The co-operative movement has a long and fascinating history. There is a common thread that runs throughout this history: a desire by everyday people to care for each other, and to work together. They demonstrate a common effort to improve their lives and the life of their communities.

Although collectively-owned enterprises have existed since the early middle ages, the first modern co-operative, structured as we know most co-ops today, was incorporated in Rochdale England in 1844 by a group of weavers. The weavers in Rochdale were tired of paying high prices for poor quality food at shops that were run by factory owners. Inspired by the co-operative teachings of Robert Owen, they decided to pool their money to start a store.

All of the people interested in becoming members and co-owners of the store contributed a small amount of money to a common fund. When the fund was big enough, the Rochdale Pioneers (as they came to be called) were able to rent a building, buy supplies, and open up shop on December 21, 1844.

The shop sold candles, tea, fuel, and basic food stuffs. The co-op kept track of each member's purchases, and distributed the profits in proportion to how much each member bought. The first consumer co-op was so successful that the members were soon able to rent the upper stories of the building. The extra space was used for a library and educational lectures. Rochdale was a turning point in economic democracy. The lessons of Rochdale were the basis for the growth of the co-operative movement as a worldwide phenomenon. The legacy of Rochdale lives on because the co-op's founders passed on their organizing principles.

Today, there are thousands of co-operatives all over the world. More than 600 million people belong to co-ops using the seven international principles of co-operation.

The first co-op began in Rochdale, England, in 1844