Episode Intro: Why Co-operatives Matter
Co-operatives are defined by the ICA as “an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise (ICA, na). Using that definition to help define this project, we will dive into the impact of co-operatives based on five different questions. I’m looking to bring to light the characteristics and qualities that make a co-operative have impact. Likewise, a descriptive design method will allow for both qualitative and quantitative research methods to support my statement as it will help define the how, where, when and what aspect of the why co-operatives matter.
The questions posed during the interviews are meant to be interpreted by the guest to the best of their knowledge of why co-op matters and how co-ops are involved in meeting a community’s needs based on the topic being addressed. The definition alone of a co-operative is open to interpretation. The guests, therefore, will also be able to interpret how and if a need has been met.
In my thirteen years of working for a food co-operative, it has been presented, offered as training, and lived in everyday life of Why Co-operatives Matter. Why what we do is critical to making the world a better place, a world that aims to be built on sustainability and, more importantly, a world of equality and equity. Today, we see a world in distress regardless of where one might be around the world. It is a world that is imploding at an unsustainable rate.
From the founding of the Rochdale Pioneers to now, the successes of co-operatives have set forth a change in the world for the better. Though the overall topic of Why Co-operatives Matter seems broad as a research statement, the five questions addressed throughout the project through personal interviews, highlighted ways in which co-operatives have emerged during a crisis and met the needs of those often ignored. Whether by addressing food sovereignty, racism, ecosystems, sustainable and resilient communities, or how co-operatives can leverage more impact, this project will bring a deeper understanding of the co-operative movement. It will explore the relationship between the principles and values and how they guide cooperation, participation, and the drive of putting people over profit.
ILO states that there are roughly:
More than 12% of humanity is part of any of the 3 million co-operatives in the world; The largest 300 cooperatives and mutuals report a total turnover of 2,034.98 billion USD; Cooperatives employ 280 million people across the globe (10% of the world’s employed population).” (United Nations, n.d.)
As value-based and principle driven organizations, co-operative enterprises are by nature sustainable and participatory.
The United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), have all stated:
“The cooperative enterprise is the type of organization that is most suited to addressing all dimensions of reducing poverty and exclusion. The way cooperatives help reduce poverty is important - they identify economic opportunities for their members; empower the disadvantaged to defend their interests; provide security to the poor by allowing them to convert individual risks into collective risks; and mediate member access to assets that they utilize to earn a living.” (ILO, n.d.)
There is an abundance of data available that one could present to support the statement of why co-operatives matter. The quote above resonates with everyone associated with co-operatives. The literature reviewed can attest to that. The impact of co-operatives can be attested by highlighting the social, financial, or environmental aspects. My project is aimed at supporting my statement not only by presenting facts but also hearing real stories from people living the
co-operative movement on ground.
My hope is that whether the one that listens to these interviews be well versed in co-operatives, or perhaps a new employee at River Valley that knows little about co-operative model, or someone just passing through, the end game for all listeners is to gain a deeper understanding of co-operatives and how co-operatives are an asset to the world.