More on Co-operatives
A STRONG ECONOMIC FORCE
Co-operative organizations are a strong economic force. Co-ops are open to everyone, regardless of race, culture, religion, philosophical beliefs and economic standing. Currently, there are more than 1900 co-ops, credit unions and caisses populaires in Ontario with over 2.3 million members (more statistics here).
Co-operatives are founded on a common idea: That people, no matter what economic class or educational level, know what's best for them and can work together to meet their own needs.
CO-OPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Co-operatives, credit unions and caisses populaires are owned and operated by their members. This means co-ops are democratically controlled with each member having a single vote, regardless of his or her investment in the co-operative, caisse populaire or credit union. Generally, co-op organizations are community-based. ('Community' may be defined in a variety of ways - geographic, religion, social or economic purpose, workplace and so on...)
Members are at the core of every co-operative. Co-operatives are organized so that the members democratically control the organization. They determine how the co-op will be run, elect a Board of Directors and allocate the profits of the co-operative among its member-owners. The Board hires the manager, and the manager hires the staff. Committees are organized to assist in the running, planning and governance of the co-op.
DEMOCRACY AND ECONOMICS
Co-ops are the best example of democratic principles being applied to economic life. Co-operation means people working together to meet common goals and needs. With a co-operative, credit union, or caisse populaire, people find strength in collective action and the powerful motivation of mutual support.
Some examples of well-known co-operatives include Mountain Equipment Co-op, Gay Lea Foods Co-operative, The Co-operators Group and Welch's Grape Juice. Common forms of co-operatives include: financial (e.g. credit unions, caisses populaires and insurance), housing, consumer, insurance, transportation, worker, daycare, agricultural, alternative energy, technology, and social & community service co-ops.
The co-operative movement has been one of the largest social movements in Canadian history. Co-operators fought for women's right to vote, equality for ethnic minorities and worker rights.
The co-op movement has been involved in many social reforms such as improving employment standards and public medical care. Co-operatives continue to stand for human rights and sustainable development.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Co-ops are a way for communities to exercise control over the economic, social and cultural activities that affect the lives of community members. Sustaining co-operatives and credit unions is a powerful and democratic way to place economic power in the hands of those who need and use the services. Rooted in the community by member participation and commitment,
co-operatives are community economic development in practise.
Because the surplus of co-op enterprises belong to their members, profits and investment dollars stay within the community. The multiplier effect of co-ops is far greater than that provided by private businesses, especially if those businesses are based outside the community.
At the core of every co-op's history is an unmet need: for financial services, employment, a specific product or service, affordable housing, a marketing service or more participation in community development. But rather than create a conventional investor-owned or government - controlled structure, co-op founders and future members are attracted to the idea of collective, community solutions to meet individual needs.
SHAPING OUR FUTURE
Co-ops and credit unions are successful innovators. Within their own industry sectors, as well as for their members, co-ops are positively shaping the way we do business, the products we buy, and the communities in which we live.
Exactly whose future is impacted by co-ops? If we take into account that one in four Canadians (about 15 million people) are members of co-ops and credit unions, and that co-operative innovation can be felt far beyond this membership, then most of us, co-op member or not, benefit from the ingenuity of co-ops.
Co-operation - and the co-operative mandate to address member needs -creates the conditions for innovation that have impacted on whole industries and communities in Ontario. From the environmental stewardship of Mountain Equipment Co-op to the unbeatable quality of Gay Lea Co-op's butter and Ontario Natural Food Co-op's products, co-ops are shaping a better future for us all.
YOUTH AND CO-OPERATIVES
Youth have always played a vital role in co-operatives as founders, employees, directors, students and members. What do co-ops offer today's generation? A chance to earn a living while adhering to morals and beliefs; a way to escape cynicism; the ability to help yourself and others; community and international development opportunities; social, academic, economic and travel possibilities; and, much, much more.
ONE MEMBER ONE VOTE
Co-operatives are owned and operated by their members. This means co-ops are democratically controlled, with each member having a single vote, regardless of his or her investment in the
co-operative.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A COMMON GOAL
Co-ops are an excellent example of democratic principles being applied to economic life. Co-operation means people working together to meet common goals and needs. With a co-operative, people find strength in collective action and the powerful motivation of mutual support. Co-ops are responsible to their own members. Members determine how the co-op is run, elect the Board of Directors and allocate the profits of the co-operative among its member-owners.
THE CO-OPERATIVE ADVANTAGE
Co-operatives and credit unions are community-based organizations that care not only about the bottom lines of their businesses, but also about the needs of their members and the quality of life in their communities. They bring many obvious benefits to their members such as sharing costs or financial dividends. But the process of being an active member brings its own rewards, allowing member-owners to solidify social and economic links in the community. Perhaps most importantly, membership provides a common ground and support to reduce isolation, and build confidence and skills.
