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Co-operative enterprises build a better world
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IYC flag at the summit of Africa as co-operators raise $16K for international development
Three Canadian co-operators took the International Year of Co-operatives flag to the top of Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro and raised $16,575 for the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) in the process.
Jo-Anne Ferguson, Lydia Phillips and Ingrid Fischer, who all work for CCA, reached the summit on August 31. Myrna Bentley, former president and CEO of Concentra Financial, also helped fundraise for the project, but was unable to participate in the climb for health reasons.
"We felt your support and interest all the way to the top of Kilimanjaro," Ferguson wrote in a blog post. " Sincere thank you for helping us to reach the top of Africa and to more than double our fundraising goal."
Each of the climbers set a goal of raising $2,012 to donate to CDF's Build a Better World campaign. The targeted goal of $8,048 was far exceeded by the time the climbers reached the summit of Kilimanjaro on the blue moon.
Click here for more information about the expedition and to read blog posts by the climbers.
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UFA commits $100K to Build a Better World
The co-op has pledged a total of $100,000 over the next four years to the campaign, which aims to raise $12 million in support of international co-operative development.
"This was an easy decision and we are excited to take our support for CDF to the next level, especially during the International Year of Co-operatives," said Jim Laverick, chairman of the UFA board.
"With this donation, we hope to inspire others to follow suit in supporting the efforts of CDF and the Canadian Co-operative Association in alleviating poverty through co-operative development."
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New play to debut at the Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives
Theatre and art will spark new dialogue at the Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives in Red Deer on November 16-17.
A small group of co-operators are coming together to create a short play that will make its debut at the regional IYC conference.
Lindsay Ruth was commissioned by the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association (ACCA) to design the play.
"It's a creative way for people to come together to build community through theatre," said Ruth, who has a degree from Concordia University in theatre and development, and has worked in a number of sectors during the past eight years.
She will be working with non-actor volunteers to produce a 15- or 20-minute performance, followed by an interactive session with the audience.
There is still time for volunteers to take part in the theatre project, and Ruth says it's a great opportunity to get youth involved.
The Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives is a forum organized by ACCA for co-op champions and the co-op curious alike to come together and discuss ways to increase the presence and impact of co-operatives in the province.
For more information, visit www.acca.coop or contact Sarah Arthurs at iyc@acca.coop.
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5 great reasons to attend the 2012 Summit
The 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives is proving to be a much anticipated event for the International Year of Co-operatives. Set to take place in Quebec City from October 8 to 11, the event will feature many prominent speakers and a program geared towards consolidating the influence of the co-operative movement on the global economic and political stage.
If you're thinking of attending the 2012 Summit this fall, here are five great reasons that might help you make up your mind.
1) Be a key contributor to the Summit's joint declaration
The declaration of the 2012 Summit furthers two main objectives of the conference:
- To help develop innovative solutions of the economic and financial challenges faced by co-operative and mutualist leaders
- To enhance recognition of the power of the global co-operative and mutualist movement
You can be a part of it! The declaration will be presented at the Summit's closing ceremony on October 11.
2) Enjoy a unique program that focuses on the economic and financial challenges faced by co-operatives worldwide
The 2012 Summit is a global event, with co-op leaders from over 90 countries expected to attend. The program has been developed using four main themes that promise to offer strategies and solutions for challenges that co-ops face today:
- The role of co-operatives and mutuals in the global economy
- The performance of the co-operative and mutualist business model
- The evolution of the co-operative and mutalist business model
- The global socio-political influence of co-operatives and mutuals
3) Benefit from the presentations of 156 distinguished speakers
Each of the speakers attending the 2012 Summit will share their expertise, achievements and vision for the future of the co-op movement and the success of the co-operative model. As authors, academics, co-op leaders, founding members of co-operatives, members of international organizations and employees of the co-op sector, they will offer a broad spectrum of ideas on a variety of different topics.
A number of Canadians will be speaking at the event come October, including: Denyse Guy, executive director of CCA, Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators; Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancity; Tracy Redies, president and CEO of Coast Capital Savings; Monique Leroux, president and CEO of Desjardins Group; Hazel Corcoran, executive director of the Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation; David Labistour, CEO of Mountain Equipment Co-op; Andrew MacGillivray, president and Michael Barrett, chief operating officer of Gay Lea Foods; Nicholas Gazzard, executive director of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada; Scott Banda, CEO of Federated Co-operatives Limited; and John Restakis, executive director of the British Columbia Co-operative Association to name a few.
Click here for a full list of presenters.
4) Gain access to the results of 9 exclusive unpublished studies on co-ops
The results of nine multi-sector international studies will be unveiled at the Summit for the first time this fall. Attend the conference to gain access to these invaluable sources of information, which are central to the Summit program.
5) Expand your network
With co-operative and mutualist leaders from some 100 organizations around the world in attendance, the 2012 Summit will provide a unique networking opportunity to all those who attend.
Still not convinced? Learn more about the 2012 Summit by downloading the conference brochure or the conference program.
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Leading economic thinkers gathering for Imagine 2012
Co-operators and co-op leaders the world over are invited to the Imagine 2012 International Conference on Co-operative Economics on October 6-8. Held in Quebec City, the conference is an official pre-event to the 2012 International Summit of Co-operatives (October 8 to 11).
Image 2012 will bring together leaders of major co-operatives from around the world and some of the foremost international economic thinkers.
The goal of the conference is to envision what a global co-operative economy - one that meets people's needs - would look like, as opposed to the investor-driven economy that dominates today. It promises participants the chance to explore new approaches to economic analysis and thought, with the help of the program's 15 internationally-recognized presenters.
For more information, visit www.imagine2012.coop or email tom.webb@smu.ca.
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Distinguished speakers attending IYC conferences this fall
A number of IYC-themed conferences are taking place in Canada from September to November - and a few of them are attracting some prominent guest speakers.
Award-winning essayist and novelist John Ralston Saul and Mark Surman, executive director of the Mozilla Foundation (best known for the web browser Firefox) will be speaking at the Co-operating to Build a Better West conference, which will take place in Saskatoon on November 1-3.
Peter Couchman, chief executive of the Plunkett Foundation in the U.K., will be speaking at the Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives in Red Deer on November 16-17. The Plunkett Foundation supports co-operative development in rural communities and is an important player in the U.K. co-operative movement.
IYC conferences are also taking place in St. John's on September 28-29, Kingston, Sudbury and London, ON in October and Halifax on November 22-24.
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Take part in the public art installation at Co-operating to Build a Better West
A public art installation will be put in place before and during the Co-operating to Build a Better West conference in Saskatoon and you're invited to be a part of it.
The installation is called an idea lantern, which seeks to engage the general public by creating a large graphic pavilion that conveys a bold message. It also allows people to share their own personal messages or ideas for their community.
The pavilion will use a spin on the IYC slogan, "Together We Build a Better World." The message will be spelled out in large bold lettering by a series of smaller plastic cards with individual messages on them. Each of the cards will be attached to the framework of the pavilion with removable clips. Anyone interesting in participating can take a card and write their response to the question "How do you build a better world?"
The installation will grow with each new message, allowing all those involved to co-operatively create a bold public statement.
The piece of art will be located in downtown Saskatoon from October 15 to November 4. This unique initiative represents an excellent opportunity to engage the public and encourage discussion and activities that explore what individuals and collectives can do to build a better world together.
For updates on the idea lantern, keep an eye on www.usaskstudies.coop.
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You're invited to Ontario's three-part conference and gala
 The Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) is hosting a three-part conference and gala during September, October and November that will allow co-operators across Ontario to take part. Instead of hosting one conference, On Co-op is reaching out to communities province-wide. Co-operative roundtables will be held in the North, East and Southwestern parts of the province all month long. Roundtables in the North will be held in Temiskaming Shores, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay. Eastern roundtables take place in Kingston, Ottawa, Brockville and Peterborough. Roundtables in the Southwestern part of the province will be held in Windsor, Sarnia, London, Seaforth and Owen Sound. A Central roundtable will also be held in Toronto on October 27. The roundtables are free of charge and open to staff, board members or managers of any co-op or credit union. Click here to learn more about each of these events. Three major regional conferences will also be held in Sudbury (October 1), Kingston (October 15) and London (October 30). Benefit from workshops and sessions that are tailored to you, your co-op and your community. Each of the conferences have six major objectives: - HARNESS the power of the International Year
- DELIVER useful information and resources for new and existing co-ops
- CONNECT with fellow co-operators in your region
- STRENGTHEN co-operative networks
- PROMOTE All 4 Each school curriculum
- INCREASE awareness of On Co-op
Click here for more information about the exciting agendas for each of these conferences. Note: On Co-op members are eligible for registration discounts. To celebrate the International Year and all of the work that has been achieved over the 366 days, an IYC gala celebration will be held on November 30 in Milton, ON. The exciting evening celebration will include a cocktail reception, dinner, presentation of the IYC Spirit Awards, a live auction and raffle draws, plus live entertainment and dancing. Don't miss out on your chance to participate! Visit s.coop/confandgala for details. |
 Friendly Facebook competition kicks off among co-ops
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Young co-operators reach finals in global art competition
Voting for Coop'Art closes on September 30. If you need a little inspiration on who to vote for, we have three great suggestions - and they're all young Canadians!
Emily Erhardt, a graduate of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Youth Program, made it to the music finals with her rap song "Join a Co-op". Last month, we featured her video of the song, which can be viewed here.
Montreal-based photographer Jimmy Chicaiza's video entry uses images to illustrate elements of co-operation. The video can be seen at s.coop/jimmycoopvideo.
Gavin Fraser and Stefano Dodardo of Antigonish, NS are competing in the video category with an offbeat and artistic depiction of co-operation. The video features the duo's original soundtrack and can be seen at s.coop/gavinstefanovideo.
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) launched Coop'Art to encourage young people (16-35) to creatively express their views on co-operative principles. The winners of each category (music, video, photography) will win a trip to Co-operatives United in Manchester and a USD $3,500 prize. Second place winners will receive USD $1,500 and third place winners get a tablet computer.
Click here to vote and view each of the entries.
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30 Day Co-op Challenge
Alberta will be celebrating Co-op Week all month long with the 30 Day Co-op Challenge.
Held from October 15 to November 13, the challenge coincides with both Co-op Week and the Gathering of Alberta Co-operatives.
The initiative is being hosted by the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association to allow co-ops and credit unions to improve their knowledge, skills and awareness involving co-ops. Anyone who signs up will receive a daily challenge by email for the 30 days that involves learning or doing something co-operative.
All participants are being encouraged to share their progress using Facebook, Twitter or their blog.
Click here to sign up or get more information about the challenge. To suggest an activity, email sleon@acca.coop.
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Co-op Fun Day a success in Winnipeg
On September 16 the Winnipeg community celebrated the International Year of Co-operatives with family and friends.
Co-op Fun Day at The Forks was a community celebration of Manitoba co-operatives. It was organized by Caisse Financial Group with the support of Concentra Financial and the Conseil canadien de la coopération et de la mutualité and its co-op partners.
The family-oriented event included a wide range of free entertainment, such as live bands, dance demonstrations, a co-op village, a bounce 'n play area, plus clowns, jugglers, a magician and face painting.
Click here for more information.
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New global essay contest launched by the Ethical Consumer
As part of the International Year, the Ethical Consumer is encouraging co-operators, academics, enterprisers and young people from all over the world to take part in its essay competition asking the question, "Is there a co-operative alternative to capitalism?"
In addition to the essay competition, people can use the contest website to debate on what one thing needs to change to make co-ops the dominant business model in the world. People can contribute their own ideas or vote for the ones they think are best.
Essay entries must be submitted by October 5. The winner will receive a £1,500 (about $2,300) cash prize, which will be awarded at Co-operatives United.
Visit www.ethicalconsumer.org/cooperativealternative.aspx for details.
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East Vancouver co-op cluster puts a spin on IYC activities
Co-op clusters have popped up all across Canada to plan ways of celebrating the International Year. Housing co-ops in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood of Vancouver formed their cluster to connect different housing co-ops in their community and to encourage support of other co-op businesses in the area.
As part of their celebrations, the cluster is producing a map with locations of all the housing co-ops and other co-op businesses in their East Vancouver neighbourhood.
"Our goal was twofold: to raise the profile of co-ops in the International Year of Co-operatives, but also to make it easier for co-op members to network with other co-ops," said Pat McClain, a co-op organizer and member of Paloma Housing Co-op.
Raising co-op awareness in their community is clearly a priority for the East Vancouver cluster.
Last month, the group hosted a 'roving potluck' to allow co-op members to network. They travelled from one housing co-op to another to enjoy the different parts of their meal. Co-op members met for appetizers at Sitka Housing Co-op, then went up the street and around the corner for dinner at Paloma Housing Co-op before walking several blocks to snack on desserts at the collection of homes in the Van East Housing Co-op. At each stop the visitors had a co-op tour.
If you're searching for fun and unique ways to celebrate IYC in your community, these initiatives of the East Vancouver co-op cluster might give you some great ideas!
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IYC at the Museum of Inuit Art
The Museum of Inuit Art in Toronto hosted a special exhibition in honour of the International Year.
"Working Together - The Co-operative Influence" ran from August 15-18 and featured the work of artist Jaco Ishulutaq of Pangnirtung, Nunavut.
As part of the exhibition, a series of complimentary talks were hosted with Ishulutaq to give the public a better understanding of his work. Ishulutaq also held a carving demonstration. You can view a video of that demonstration on YouTube.
Click here to download a presentation about this project.
In addition to the special exhibition of Ishulutaq's work, the museum has started to host a series of Skype chats with Inuit artists in the Arctic Co-operatives Limited network.
Click here to view a conversation with Jaco Ishulutaq.
Click here to view a conversation with Bart Hanna.
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IYC videos
This catchy song by Mike Stratton of Charlottetown, PEI will have you singing about co-operation all day long. The song won first prize in the English-language category of Co-op Atlantic's IYC 2012 song contest.
Ca nous appartient is a co-op song written by Michelle Deveau of Chéticamp. It is the French-language winner of Co-op Atlantic's IYC 2012 song competition.
 Check out the official trailer for The Rochdale Pioneers, a film produced by The Co-operative British Youth Film Academy. The film tells the story of how a group of labourers in Rochdale, U.K. gave birth to the co-operative movement. It will be released at Co-operatives United.
The My Manitoba Community contest, hosted by Credit Union Central of Manitoba, generated many entries from across the province. Click here to see what co-operators in Manitoba had to say about the way their communities make the province a better place.
 Click here to see the latest chapter of The Red Box Road Trip, an initiative of the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association that involves travelling with a life-size version of the IYC logo. And click here to view the third installment of the series. Myrna Bentley, retired president and CEO of Concentra Financial, speaks about building a better world with the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF). Click here Glen Tully, president of Federated Co-operatives Limited, speaks about CDF's Build a Better World campaign. Click here If you missed Mallory MacDermid's winning entry in the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council's province-wide video competition, catch it on YouTube by clicking here. Check out this fun educational video about the co-operative school system in the U.K.  A group of university students and new grads spent their summer biking across the U.S. to educate themselves and the public about co-ops. Check out this new teaser of To the Moon, the feature length documentary that chronicled their bike tour. |
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Snapshot of IYC abroad
The Singapore National Co-operative Federation is producing a series of storybooks to educate children on the values of co-operation. Two of the four books have been released so far. Click here to take a look.
Following the launch of the Co-operate app in the U.K., the National Cooperative Business Association released the U.S. version of Co-operate on September 10. The app features games, updates on co-op news, and ways to locate co-operatives all across the U.S. For more information, visit www.cooperateusa.coop.
In honour of the International Year, Co+op, stronger together is hosting a travelling video series with celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie. Earlier this year, The Perennial Plate, an online documentary series about sustainable food, visited food co-ops in support of the campaign. Click here to watch the video.
A number of countries created commemorative stamps for IYC. See each of the stamp designs below:
Turkey
Costa Rica
Argentina
 Singapore
Uruguay
Australia
The IYC logo makes an appearance on a cake by Midcounties Co-operative in the U.K.
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Canada, share your IYC pride!
 Are you, your co-op or your credit union doing something special for the International Year of Co-operatives? If so, we want to hear from you! Send us your stories so we can share them with the rest of Canada through 2012 Matters, your monthly bulletin for all things relating to the International Year.
Take a look at some of the latest initiatives to catch our attention:
Chinook Credit Union held a barbecue in Bassano, AB in support of STARS.
Gateway Co-operative and Island View Co-operative celebrated their 25th anniversaries late last month. The Honourable Valerie Docherty, minister of Community Services and Seniors for Prince Edward Island, addressed the gathering.
Members of the Co-operative Youth Services program in Newfoundland pose with an IYC banner.
Rick Filipetti, district manager for The Co-operators, with Charlie Diemer, a client of the co-op since 1949.
Find more photos and videos in the IYC multimedia gallery. Don't forget to share yours! Visit www.canada2012.coop/multimedia or email iyc2012@coopscanada.coop.
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ICA 2012 news
Now available in French and Spanish! Follow what is happening with IYC around the world. The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) prepares a monthly eDigest.
Here's what's in the latest issue:
- Some information about the global culminating event for the International Year, Co-operatives United: World Festival and ICAEXPO, including the ICA's General Assembly
- A new study by the National Cooperative Grocers Association in the U.S. about the impact of food co-ops
- A spotlight on World Food Day, which highlights the role of agricultural co-operatives in eradicating global hunger
Read the full September issue here.
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2012 Matters, an electronic newsletter published by the Canadian Co-operative Association, is distributed by e-mail. It is available free of charge to anyone with an e-mail address and an interest in 2012 UN International Year of Co-operatives. 2012 Matters aims to provide news, updates, information and links about all things related to the International Year in Canada and around the world.
We welcome comments about the publication, about stories we have run, or suggestions for stories we should run. Send your correspondence to Tanya Gracie, Project Manager at tanya.gracie@coopscanada.coop or call her at 613-238-6711, ext. 243
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Please forward this newsletter throughout your contact list
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Join us on Facebook
Our Co-operatives in Canada Facebook page shares the activities of Canada's co-op sector and offers interesting news about co-ops and the International Year.
Please share the following link with your friends and ask them to 'like' us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CoopsInCanada
We're trying to reach 1,000 'likes' on our Facebook page to celebrate Co-op Week in Canada (October 14-20).
So far, we have just over 930 likes. That leaves only 70 more to go.
There are many other great co-op pages on Facebook - and we're all competing to increase our co-op presence on the web. Click here for that story.
Thanks for your support!
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'Agricultural cooperatives: key to feeding the world'
In the spirit of IYC, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is putting the spotlight on agricultural co-ops for World Food Day (October 16).
World Food Day allows the FAO to raise awareness and understanding of approaches to ending hunger. The theme for this year is Agricultural cooperatives: key to feeding the world in recognition of the role co-ops play in improving food security and contributing to the eradication of hunger.
Celebrate co-ops on World Food Day! Spread the word by sharing this link: s.coop/WorldFoodDay.
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Canada's IYC messages
This is your chance to speak up! Leave your thoughts, ideas and events on the interactive message board and see what others are doing in this International Year.
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The 2012 Summit: a truly international event
With the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives a little over three weeks away, take a look at some facts that proves the conference is living up to its international reputation.
- More than 1,600 participants from 85 countries
- 156 speakers representing 35 countries
- Five international organizations in attendance (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, Transparency International)
- Nine groundbreaking studies revealed by McKinsey & Company, IRECUS, IPSOS/UQAM, Deloitte, Oliver Wyman, PwC and Ernst & Young
- A Future Cooperative Leaders Program with 14 speakers and participants from 20 countries
- Imagine 2012, the pre-Summit event focused on co-operative economics
- 22 complimentary events organized by national and international organizations
The theme of the 2012 Summit is The Amazing Power of Cooperatives. Learn more about the goals and program of the Summit by visiting www.2012intlsummit.coop .
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Nominations for IYC Spirit Awards close September 21
Do you know an individual or co-op organization in Ontario that deserves recognition for their contributions to IYC and the co-operative movement? Nominate them for a special IYC Spirit Award, presented by the Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op).
Three special IYC Spirit Awards will be handed out during On Co-op's IYC gala on November 30 in Milton, ON:
- Spirit of IYC - Individual
- Spirit of IYC - Small Organization (under 35 employees)
- Spirit of IYC - Large Organization (35+ employees)
Nominations for the 2012 Spirit Awards close September 21. Visit www.ontario.coop/spirit for more information.
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Early bird registration for Build a Better West extended to September 21
There's only seven weeks left until the Co-operating to Build a Better West conference begins in Saskatoon on November 1-3. Early bird registration for the conference has been pushed back to September 21.
For more information about this event, visit www.buildabetterwest.com.
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Tell your co-op's story to the world!
Want the world to know about your co-op? Have your story featured on the Co-operative News Global News Hub.
The UK-based co-op news site is asking co-operatives around the world to tell their stories for a new feature entitled I ♥ co-ops. In order to tell your story, answer the following questions and send them to Emily Barker at emily@thenews.coop.
- Tell us about your co-operative (e.g. name of co-op, where it is based, description of co-op and what it does).
- How is your community involved in your co-operative? And how is your co-operative involved in your community?
- What landmark journey(s) has your co-op taken, or is about to take?
- Can you define co-operation in one sentence?
- Does your co-op work with any other co-operatives?
- How can readers find out more about you?
If you have photos or videos about your co-op you would like to share, please send them with your answers.
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Co-op Week is just around the corner!
A big thank you to everyone who ordered their Co-op Week posters and leaflets to promote this year's theme, Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World in celebration of the International Year.
If you're planning a Co-op Week event in your hometown, let us know! Email iyc2012@coopscanada.coop with details or submit your event directly online at www.canada2012.coop.
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Building a Better World: 100 stories of co-operation
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) is releasing a new book at the 2012 International Summit of Cooperatives next month that will make a great keepsake for the International Year!
Builiding a Better World: 100 stories of co-operation shows the strength, scale and impact of co-operatives around the world.
The book is filled with 100 co-op stories that will resonate well beyond the International Year, including stories about Canadian co-operatives. The collection is meant to demonstrate how co-op enterprises thrive in the face of crisis - whether they are economic, humanitarian or caused by natural disaster.
You can pre-order copies of the book now and save 30 per cent on the cost. The full price per book is USD $49.95. Click here for details on placing an order.
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Bike tour raises co-op awareness in the U.S.
Three months ago, a co-operative cycling group of 15 undergraduates and recent grads kicked up their bike stands and left San Francisco, with the goal of travelling 4,000 miles across the U.S. to educate the public and themselves about the strength of co-ops. Going by the name Co-Cycle, the two-wheeled expedition is driven by a mission to build a network of like-minded communities dedicated to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Since San Francisco, the group has visited over 50 co-op organizations. A team of filmmakers from New York University chronicled their journey and are producing a feature length documentary called To The Moon.
The road trip road trip ended on September 1 with a celebratory event in Amherst, Massachusetts. Organizers say the project was a great success and generated a lot of public outreach, raising co-op awareness across the country.
Learn more about Co-cycle by visiting www.co-cycle.coop.
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Spotlight on the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council
Check out this interview with Mark Sparrow, business development officer at the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council (NSCC), in the Leaders of Today blog.
He talks about co-ops and the International Year and how NSCC is working to engage youth in co-ops with their upcoming Co-operating to Build a Better Nova Scotia conference.
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Join us for a webinar!
Co-ops: the 'Swiss Army Knife' of Community Economies
September 24, 12 pm EDT
Building on the International Year of Co-operatives, this webinar from the Canadian CED Network will share insights from three innovative co-op examples: what made them so successful, lessons learned, and what's next for co-op development in Canada and the world.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Credit unions celebrate IYC
As proud members of the co-op family, Canadian credit unions are celebrating the International Year of Co-operatives with events and initiatives throughout the year.
In addition to events at individual credit unions, the provincial/regional centrals who support credit unions in their respective regions are working to ensure that IYC reaches every corner of the country.
Click here to read a summary of some of the initiatives taking place at credit unions throughout Canada.
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Housing co-ops show off IYC pride
From Viking ships to expos, barbecus to roving potlucks, Canada's housing co-ops have been celebrating IYC in many creative and diverse ways.
Read the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada's e-newsletter to learn more about what the housing sector has been up to this summer and what's planned for the months ahead.
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Win $1,000 in gift cards from Co-op Atlantic
Anyone living in Nova Scotia has a chance to win $1,000 in gas and grocery gift cards from Co-op Atlantic. All you have to do is take a picture of yourself at your co-op or credit union and submit it to the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council's (NSCC) Facebook photo contest.
The lucky winner will be chosen at random on September 21. The more times you enter, the higher your chances of winning.
Click here for rules and to learn how to upload your photos (you must 'like' the NSCC Facebook page before you can enter).
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Student essay demonstrates how Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World
Read the winning entry of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council's student essay competition, published by The Atlantic Co-operator in their July/August issue. Katie Reashore, a grade nine student from Baddeck, NS claimed the top prize.
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Musical duo make it to Coop'Art finals
Friends since pre-school, Stefano Dodardo and Gavin Fraser have spent many years honing their musical talents. Learn more about what inspired them to enter the global youth competition Coop'Art in this article in The Casket, a weekly community newspaper in Antigonish county.
Dodardo and Fraser are competing in the video category of Coop'Art, for which voting closes on September 30.
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My Co-op Rocks
The My Co-op Rocks video and photo contest in the U.S. has a special IYC flavour this year. Contestants need to demonstrate how their co-op builds a better world. Take a look at some of the creative entries at www.mycooprocks.coop. |
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Do you know what the four co-op models are?
If you don't, check out this interactive slideshow on www.stories.coop to learn.
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Download free tools!
Your IYC toolkit is packed with resources for promoting the International Year through print or the web. Download free presentation templates, ads, newsletters, letterhead, email signatures, talking points, business cards and more!
All of the downloads make great additions to your Co-op Week material.
Click here to see all of the tools available.
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Co-operatives United: World Festival and ICAEXPO
Co-operatives United is an inspiring global festival of events and exhibitions set in Manchester, UK, to mark the close of the International Year of Co-operatives. It takes place from October 29-November 2. Click here for more information. |
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Build a better world with CDF
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) is raising $12 million for global co-operative development over the next four years. Over $2 million has been generously donated so far. Click here to learn more.
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