The International Year of Co-operatives is an incredible event, which will increase co-op awareness within each co-op's membership and on a much larger community scale. In order to live up to its potential, it will need the support of all Ontario's co-operatives, big and small. The resources on this page will help you get involved.

The Goals of 2012

At the meeting of the Board of the International Co-operative Alliance in Beijing in September 2010, the ICA determined to focus on achieving one significant outcome for the International Year: to raise public awareness and visibility of co-operatives.

Here in Ontario, we have four key objectives for province-wide IYC activities. The first three echo the Canadian objectives; the fourth is uniquely Ontario's. 

1. Increased awareness of co-operatives.
2. Building the capacity of the co-operative sector and movement and engage government.
3. Creating legacy initiatives that will live beyond 2012.
4. The formation of regional co-op clusters -- groups of co-ops in a neighbourhood, city or region working together on initiatives such as shared IYC projects, shared education & training (board, staff, member), joint purchasing or marketing efforts, and increased purchasing from other co-ops.

 There are tons of events taking place during the International Year of Co-operatives and we want you to share them. The community events calendar on canada2012.coop allows co-operatives and credit unions throughout Canada to post their IYC event plans. Any event - big or small - can be shared on the website.

Click here to post your event

Promotion and Theme

Over the course of 2011, co-operative associations - including On Co-op - worked to create promotional materials that will let co-ops around the world speak with a unified voice.  And then the fun began on January 1, 2012:  we got to tell the world about co-operatives, credit unions and caisse populaires!

The IYC 2012 theme, is Co-operative enterprises build a better world (en français, Les coopératives, des entreprises pour un monde meilleur). A copy of the logo can be viewed through the Related Documents link at right, and more versions are available on our product and templates page. Credit Unions may choose to use the theme, Credit Unions build a better world.

Photo Contest: "Show Us Your Co-op"  

 

 

 

CO-OP NETWORKS AND CLUSTERS

On Co-op is encouraging co-ops, credit unions and caisse populaires in communities across Ontario to work together on IYC projects. Working together, these (formal or informal) co-op networks raise awareness of the co-operative operating in the community, and achieve economies of scale and shared resources when planning activities or events.  See the link under 'In This Section' at right for more information on Ontario co-operative clusters and networks.

CO-OPERATIVE SPEAKERS' BUREAU

THIS IS THE YEAR TO PUT CO-OPERATION ON YOUR MEETING AGENDAS. BOOK A CO-OP SPEAKER FOR YOUR AGM, CONFERENCE, STAFF MEETING OR OTHER EVENT. Looking for a presenter to talk about involving youth in your co-op, Co-ops 101 or 201 session, the energy generated by the International Year, or any other topic related to co-ops and/or building a better world co-operatively?

On Co-op can put you in touch with speakers to talk to your group on topics that support the International Year theme of ‘Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World.’ Our own team are skilled presenters - and we have access to others in the co-op community who can knowledgeably speak on a variety of issues.   Learn about credit union coaches’ international development missions in Africa, how and why IYC can strengthen your organization, how to empower and engage youth,  how your organization can support the movements’ charitable foundations, developing relationships with your local schools  – just a few examples. Want a lunch&learn with your staff on co-op basics, or how the All 4 Each high school program can strengthen the link between your co-op/credit union and your local schools? Contact any On Co-op staff member to learn more.

IYC PROJECTS MANAGED BY ON CO-OP

ON CO-OP IS LOOKING TO THE CO-OP SECTOR TO ASSIST IN THE SUPPORT OF ITS IYC PROJECTS.  In addition to the International Year initiatives undertaken by Ontario co-ops at a local level, the Ontario Co-operative Association also has a number of its own International Year projects it will be managing for IYC 2012. 

 With your support , On Co-op can increase our planned involvement in these projects.  Ontario co-operatives, credit unions, caisse populaires, co-op federations and sector supporters are encouraged to work with On Co-op and to financially suport the following projects.   Your partnership will allow us to broaden our reach during IYC - a time when more co-ops than ever will require support and promotion. 
 
PROVINCIAL MOBILE SIGN CAMPAIGN:  On Co-op is requesting that every co-operative, credit union, caisse populaire and sector supporter rent a mobile sign for the month of October, 2011 (and again October, 2012), and place one in front of each location you operate.   The cost is less than $200 per sign, but the value of seeing the same message at dozens or hundreds of locations across the country is immeasurable! This expense could be eligible for an IYC subsidy. SEE THE RECOMMENDED TEXT for this sign, available through the 'Related Documents' link at right. 
 
IYC ONTARIO SUBSIDY POOL:  To assist co-op organizations with limited funding resources, On Co-op is committing up to $10,000 in subsidies to Ontario co-operatives to assist them with an IYC project. The program launched at the beginning of 2012.  On Co-op will provide up to $150 per co-op (one location only) utilizing a very simple application process. The policy and application form can be downloaded from the 'Related Documents' area at right.

PROVINCIAL BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN: On Co-op placed 25 billboards in communities across Ontario to increase the awareness and understanding of co-operatives.  Co-branding with co-ops, co-op clusters, and federations allowed allow us to place more signs in more communities and target neighbourhoods where co-op are located.  Learn more here. 

To learn more about these projects, and how your partnership with On Co-op can increase their effectiveness, please open 'On Co-op's IYC Initiatives 2011-2012' in the Related Documents area at the right..

WHAT CO-OPS AND SECTOR SUPPORTERS CAN DO RIGHT NOW

1. Download the '31 Free or inexpensive IYC ideas ...' file from the 'Related Documents' link at right.
2. Meet with your board and management team to identify projects within your co-op you can implement in 2012 and beyond that will increase the awareness of your co-operative within the co-op, and in your community. This could range from including the IYC 2012 logo on your website and letterhead, to a series of open houses involving members, the board and your community ... or whatever your co-op feels would increase awareness and co-op spirit!! Blue-sky some ideas, and try to incorporate both large and small projects.
3. Include these items in your 2012 and 2013 budgets and planning documents.
4. Don't work in isolation!  Contact other co-ops and credit unions in your area and see if you can mesh your plans or achieve economies of scale for the purchase of some items. If you need a list of co-ops nearby, contact Mark Ventry at the co-ordinates below, or do a city, category or postal code search in the e-directory.
5. Begin to think of legacy projects you can create (either alone, with other co-ops in your area, or with other co-ops in your sector) that can leverage the power of IYC 2012 well beyond December 31, 2012.
6. Be sure to send On Co-op a list of your projects and activities so we can help promote them. What are some of your proudest achievements??

 

LOTS OF LITTLE THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR IYC 2012

For almost a year in 2011, On Co-op's e-Newsletter included easy and inexpensive ideas that you and your co-op or credit union can use to start IYC 2012 initiatives right now. Here are some highlights:

1. Post the seven co-op principles in your lunch room, and discuss a different one each month during a staff meeting.
2. Buy something from just ONE more co-op this month. It could be fair trade organic coffee for your lunch room, organic cotton for your company uniforms, or consulting services for strategic planning or board training. You could even put some money in a term deposit in your local credit union. The e-directory presents all Ontario co-ops, so spend a few minutes searching the list and discover the opportunities.
3. Meet with your MPP to tell him/her about the co-operative difference, and discuss the benefits your co-op can bring to your community.
4. Make a donation to a co-op foundation such as the Co-operative Development Foundation or the Ontario Credit Union Charitable Foundation.  Consider starting a fund to support community projects or youth leadership.
5. Spread knowledge of the model by including interesting co-op facts in your communications with members and customers. On Co-op’s website includes several pages all about co-operatives, and CCA can provide other interesting facts and figures.
6. Consider ways that you might incorporate the sixth principle, Co-operation among Co-operatives, into your business by partnering with, offering discounts to, or supporting other co-ops around you.
7. Incorporate the official IYC slogan, “Co-operative enterprises build a better world,” into your marketing, your newsletters, your emails, or anyother way your co-op communicates.
8. To help spread the word about co-ops helping communities, hold a fundraiser with the goal of raising $2012 for a local charity.
9. Create a co-op committee and invite all of the co-ops in your city, town or region. Meet to discuss ways that you can collaborate on an IYC project for your area.
10. Theme a co-op event or meeting, such as your AGM, to support the IYC slogan, "Co-op Enterprises Build a Better World".
11. Include the IYC slogan (Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World) as part of your organization’s email autosignature.  Include the IYC logo or tagline in all of your PowerPoint presentations and external communications (copies can be downloaded from these pages).
12. Dream big!  Wouldn’t it be great to see your co-op’s name and the IYC logo on a billboard, draped over a bus, on a stadium sign or painted onto the side of a building as a mural in your community?  Start some blue sky discussions at your next staff or board meeting. If you can’t finance it all yourself, work with your neighbouring co-ops!
13. Send your staff and board to the Co-op Conference and Gala, October 19, 2011.  In addition to immersing participants in co-op sharing, learning and networking, the 2011 Co-op conference will be the official launch of IYC activities in Ontario. Send new staff and directors, as well as more established people.
14. Create a profile of your co-operative: Describe your membership, your function and the different ways your organization contributes to your community.  Send it to your local media outlets, city hall and your MP/MPP.  (If you co-ordinate your efforts with other co-ops in your area, you will vastly increase your exposure and presence!)
15. Offer to speak about your co-op at a local school, community club or business networking association.  Talk about your projects, your contributions to your community, IYC, etc.  Send a media release to your local media about your efforts, IYC and your presentations!
16. Distribute a series of Co-ops 101 pieces to your staff, board and others within your organization.  Use the remainder of 2011 to make your organization very knowledgeable about co-operatives so that you can tell your members and the larger community all about co-ops in 2012!  You don't need to start from scratch.  Check the On Co-op, CCA and other co-op federation websites for material.
17. Drop into your local chamber of commerce or business enterprise centre and leave some brochures with the staff.  Take a few minutes and chat with them about your organization.
18. Drum up interest in the International Year using social media. Post interesting links about co-operatives and IYC on your personal and work social media sites. Retweet messages and join the conversation.
19. Start an International Year committee within your own co-op or credit union.  Or post a flyer on the wall of your co-op asking members and employees to submit ideas on celebrating IYC 2012.
20. When using Twitter, remember to include @ontariocoops, #coops and #IYC2012  in your tweets. (Feel free to retweet any On Co-op and CCA material - and be sure you've joined the On Co-op Facebook page, and Twitter Feeds - see our icons at the top of the page.)
21. Make a donation to a local charity, or have your staff/board volunteer their time. Ensure the amount equals $200.12 or $2012.00 or $20,120.00.  Be sure to meet with the group personally, take photos and submit a press release to your local media.
22. Tell two people, outside of your normal co-op contacts, about your role in the co-operative sector. 
23. Post a list of your co-op's successes according to the Co-operative Principles.

 

 

IYC Ontario Task Force

On Co-op has convened a task force of co-op and credit union staff and board from across Ontario, and covering most of the province's major co-op sectors.   Minutes and action items have been posted to the IYC Ontario Task Force page. Check back there often for meeting dates and other items.

This group will be instrumental as co-op ambassadors and liaisons, spreading the IYC word to grassroot organizations and the various co-op and credit union federations, and reporting back to the task force.

YOU can make sure that IYC 2012 EXPLODES on the world-wide stage in 2012, and successfully launches in Canada. 

QUESTION:  What international year was being celebrated in 2011?

Not sure ... ?? IYC 2012 is a GIFT given to the world's co-operatives by the United Nations.  The International Year can be a year of celebration, promotion and education - BUT ONLY IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER. If you don't know what international year was proclaimed in 2011, WHAT CAN WE DO TO CHANGE THAT IN 2012?

By the way, 2011 is the: International Year of Forests; the International Year of Chemistry; and the International Year for People of African Descent. (The International Year of Youth ended August, 2011.) 

What will the world remember about YOUR CO-OP when IYC 2012 has concluded?