Discover Co-ops

What began as a co-op placement focused on SEO and digital marketing became a deeper lesson in member ownership, democratic governance, and community impact. In this reflection, the author shares how his time with the Ontario Co-operative Association transformed his understanding of co-operatives, challenged his assumptions about business, and showed him that organizations can succeed while putting people, not just profits, at the center.

Inspired by the folk tale of Stone Soup, the Stone Soup Registry envisions a new way to support emerging co-operatives. By pooling small contributions of expertise, mentorship, resources, and connections, established co-ops and supporters can help new ventures overcome start-up challenges and put the principle of co-operation among co-operatives into action.

Co‑operatives are powerful engines for social and economic change — but in Canada, we’re still far from tapping into their full potential. We know the co‑operative model works. We know it’s built on values and principles that centre community, democracy, and sustainability. And yet, when it comes to inclusion, many co‑ops struggle to understand what it looks like, how to measure it, and most importantly, how to act on it.

In an age where digital connections dominate, the power of face-to-face networking remains unmatched—especially in the co-operative sector.

There is no better way to harness our collective strength than by embracing Principle 6: Co-operation among Co-operatives.