Co-operative Education
Supporting people with training, resources, and knowledge to
build stronger, healthier and more sustainable co-operative organizations and communities.
Empowering people through co-operation.
Guided by Co-operative Principle Five: Education, Training & Development, there are many ways that we help both young people and adults learn and grow personally and professionally. Adopting a more co-operative mindset and an understanding of why co-operatives exist, how they work, and the impact they have on our communities, brings us a step closer to creating a more inclusive social economy.
Explore the magic of
Co-operative Young Leaders
Changing lives while building the next generation of leaders.
Developing new generations of co-operatively-minded young people has been the foundation of the Co-operative Young Leaders program (CYL) since its inception in 1967. A unique experiential learning summer camp, CYL brings youth together from across Ontario and empowers them with the change-making tools and skills they need to succeed in today’s world. They develop self-confidence and participate in activities that embraces and enhances their leadership potential, all while making new friends and having fun in a traditional camp setting! CYL is also an incredible professional development opportunity for adults, and a chance to further their own leadership, presentation, and communication skills, while actively engaging the minds and hearts of the next generation of co-operative leaders.
Co-Unity Education Co-operative
Working together to support educational programs that promote co-operative learning and community-building.
Co-Unity is committed to supporting innovative educational programs that promote co-operation, collaboration, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Through the support of our CYL summer camp, classroom workshops, and other educational sessions, Co-Unity strives to create opportunities for everyone to learn about the sector, regardless of background or circumstance.
Co-operative storytelling and education for kids of all ages!
Co-operNation
Step into the vibrant world of Co-operNation—where co-operation, kindness, and community-building come to life. Perfect for kids ages 5-10, Co-operNation books and companion resources inspire young minds to discover the value of co-operation in everyday life; exploring how it defines the way we live, work, and play.
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In Co-operNation, there is something for everyone! You’ll find story and doodle books, engaging learning resources, teacher tools and even co-op-themed merchandise. Find out how to connect with your Members and communities through fun events like book signings, cartooning workshops, or co-operative themed presentations. Join us in fostering a love for all things co-operative; perfect for the young and the young-at-heart!
DEI Resources
Building an inclusive economy, together.
Creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace is integral to the future success of the co-operative movement. Since 2022, we have partnered with other like-minded organizations to explore some of the key systemic barriers that exist for those wanting to develop and/or those currently operating a co-operative, and asked ourselves: How we can collectively overcome these barriers to pave a path towards true co-operation and inclusivity?
The ROSCA Network
Empowering Communities, Empowering Women.
In October 2023, we partnered with Meridian Credit Union and The Banker Ladies Council to form a ground-breaking collaboration that will focus on raising the profile of Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) in Ontario. Meridian has pledged $100K over multiple years in financial support and in-kind resources to bolster The Banker Ladies Council's mission of cultivating a thriving ROSCA Network to promote financial empowerment, collaboration, and resilience in Ontario’s Black communities through dedicated education and advocacy efforts. This partnership reaffirms a commitment of the co-operative sector to building a sustainable and inclusive economy for all.
"I think the way you structured the material was fantastic and I left feeling so excited to be working in the sector."
Anonymous participant of an ON Board workshop