cooperative. This means less legwork and more real work for SCC members.
Bid Larger Projects
Most software projects require the resources of an entire team to be successful. Not only is the work of a collaborative team better than that of an individual, but often the size of a project simply requires more resources. SCC professionals can draw from other members to create an ideal team matching the resource and experience needs of any software project perfectly.
How to join
Requirements for SCC Membership
The following lists requirements for membership in the SCC. All members approved may not meet the letter of each requirement. A candidate's overall application package will be considered.
- Substantial experience in the software development industry (10 years of experience is a guideline)
- At least 6 months operating as a contractor or consultant
- An existing body of work defined as:
- The software they have written
- Any contribution to the software development craft or profession
- Demonstrate behavior and professionalism consistent with:
- Manifesto for Agile Software Development
- Manifesto for Software Craftsmanship
- The Software Craftsmanship Cooperative values
Membership Policy
- A maximum of 5 new members may be added to the SCC each month.
- Membership is granted by a 2/3 majority vote of existing members
- Voting will occur in conjunction with the pre-scheduled SCC members meeting
- A candidate must be submitted for voting consideration by an existing SCC member
Membership Application Process
Candidates may petition to join the cooperative through any member in good standing. Any current member proposing a candidate for consideration is a "Sponsor" and vouches for the candidate to the cooperative.
Candidates must submit an application package through their sponsor member. Although specific contents of an application package are left to the discretion of the candidate, contents should include:
- Documented time in industry
- Documented time as a contractor
- Portfolio of work
- Recommend candidates include example code
- Recommend candidates include software that can be seen and reviewed
- At least 3 references from clients for whom you have worked as a contractor
- A current curriculum vitae or resume
- Examples of software development community involvement
- The name of the SCC member sponsoring your membership