Celebrating Cooperative Month: The Power of Community and Cooperation
October is a special month for cooperatives across the nation as we come together to celebrate Cooperative Month. This annual observance highlights the important role cooperatives play in our communities and the economy. Let’s take a closer look at what makes cooperatives unique and why we celebrate them this month.
Cooperatives are member-owned and member-controlled organizations that operate for the benefit of their members. Unlike traditional businesses, cooperatives prioritize people over profit, ensuring that the needs and interests of their members come first. This democratic structure allows members to have a say in how the cooperative is run, fostering a sense of ownership and community.
The Seven Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives are guided by seven principles that reflect their values and commitment to their members:
- Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives are open to all individuals willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
- Democratic Member Control: Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
- Member Economic Participation: Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
- Autonomy and Independence: Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
- Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by working together.
- Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Types of Cooperatives
Cooperatives come in many forms, each serving different needs and sectors:
- Electric Cooperatives: Provide reliable and affordable electricity to rural and underserved areas. Yours truly, Big Country Electric Cooperative, is one example, but there are 832 distribution cooperatives and 64 generation & transmission cooperatives across America.
- Agricultural Cooperatives: Help farmers pool resources to buy supplies, market products, and access services such as gin cooperatives or Land O'Lakes.
- Credit Unions: Offer financial services to their members, often with better rates and lower fees than traditional banks. The Navy Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the U.S., serving military members and their families.
- Housing Cooperatives: Provide affordable housing options through member ownership and control. One example is Co-op City located in the Bronx, New York; it's one of the largest housing cooperatives in the world.
- Worker Cooperatives: Owned and self-managed by their workers, ensuring fair wages and working conditions. Black Star Co-op Pub and Brewery, based in Austin, Texas, is a consumer cooperative with a democratic workers collective. It is a brewpub that is owned by more than 3,000 individuals and organizations and democratically managed by workers through a Worker’s Assembly. The co-op currently employs 27 workers including 18 who have fully invested voting rights.
- Consumer Cooperatives: Owned by the consumers who buy their goods or services, such as grocery co-ops. PCC Community Markets, based in Seattle, Washington, is the largest consumer-owned food cooperative in the United States, with over 114,000 members.
Community Impact
- Economic Support: Cooperatives often keep profits within the community, supporting local economies and creating jobs.
- Empowerment: By giving members a voice and a stake in the organization, cooperatives empower individuals and promote democratic participation.
- Sustainability: Many cooperatives prioritize sustainable practices, benefiting the environment and future generations.
- Community Building: Cooperatives foster a sense of community and mutual support, enhancing social ties and collective well-being.
As we celebrate Cooperative Month, let’s recognize and appreciate the vital role that cooperatives play in building stronger, more resilient communities. Together, we can continue to uphold these principles and make a positive impact on the lives of our members and beyond.