Membership in Samvirk

in Samvirk

Membership

Welcome to Samvirk

Samvirk is a cooperative that co-ordinates the members’ interests at Brunstad. A co-operative is a type of economic association; that is, an organisation that promotes the private interests of its members, and which is owned and controlled by the members themselves. In Samvirk we see this as the optimal organisational structure to give our members security and the opportunity to participate. If you want to participate in the BCC Association’s conferences going forward, you will also need to become a member of Samvirk.

Like all cooperatives worldwide, Samvirk is established by and for its members. As a member of Samvirk, you work together with the other members on a common financial basis, to best manage Oslofjord’s capacity for accommodation during BCC’s conferences at Oslofjord.

Samvirk stands for unity and joint responsibility, and we who are members stand together both financially, and to ensure accommodation for all members at Oslofjord. Each generation plays its part, and this is a continuation of a long tradition of contributing to having a place where we can gather for conferences.

We have the great pleasure to invite you to become a member of Samvirk. Here you will find information about what rights and obligations you have as a member of Samvirk.

What does it cost to become a member?

A co-operative is owned by the members, and to become a member you enter into a membership agreement and pay a share deposit. This is how you also become a co-owner of Samvirk.

The share deposit amounts to NOK 1’500 per person, but is increased to a total of NOK 12’000 per person when you or your spouse start using a points agreement or user agreement. The deposit is paid in various ways. For some, it is deducted from advance rent that has already been paid.

Already have a hotel agreement

NOK 12’000 per person will be deducted from the advance rent you have already paid. Nothing is paid in cash.

For user agreements where only one spouse is a party, both spouses will be offered this solution.

Buying a hotel contract in 2023 or later

NOK 1’500 in share deposit is paid in cash upon enrolment, while the remaining amount of NOK 10’500 per person is deducted from the advance rent when you start using your hotel agreement

Under 26

NOK 1’500 share deposit to be paid in cash upon enrolment

NOK 10’500 will be deducted from the advance rent when you start using your hotel agreement

The agreement stipulates that the amount deducted from the advance rent shall be paid back two years before the expiry of the agreement. However, Samvirk plans to offer an alternative solution that does not require a cash payment, nearer the time.

Paid up share deposits form Samvirk’s equity, and are an important part of Samvirk’s financial security and ability to enter into long-term accommodation agreements with Oslofjord.

Samirk’s economic platform

It is Samvirk’s responsibility to ensure that all members attending the conferences have a place to stay. This is possible because Samvirk has purchased all accommodation capacity on Oslofjord during BCC’s periods of use. The costs for this are covered by all those who attend the conferences. By purchasing accommodation through Samvirk, we contribute to Oslofjord’s financial foundation for ownership, operation, maintenance and development of the property.

Since Samvirk is has to pay a significant amount for the accommodation, it is important for Samvirk that everyone who attends the conferences also pays for the accommodation. Accommodation is purchased via long-term hotel agreements, with some exceptions whereby accommodation can be purchased year by year.

What are my obligations?

When you become a member, you give loyal support to Samvirk’s financial platform. As a co-owner, you cannot undermine this by subletting or lending your hotel agreement, or by staying overnight with others without having a booking via Samvirk. Samvirk has therefore regulated who can be an overnight guest in other members’ suites or accommodation units.

You can add the following overnight guests to a suite or accommodation unit:

Your spouse (if they are a member of Samvirk)

Children up to and including the year they turn 18

Young people aged 18-26 who participate in the Samvirk UNG program

Single people over the age of 26 who have purchased a hotel agreement of 3750 points or accommodation for at least half of all conference days they attend

Married couples who have purchased a hotel agreement for 7500 points or accommodation at all conferences they attend

Especially for spouses

Upon entering into membership, Samvirk is given the right to share information to spouses about membership, products and agreements with Samvirk. The spouse will also be able to manage the agreements and matters related to payment or non-payment. In addition, the spouse will be able to enter, change and cancel reservations and purchase of additional products. If one of the spouses has a savings account in Samvirk, the other spouse is given the right to dispose of funds held by the spouse.

Accommodation is a condition for conference participation

At BCC Event, accommodation is a condition for attending the conferences. Here’s how they explain this in their 2024 event guide:

«It is important for BCC Event that the operations and the investment that has been made at Brunstad are sustainably financed. The fairest way to ensure this is for everyone who uses Brunstad to help pay for accommodation.

Therefore , having overnight accommodation in Samvirk is one of our conditions for attending a conference. Everyone who wishes to register to attend one or more BCC conferences in 2024 must therefore have accommodation, either through their own reservation through Samvirk or as a guest of others.»

On-site accommodation contributes to:

More sustainable finances

A better conference experience, as all our conferences are over several days

Improved security, with better control over who is at the property

Reduced use of resources on accreditation and control

Reduced traffic in and out of the area

Event Guide 2024, BCC Event

Membership rights and organisation

As a member, you also get the right to vote, and can participate in Samvirk’s decisions. Each year you will be invited to a local membership meeting for all Samvirk members in your local church. Each constituency elects delegates to the annual meeting, and each delegate represents up to 50 members.

The Annual Meeting is governing body of Samvirk and is responsible for approving the annual accounts, electing the Board of Directors, amending the articles of association and other major decisions that affect Samvirk and its members.

Did you know?

A co-operative has members, not shareholders, and its purpose is to promote the interests of the members through their financial dealings with the co-operative

In Norway we have, for example, Gjensidige, Tine and Felleskjøpet. Coop, Credit Agricole, Arla Foods and Rabobank are examples of international cooperatives.

Over a billion people interact in 750,000 co-operatives worldwide

If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email at: kontakt@samvirk.com

SAMVIRK SA

Oslofjordveien 9