Discover Co-ops

Last month at the Worlding Feminist Economic Symposium at the University of Toronto, conversations around co‑operative economics, ROSCAs, art, and the law revealed a truth our sector rarely says out loud: communities have been building co‑operation long before formal co‑ops existed. From lending circles and mutual aid networks to informal shared‑wealth systems, people have always created ways to meet collective needs when institutions fall short.

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.

Co-operatives don’t get the same recognition as traditional businesses, despite doing serious work in communities across Canada and around the world. A lot of students and young professionals are in the same spot, and not long ago, I was too.

Running an Annual General Meeting has never been simple — but doing it virtually adds a whole new set of twists. Luckily, with thoughtful preparation and the right tools, a virtual AGM can be smooth, democratic, and surprisingly energizing.

For many co-operative organizations in Ontario, payroll reporting can feel overwhelming—especially if you have a small team, rely on part-time staff, or manage administration with limited resources.