* 2012 is the International Year of Co-operatives
On 18 December 2009, the United Nations proclaimed 2012 as the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC). By doing so, the UN recognized that the co-operative business model is a major factor in realizing economic and social development. It also now calls on governments, international institutions, co-operatives and other stakeholders to support the development and growth of co-operatives worldwide.
IYC will provide co-operators in Canada and around the world with an opportunity to promote the social and economic contributions of the co-op sector.
The International Year of Co-operatives is a unique opportunity to celebrate co-operatives. Activities can include conferences, seminars, workshops, publications, media events, preparation of films, video series, radio programmes and others.IYC can also focus on initiating a change in policies requiring short and long-term lobbying campaigns, undertaking research, collecting statistics, and working with authorities at all levels.
IYC aims at raising awareness on the socio-economic impact of co-operatives, and for promoting the autonomous formation and growth of co-operatives.
IYC also provides opportunities to develop new relationships and partnerships with institutions, development partners, citizen groups, and other business enterprises. It can be the year where co-operative foundations or support programmes and funds are launched. International Year of Co-operatives should also reach out to the public - and so commemorative stamps, coins, and events able to introduce various groups of people to co-operatives through sporting events, concerts, fairs, etc.
IYC is an opportunity: Be creative on how best to ensure that co-operatives are better known, are able to operate and grow in a fair environment and are recognised as being an important but different type of business model.
ICA webpages on IYC http://www.ica.coop/activities/iyc/index.html
Read the full UN Resolution here.
Read the CCA media release on IYC here.
Read the Canadian government's media release here.