Co-op Week 2010: Experience the Co-operative Difference

The values, principles and practices that make co-operatives different from other types of businesses – and the difference co-operatives make to the lives of Canadians – will be the focus of this year’s Co-op Week celebrations, which will take place from October 17-23, 2010.

The theme of Co-op Week 2010, Experience the Co-operative Difference, celebrates the advantages of the co-operative business model in Canada and around the world. These include:

• Ownership: Co-ops are democratic organizations owned by their members, who participate in their co-op on the basis of one member, one vote.
• Values: Co-ops are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.
• Purpose: Co-ops exist to create value for their members; they’re not about making big profits for shareholders.
• Service: Most co-ops are locally controlled and operated and provide services not just to their members, but also to the communities they live in.
• Principles: Co-ops abide by seven internationally-recognized principles: voluntary and open membership; democratic member control; member economic participation; autonomy and independence; education, training and information; co-operation among co-operatives; and concern for community.

As in past years, International Credit Union Day, October 21, will take place during Co-op Week. This year’s ICU Day theme, developed by an international committee led by the World Council of Credit Unions, is Local. Trusted. Serving You: Experience the Credit Union Difference.

Visit the Coop Week Website.