2012International Year of Cooperatives

Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World

Andrea Cumpston

Director, Communications & Marketing

National Cooperative Business Association

“Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.”

—UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

A Major Economic Force…in developed countries and a powerful business model in developing ones. • Worldwide, over 1 billion people are members of

cooperatives. • The economic activity of the largest 300 cooperatives

in the world equals the 9th largest national economy.

Source: International Co-operative Alliance

UN Goals for Celebration• Increase public awareness about co-ops and

their contributions to socio-economic development

• Promote the formation and growth of cooperatives

• Encourage governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives

Co-ops are everywhere!• Start your day with a glass of Sunkist

orange juice or Ocean Spray cranberry juice and a couple of pieces of toast spread with Land O’ Lakes butter.

• On your way to work, you drop off your child at a local day-care center.

• Later, make a deposit at a credit union and then pick up groceries.

You can spend your day doing business with co-ops!

You Might Know…

More than 29,000 Co-ops

Priorities for US Celebration• Increase awareness of how cooperative

enterprise can meet community and individual needs– Raise the awareness and profile of cooperatives—

especially among young people

• Build and sustain the cooperative movement and its capacity for growth and innovation

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Multi-level, Targeted Celebration• International• National• State, Regional and

Local

• Public• Policy makers• Youth• Business thought

leaders

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Areas of Focus for US Observance• Raise profile of cooperatives• Improve access to cooperative businesses• Reach out to youth—cultivate next gen

leadership• Educate and engage senior government leaders• Support studies that demonstrate economic

value

Providing local service… part of a global network

Innovating to meet member needs

Putting people first

Key Messages for US Co-ops

Theme four - saved for each co-op sector

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How Will You Observe?• Be a champion within your organization• Create a network of cooperatives within your area• Stimulate thinking about 2012 legacy projects

Pass the IYC Resolution• Builds awareness and community alignment• Resolution template created for you to download and

customize – Can be modified for board adoption

• Passed by CUNA, NRECA and the Neighboring Food Co-op Association—among others

Online Directory to Improve Access

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Implementing Social Media Strategy• Expanding successful initiatives across sectors

– My Co-op Rocks!

• Sharing strategies and resources among Anglophone co-op organizations– Stories.coop– Choose a Co-op video

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Posters

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Web banners

Thank you!

acumpston@ncba.coop202-383-5447

Cooperative enterprises build a better world