Issue 20, December2012 

 

Co-operative enterprises build a better world

As the International Year of Co-operatives comes to an end, Canada's co-operative legacy is just beginning...

 

International Year of Co-operatives  

In December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2012 as the year to celebrate how Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World. Since then, co-operators with CCA at the head, have embraced the IYC logo and tagline to raise public awareness of co-operatives and their socio-economic contributions in Canada and around the world, to focus on creating an environment in Canada that supports the growth and sustainability of co-ops, and to leverage the opportunity of 2012 to develop legacies that would last for years to come.

 

The spirit of co-operation shines brighter than ever in Canada, thanks in part to this tremendous gift from the United Nations.

 

At CCA, we have been honoured to share the start of our co-op legacy - and constantly impressed with the leadership co-ops have shown in taking ownership over this International Year and the wonderful opportunity it provides.

 

IYC has been creatively celebrated by co-ops in many different forms this year: The creation of co-op clusters; special scholarships and awards; parade floats and art projects; billboard campaigns, new publications and newspaper ads; incorporating the IYC logo onto packages of Planet Bean coffee and Gay Lea butter, cottage cheese and sour cream; translating the logo into Inuktitut so Northern co-ops could celebrate; the launch of the Build a Better World Campaign; and numerous photos, videos, songs and IYC-themed contests.

 

And if that were not enough, we have been united in our message with thousands of flags, buttons, banners and other promotional items that were proudly displayed by co-ops this year.

 

Perhaps the greatest legacy of 2012 has been the monumental ways in which co-ops and credit unions have worked together, proving that the sixth principle of Co-operation Among Co-operatives has the potential to make our movement stronger and larger than ever.

 

The International Year of Co-operatives is coming to an end, but the celebration does not stop here.

 

2012 was just the beginning. From this point on, co-operators the world over are committed to building a co-operative decade, making co-ops the fastest growing and most sustainable form of enterprise by 2020.

 

We now have a landmark from which we can move forward - and it is with excitement that we anticipate what is next for Canada's co-operative movement.

 

Happy International Year of Co-operatives to co-operators and co-op supporters everywhere! Thank you for helping CCA celebrate the International Year in 2012. We'll see you in 2013.

Tanya Gracie

Tanya Gracie

Manager, International Year of Co-operatives

Canadian Co-operative Association

Looking back at the International Year 

 

In this month's issue of 2012 Matters, we take a look back at some of the great initiatives that made 2012 an outstanding year for Co-operation Among Co-operatives.

 

As we reflect on our gift from the United Nations, it's important to think about the future of the co-operative movement. So we look to you to share your most memorable moments and legacies of the International Year.

 

Keep reading for highlights from CCA.

Share your most memorable moments of 2012!

 

International Year of Co-operatives What are your most memorable moments of the International Year of Co-operatives?

 

CCA is working on Canada's final report for the International Year, and would like to share personal highlights from co-operators across Canada.

  

There are three easy ways to share your most memorable moments: though posting on the canada2012.coop website, by using Facebook or sending CCA a message on Twitter.

 

You can post as many messages as you like for a chance to have your IYC moment captured in Canada's final report on the International Year, which will be released early in 2013.

 

A number of co-operators have shared their messages so far. Visit http://s.coop/memorablemoments to find out more on how you can share your IYC memories with CCA.

What's your legacy?
Leave your mark on Canada's IYC messages

 

Canada's IYC Messages If 2012 was a reminder to the international community that co-operative enterprises are at the forefront of building a better world, what will the co-op legacy be in 2013 and beyond?

 

It's time to leave your mark and share your legacy of 2012.  

 

Go to www.canada2012.coop/messages and submit a message on what your co-op is planning for the years ahead.

 

  • Will you commit to working in co-operation with more co-ops and credit unions?
  • Is educating your members on the co-operative difference a priority for your co-op?
  • Have you started to make a focused effort on engaging youth in the co-operative movement?
  • Perhaps you've created a scholarship program or volunteer effort to demonstrate Concern for Community.

 

Whatever your legacy is, we want to hear from you!

 

Your input will help shape Canada's final report on the International Year of Co-operatives. So, let your voice be heard!

 

Our goal is to reach 1,200 messages from across the country.

  

If you want to share your plans in more detail, email [email protected].

Celebrating OUR International Year 

 

 Highlights of the International Year of Co-operatives in Canada 

Let's take a look at some photos that capture the energetic IYC initiatives that took place in Canada during the International Year of Co-operatives. Click the picture above, or go to http://goo.gl/maps/0JIhX.

Co-operators get creative in 2012 

  

Creativity was at a high this year, as dozens of co-operators rallied together to produce new songs and videos that celebrate the co-operative difference.

 

Here's a look at some creative pieces produced in 2012.

 

 

For more photos and videos of the International Year, visit www.canada2012.coop/multimedia.

Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World - in 2012 and beyond  

 

If you were wondering what to do with all of your IYC promotional materials after 2012, this message from the International Co-operative Alliance might help you plan for new ways to use the logo and tagline in the year ahead.

 

The ICA is adopting the official International Year tagline, Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World, as it works with the global co-operative movement to make co-ops the fastest growing form of enterprises by 2020.

 

Use of the IYC logo and tagline gave co-ops a common identity and brought the movement together in a way that hasn't been seen before, said ICA President Dame Pauline Green.

 

As a result, all co-ops are being encouraged by the ICA to adopt the slogan as a permanent part of their marketing and communications materials.

 

"This UN International Year of Co-operatives has been a fabulous year. As I visited the movement across the world, I can't help being struck by the impact," Dame Green said about the tagline.


"It adds to our values, it adds publicly who we are. Never before in its history has the co-operative movement globally come together around a single logo and slogan, we have never been as cohesive as we are now."

 

Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World

CCA highlights of the International Year

Canadian Co-operative Association  

 

The International Year of Co-operatives was an important milestone for CCA in many ways. In partnership with the Conseil canadien de la coop�ration et de la mutualit�, and under the advice of a national IYC committee, CCA set out to accomplish three goals in 2012:

 

 

  • To raise the awareness of Canadian co-operatives and their social and economic contributions to communities worldwide.
  • To help develop a supportive environment for the growth and sustainability of co-ops in Canada.
  • To leverage the opportunity of the International Year to create legacy initiatives that could live well beyond December 31, 2012.

 

In 2012 we saw the creation of a Special Committee on Co-operatives in the House of Commons, spearheaded by Mauril B�langer, Canada's first Liberal Advocate for Co-operatives. The Special Committee heard dozens of presentations from the co-op sector, leading to the release of a report with recommendations for the future of Canada's co-ops.

 

The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada launched its $12 million Build a Better World Campaign to support CCA's international development work in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The campaign is receiving overwhelming support from co-ops and credit unions throughout the country. Some $3 million has been pledged to the campaign to date.

 

In 2012, two new youth pilot projects were launched under the CCA banner - the You-LEAD education mission in Ghana and the National Young Co-operators Mentorship Program. CCA was privileged to have three youth delegates attend the United Nations closing ceremonies for the International Year in New York on November 19-20: CCA manager of the International Year, Tanya Gracie; Allison Barter, a member of the National Young Co-operators committee; and Jamie Felsch, who participated in You-LEAD this past summer.

 

With the support of a dedicated task force representing co-ops and credit unions across the country, CCA saw three organizations pledge their support to the creation of a national Co-operative Investment Fund. The goal is to launch the Fund with $20-40 million in co-op sector support in order to provide Canadian co-operatives with access to the capital they need to expand and develop.

 

CCA was also very active on the education and research front, with the launch of a free interactive online orientation program for co-op members, co-op employees and the general public. Discover the Co-operative Difference was launched on May 1.

 

Looking back, we can say that our goals of 2012 have been largely accomplished, but there is still work to be done in the years ahead. CCA and thousands of other co-operatives around the globe are using the Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade as a guide to strengthening our co-op movement to build a better Canada and a better world.

Co-ops continue to Build a Better World with CDF

 

CDF Build a Better World Campaign  

Concentra Financial, Cambrian Credit Union, Alterna Savings and Arctic Co-operatives Limited are the latest co-op organizations to pledge support to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada's (CDF) four-year campaign to raise $12 million for international development, in honour of the International Year of Co-operatives.

 

The Build a Better Campaign was launched by CDF in March.

 

Concentra Financial's pledge of $250,000 over four years will help CCA's international development mission. CCA works with CDF to establish and grow co-operatives, credit unions and community-based organizations to reduce poverty, build sustainable livelihoods and improve civil society in less developed countries.

 

"It is extremely gratifying to see organizations, such as Concentra, come forward with substantial gifts over a significant period of time," said Michael Barrett, chair of CDF. "Helping people work their way out of poverty involves a long term commitment - it takes years to establish the co-operative organizations that will ensure that the changes in people's lives are permanent."

 

Cambrian Credit Union in Winnipeg announced their $60,000 gift over four years to CDF on December 17.

 

"The International Year of Co-operatives brought home the fact that co-operatives and credit unions are a global community," said Cambrian CEO Tom Bryk. "As a community-owned business, we are very much committed to community, and this contribution confirms that people living in poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are part of our global co-operative community." 

 

Alterna Savings will contribute $60,000 over four years and is the first Ontario credit union to make a commitment to the campaign. Meanwhile, Arctic Co-operatives Limited decided to double its annual donation to CDF over the next four years, for a total of $40,000.

 

For more information about the Build a Better World Campaign, visit www.cdfcanada.coop.

Winners of The National Co-op Challenge revealed  

 

The National Co-op Challenge Twelve Canadian co-ops can now enjoy their share of $220,000 in prize money from The Co-operators, thanks to all those who voted in The National Co-op Challenge.

 

Winners of the challenge were announced on December 3. Your Local Market Co-op in Stratford, ON takes the grand prize of additonal consultation services and a professional video shoot. 

 

Click the links below to see winning videos from each of the contest regions:

 

Atlantic region:

 

Quebec region:

 

Ontario region:

 

West region:

Spirit of IYC honoured in Ontario 

 

The Co-operators, Sudbury Credit Union, Y's Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre and Kitchener-area co-operator, Florence Cabray are the winners of the 2012 Spirit of IYC Awards, presented by the Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op).

 

The awards recognize co-operatives and individuals for outstanding achievements or contributions to the International Year of Co-operatives. Winners were chosn for their ability to reach new audiences, strengthen the co-operative movement, create legacies of 2012 and raise awareness with employees, members and the public about Ontario's co-operatives.

 

Each of the winners was honoured at the On Co-op IYC gala in Milton, ON on November 30.

 

The Co-operators was one of two winners in the large organization category for its financial contribution to co-op development during the International Year, as well as communications initiatives, an education strategy that involved developing co-op kits for insurance agents, and being actively involved in the Guelph Co-operative Network. Learn more in this award video that highlights The Co-operators work in 2012.

 

Sudbury Credit Union was recognized in the large organization category for helping community groups and charities, and providing leadership to unite co-op groups in Northern Ontario. The credit union was profiled in a video by On Co-op to commemorate its award.

 

Y's Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre, which provides support and services for Ottawa adults with disabilities, was honoured with a Spirit of IYC award for installing a commemorative art project in Ottawa's Morrison Park and being an active member of Ottawa's IYC co-op cluster. Learn more about the co-op in this award video.

 

Florence Carbray, community development and property management co-ordinator of Country Hills Housing Co-operative, helped create the Co-operative Enterprises of Central Ontario IYC cluster and led the charge in fundraising for the production of an IYC float in the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. Learn more about Carbray's leadership, collaboration and determination in this video from On Co-op.

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 [email protected] or call her at 613-238-6711, ext. 243


In This Issue
Share your most memorable moments of 2012!
What's your legacy?
Celebrating OUR International Year
Co-operators get creative in 2012
Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World - in 2012 and beyond
CCA highlights of the International Year
Co-ops continue to Build a Better World with CDF
Winners of The National Co-op Challenge revealed
Spirit of IYC honoured in Ontario
Happy holidays from CCA!
Last issue of 2012 Matters
Reflections on IYC from CCA
Pauline Green on building a better world
Order your CCA calendars for 2013
Canada's IYC messages
Support youth engagement in co-operatives!
A message from New York
Where's Cooper?
Build a better world with CDF
Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade
ICA eDigest

Join Our Mailing List

Please forward this newsletter throughout your contact list

Happy holidays from CCA! 
 

Happy holidays from the Canadian Co-operative Association  

The staff and board of the Canadian Co-operative Association wish you a safe and co-operative holiday season.

 

Click here to view our festive holiday video.

Last issue of 2012 Matters  
 

CCA was pleased to provide you with a monthly bulletin on all things relating to the International Year of Co-operatives from 2011-2012. We hope you've enjoyed your subscription to 2012 Matters!

 

With the International Year coming to an end, please note that the final issue will be published at the end of January 2013.

 

Keep an eye out for the last issue of 2012 Matters for news about the Canadian co-op sector's final report on the International Year and a commemorative video that will capture Canada's IYC highlights.

 

If you have questions about our publication, please contact [email protected].

Reflections on IYC from CCA
 
Co-operatives UK hosted Twitter interviews with several co-op organizations on December 12, 2012 (12-12-12) to reflect on achievements made during the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives. Tanya Gracie, manager of the International Year for CCA, shared her insights and proudest moments of IYC.

 

Read her answers to all 12 questions at http://s.coop/iyctwinterview.

Pauline Green on building a better world
 

Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance  

The International Year of Co-operatives was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote how co-ops contribute to the economic and social development of communities around the world.

 

Watch this short message from Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Co-operative Alliance, about why co-ops should continue to work together to build a better world.

Order your CCA calendars for 2013 
 
2013 calendar cover

Keep the IYC theme alive and visible next year with CCA's new 2013 calendar, entitled 
"CCA volunteers building a better world."

 

The high quality photographs in this calendar were taken by CCA volunteers on overseas assignments.

 

Each calendar cost sonly $1 (plus taxes and shipping). Visit http://s.coop/2013calendar (PDF) to preview the calendar and then order yours today!

 

For more information or to order (minimum five copies), contact David Shanks at [email protected]

Canada's IYC messages 

Canada's IYC Messages  

 

What better way to capture the impact of IYC than to hear what messages Canadians are leaving behind for 2012?

 

Here are some of the IYC messages that co-operators and co-op supporters have posted to Canada's official website for the International Year, www.canada2012.coop.

  

It's time to spread the word and tell everyone the importance of cooperatives and build a lasting legacy from 2012 celebrations. - Gordon, Dieppe, NB

  

Beating at the heart of the co-operative movement is a community that desires to be different; together. - Glenn, Toronto, ON

  

Saskatchewan co-ops and credit unions - keep the IYC momentum going! - Heather, Saskatoon, SK

  

Can You IMAGINE? What about running Canada as one giant co-operative? - Trudi, Thunder Bay, ON

  

I think that co-operatives need to use the international year to raise their profile in communities across Canada. It isn't enough to do great work, we need to encourage others to join in. - Carl, Edmonton, AB

  

Hello from Alberta! Enjoying IYC 2012 so far. - UFA Co-operative Limited, AB 

  

Cooperative youth seminar (coop camp) was a wonderful place to learn about cooperatives AND experience the power of cooperation. Leadership development was a significant part of the program. I am, still grateful to the Melfort Coop and Credit Union for their sponsorship ...(35 years ago!) ;oD - Lori, Oxbow, SK

  

All co-ops are beneficial to a community but housing and worker co-ops truly exemplify the defintion of what a co-op truly is about, having the people involved and making the decisions democratically! - Brendan, Guelph, ON

  

We're proud to be part of a successful co-operative credit union, and to partner with so many fantastic co-ops in the communities we serve. Make a difference! Join a co-op. - Chinook Credit Union, Strathmore, AB

  

My goal in 2012 is to increase awareness of Coops to the Youth in our Community. - E.C., Antigonish, NS

  

Around the world, co-operatives give millions of people the opportunity to vote and to be part of decision making! Have a voice and be heard, join a co-op! :) - Ola, Montreal, QC

Support youth engagement in co-operatives!  
 

 

 

The United Nations says engaging, employing and empowering youth should be a priority for co-operatives in 2013 and beyond.

 

How can you support this strategy moving forward?

 

Start by signing the UN International Cooperative Youth Statement.

 

Go to http://s.coop/supportcoopyouth for more information.

A message from New York
 
United Nations International Year of Co-operatives  
 
Two CCA youth representatives share their excitement as they attend the United Nations closing ceremonies of IYC in New York. Click here.
Where's Cooper?  
 

Cooper in Essex Cooper is a travelling bear who is taking a year long journey across Ontario, visiting as many co-ops and credit unions as he can to keep the spirit of IYC alive throughout the province.

 

The Ontario Co-operative Association launched the Travelling Cooper legacy project at their IYC gala in Milton on November 30.

 

The goal of sharing Cooper with co-operators in Ontario is to remind people of the International Year while raising awareness of co-operatives.

 

After starting the journey in Milton, Cooper the bear travelled to United Communities Credit Union in Essex. Visit http://s.coop/CooperInEssex to see highlights of Cooper's visit.

 

Where will Cooper go next?

 

Visit http://s.coop/travellingcooper to track his travels or request a visit to your co-op or credit union in 2013. 

Build a better world with CDF

 

Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada  

Celebrate the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives and help the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF) build a better world.

 

CDF is raising $12 million for global co-operative development over the next four years. $3 million has been generously donated so far.

 

Watch this video for more information.

Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade
 

 

 

The International Co-operative Alliance released its draft of the Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade - a plan to make co-operatives the recognized world leader in economic, social and environmental sustainability, the fastest growing form of enterprise, and the preferred model of people by 2020.

 

Co-operatives the world over are using the Blueprint to plan for a co-operative future.

 

Download a copy at http://s.coop/blueprint.

ICA eDigest

 

ICA eDigest  

 

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:

 

  • CHF Canada's winning entry to the United Nations IYC short film festival, "Co-op Housing: more than a home"
  • Outcomes from the United Nations closing ceremonies in New York on November 19-20

Read the full December issue here.

Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World

 

The International Year is winding down, but co-ops will continue to build a better world in 2013 and beyond.

 

There are 12 great reasons why. Learn them and share them at http://s.coop/12reasonswhy.

Co-operative Enterprises Build a Better World

 

Keep the momentum going! Celebrate the spirit of IYC - now and into the future.

 

www.canada2012.coop