Blogs

Manufacturing hopes rest on union-supported co-operative ventures - Australian Council of Trade Unions

AnthonyMurray — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:29:40 +0000

Manufacturing hopes rest on union-supported co-operative ventures - Australian Council of Trade Unions:

Australian unions have endorsed the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) support for co-operative operations, recognising the critical role they play in advancing the organisation’s Global Employment Agenda and promoting decent work.

Very many thanks to the Co-operative Central Bank, Cyprus who...

AnthonyMurray — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:37:51 +0000

Very many thanks to the Co-operative Central Bank, Cyprus who generously donated funds to the ICA’s global appeal for the International Year of Co-operatives.

To see the full list of our IYC partners visit here.

Rabobank provides aid for Africa at G8 Summit

AnthonyMurray — Sat, 19 May 2012 23:04:29 +0000

Rabobank provides aid for Africa at G8 Summit:

Rabobank and IFC sign WAAD Letter of Intent

Calling all fisheries co-operatives

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:53:03 +0000

There are thousands of fisheries co-operatives around the world creating sustainable communities.

Next week the International Co-operative Alliance and EURICSE will highlight these co-ops on the stories.coop website - and the role they play in building a better world. If your co-op has a great story to tell do involved and visit stories.coop and perhaps your fisheries co-op will be our Story of the Day!

fairtrade: We are proud to see our wine on sale here today,...

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:30:47 +0000

fairtrade:

We are proud to see our wine on sale here today, and soon it will be available in countries like the UK and Japan. Thanks to Fairtrade certification we can reach new markets and have a sustainable crop that brings new hope to our region.

Chehade Maalouf, member of Coteaux d’Heliopolis cooperative who recently became Fairtrade certified. Here he is pictured at the Fairtrade Brunch for World Fair Trade Day in Beirut (top photo, far left) and at his home village in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

Chiraz Skhiri from our producer relations team (pictured, centre) supported Heliopolis through the certification process, in partnership with Fair Trade Lebanon. To find out more about our services to producers, click here.

More about our visit to Heliopolis coming soon!

Otter Co-op marks 90 years of service

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:29:53 +0000

Otter Co-op is partying like it’s 1922 this year.

It was 90 years ago that a small group of 25 members, both men and women, incorporated the Otter District Farmers’ Institute (on Nov. 13, 1922). Their “mandate was to promote agricultural awareness and improve life so that settlement would be permanent and prosperous” for the early settlers of the Otter district.

benrogerswpg: Winners of the Show Us Your Co-op! contest....

AnthonyMurray — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:56:22 +0000

benrogerswpg:

Winners of the Show Us Your Co-op! contest. http://bit.ly/L4zsJm

Equal Exchange At the Presidential Palace – Lima, Peru

Rodney North — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:16:09 +0000

Yesterday you read how Jessie Myszka represented Equal Exchange on a visit with other co-op leaders to the White House to discuss the role of co-operatives in our economy and how our government can better support them.

Today, we bring you on another Equal Exchange visit; this time to Peru’s “White House”, or the Presidential Palace as it is called in Peru.

Well, we didn’t actually make the trip ourselves; rather, our chocolate bars did.

How did this happen? Santiago Paz, Co-President of Cepicafe, and good friend to many of us here at Equal Exchange, was invited by Peru’s Vice President, Marisol Espinoza, to lunch at the Presidential Palace.

Cepicafe, a small farmer coffee co-operative located in Piura, Peru is one of Equal Exchange’s long-term partners. Along with other Fair Trade co-operatives in northern Peru, Cepicafe helped launch Ms. Espinoza’s political career. A prominent journalist, with roots in the mountains of Piura, Marisol often wrote about the challenges facing small farmers, learning much from her relationships with the co-ops. Eventually, she was encouraged by the co-ops to run for Congressional office. To the surprise and delight of many, Marisol ran on an anti-mining and pro-small farmer platform – and won! Her election illustrates one of the most important achievements of Fair Trade – the ability to influence regional politics.

In 2005, Ollanta Humala ran for President and invited Marisol to join his ticket. She consulted with Cepicafe and other co-ops in the region and with their support, accepted his invitation.

Celebration in Piura after the 2006 Presidential elections.

Today, Marisol is Vice President and continues to use her position to support progressive economic and social policies affecting rural communities throughout Peru.

And so, last week when Santiago was invited to dine at the Presidential Palace, what did he decide to bring Marisol as a gift of appreciation?

Why, Equal Exchange chocolate bars of course!

Dame Pauline helps Ireland mark Co-op Year with major national conference

AnthonyMurray — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:49:57 +0000

Dame Pauline helps Ireland mark Co-op Year with major national conference:

Ireland’s President Michael D. Higgins will mark the International Year of Co-operatives in a national conference today.

Joining the country’s President will be Dame Pauline Green, President of the International Co-operative Alliance, and over 200 Irish industry and public sector leaders along with Research & Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock.

Read more about the event in the June edition of the ICA’s eDigest. To subscribe visit http://civimail.ica.coop/civicrm/mailing/subscribe?reset=1

Equal Exchange at the White House

Rodney North — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:32:08 +0000

The following post was written by Jessie Myszka, Director of Support Operations, after her meeting at the White House on May 4th

Jessie Myszka of Equal Exchange and Melissa Hoover, Executive Director of the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, at the White House meeting on cooperatives

In 2003, while meeting with coffee producers on an Equal Exchange visit to Guatemala, our farmer co-op hosts were proud to show us the power lines that snaked up the mountainside. Electricity had arrived just three months before our visit. I couldn’t help but wonder how life would change in Pueblo Nuevo; what unintended consequences would occur as a result?

This past Friday, I heard another side of the electrification story, this time recounted by staff of utility companies from the American midwest. Rural electrification in the 1930s took place through the formation of co-operatives because private companies believed the provision of electricity was not a profitable goal: electricity co-ops proved them wrong. During that time, 44 percent of the U.S. population was rural. Today, that percent has dropped to 16 percent. Still imagine: what would it be like if the power lines had never come?

Last Friday, I sat in a small auditorium on the White House campus with 150 cooperators from dozens of industries. White House staff and the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) had invited us to educate the administration, Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Small Business Administration (SBA) about what we co-operatives have done and what the federal government could do to help – or to get out of the way.

Now history repeats itself. Last week, the USDA announced a new loan program to extend broadband to rural communities. Access is important not only for schools and medical facilities, but also contributes to an infrastructure that supports both businesses and employment opportunities – thereby allowing communities to stay rural and sustainable. Customer call centers can be “insourced” to the countryside rather than exported abroad. This was just one example of the NCBA’s key message to the White House, USDA, and SBA: not only do co-operatives do better at sustaining the economy, but we co-operatives can offer solutions to the problems of the Great Recession. For example:

Nationally, mortgages provided through credit unions have much lower foreclosure rates.[1]

Of the hundreds of organizations who borrowed money from the Cooperative Fund of New England (CFNE) since 1975, 75% are still in business.[2]

CFNE also boasts a loan repayment rate exceeding 99% – much higher than conventional loan repayments[3].
Worker co-operatives contribute to individuals’ assets and are much more likely to redistribute hours than lay workers off during the recession.

In a recent survey by the Consumer Federation of America, people rated consumer co-operatives more highly than for-profit businesses on quality and service. For example, 74% of respondents agreed that co-operatives “have the best interests of customer in mind,” compared to only 52% of for-profit businesses.[4]

The speakers – from the USDA, National Economic Council, Domestic Policy Council, to the Chief of Staff Jack Lew – often began their own presentations with an anecdote about how after reading the co-ops’ profiles prepared by NCBA, they discovered that they had several personal connections to the co-operatives. Like lamp posts turning on one by one on a dark road, the prevalence of co-operatives and the benefits provided was illuminated: no single light could be sufficient on its own.

[1] http://www.cutimes.com/2009/09/02/cus-foreclosing-on-fewer-homes-than-banks-and-not-as-quickly “In general, credit unions appear to be foreclosing on a smaller percentage of their mortgage loans than other financial institutions and are usually taking longer to do it, according to credit union executives and NCUA data.”

[2] NCBA case study for this White House briefing.

[3] The rate for SBA loans in 2009 was 12%, but this is not a fair comparison as it is a single year. The rate was 2.4% in 2004 and 8.4% in 2007. http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/25/smallbusiness/smallbiz_loan_defaults_soar.smb/

[4] NCBA news release, May 2, 2012.

ICA welcomes two new Members from Zambia and Peru

AnthonyMurray — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:01:54 +0000

The ICA is delighted to welcome two new members:

Northern Province Co-operative Marketing Union Ltd. (NPCMU Ltd) from Zambia and

Cooperativa de Ahorro y Credito “Santa Maria Magdalena” (CACSMM) from Peru

Bringing the total number ICA member organisations to 270 from 97 countries

See all the ICA members here

Thank you to Banco Credicoop (Argentina) for their generous...

AnthonyMurray — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:27:41 +0000

Thank you to Banco Credicoop (Argentina) for their generous support to the IYC Global Appeal Fund.

To find out more about this Supporter visit http://www.bancocredicoop.coop/

How Often Does "Co-Op" Come Up? - Credit Union Soapbox

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:05:23 +0000

How Often Does "Co-Op" Come Up? - Credit Union Soapbox

"You’ve got to be in it - to win it! Hurry the deadline is 31st May for the ICA’s..."

AnthonyMurray — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:44:40 +0000

“

You’ve got to be in it - to win it!

Hurry the deadline is 31st May for the ICA’s Coop’Art competition - with 3 different categories: music, video and photography and lots of great cash prizes to be won, why not put a little time aside and prepare your entry now?

To find out more visit http://www.2012.coop/en/get-involved/competitions - Nicola

”

- Good luck! Nicola x

fairtrade: Fairtrade Liaison Officer José Gomez visited producers in Brazil and shared this story...

AnthonyMurray — Wed, 09 May 2012 07:32:39 +0000

fairtrade:

Fairtrade Liaison Officer José Gomez visited producers in Brazil and shared this story from the field. Fairtrade International has a network of 50 liaison officers to help producers join and stay in the Fairtrade system. They also work closely on market access initiatives and setting up partnerships. Read more about our services to producers on our website.

A juicy trip to Brazil
Here we are strolling through luscious citrus fields near the city of Montenegro in Southern Brazil. I’m taking over responsibility for this region from my fellow Liaison Officer, Marcel, so he took me to meet the organizations to learn the ropes. It was a long journey visiting seven organizations in just four working days with two full days of travel. But it was worth it for the great experiences and the people we met!

People like José Luis (in hat and shorts), whose farm we’re walking through in this photo. José owns 28 hectares of orange trees and produces according to Fairtrade, Organic, and Bio Dynamic standards. It was amazing to see the hard work and passion he has for his work. He’s a trained biologist and dedicates all his time to his farm so he can make a living for his family.

José Luis is a member of the Fairtrade and organic certified ECOCITRUS Cooperative. They sell most of their delicious, fresh juice on the local market, but they also produce essential oils to sell on Fairtrade terms and they’re taking steps to increase their business even more in future.

The local mill charges high prices for processing, so the members of the cooperative are taking matters into their own hands thanks to a loan from a Brazilian development bank. The cooperative will build their own processing mill! A big part of Fairtrade is helping producers organize and capture more of the value chain so they can move beyond just higher prices to adding value and improving their business skills.

ECOCITRUS does plenty of other good work too. Read more on their website www.ecocitrus.com.br .

White House Briefing on Co-operatives, Jobs and Economy Opens Dialogue With Nation's Leaders

AnthonyMurray — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:35:28 +0000

White House Briefing on Cooperatives, Jobs and Economy Opens Dialogue With Nation’s Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC, May 08, 2012 — Last week, 150 leaders of the US cooperative community went to the White House with a mission: to let top-level Obama Administration officials know that co-ops are values-based businesses and engines of growth in this economy. During the May 4 White House Community Leaders Briefing on Co-operatives, Jobs and the Economy, these leaders discussed ways that cooperatives generate jobs and contribute to the economy, as well as opportunities for the Federal government to support cooperative enterprises.

See photos from the White House Community Leaders Briefing on Cooperatives, Jobs and the Economy here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50062413@N07/sets/72157629623329346/

Calling all organic co-operatives

AnthonyMurray — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:45:46 +0000

Now’s the chance to tell your story to a truly global audience. We know that co-operatives operate in all sectors of the economy and this week we’d like to highlight all those working in the organic sector on the stories.coop website.

So, whether you are an organic olive producer in Iran, run an organic coffee shop in Mongolia or grow organic herbal plants in Malawi - why not use this opportunity to tell your story? We know that co-operatives solve real problems by creating jobs in all sectors putting sustainability before risk and profit. Submit your story at www.stories.coop - 2012, is our opportunity to tell the world what we know.

ICA welcomes new member from Peru

AnthonyMurray — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:09:22 +0000

La Rehabilitadora Cooperativa de Ahorro y Credito Ltda. 24 has now rejoined the ICA to become its 268th Member.

As a credit union La Rehabilitadora works to achieve the well-being of their members and their families, providing them with a range of competitive products in the market, in addition to other complementary services; projecting the co-operative doctrine to the community and promoting the development of the country.

In 2006 La Rehabilitadora represented 7,000 individual members, by 2010 this had increased to 11,000 with an annual turnover in 2011 of PEN 7 million (approx USD 2,612,915).

This organisation was a previous member of the ICA from 27 September 2007 to 31 December 2009.

For more information visit www.larehabilitadora.com.pe

Co-op'Art deadline 31st May

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:01:50 +0000

With a first prize of USD 3,000 and a trip to Manchester in November 2012 to Co-operatives United, make sure your entry is in by 31st May 2012. Further details are available here: http://www.2012.coop/en/iyc-co-opart/co-opart-competition-details

Co-operative conference examining education and sustainability

Diarmuid McDonnell — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:09:34 +0000

21-22 May 2012, University of Aberdeen

Hopefully, you are all aware that 2012 is the UN International Year of Co-operatives and we intend to be part of the celebrations.

However, there is a feeling in the UK that we need to ensure that we create some legacy from these events.

To that end, CETS, The Co-operative Group Membership (Grampian) and the University of Aberdeen have decided to look to the basic co-operative principles of self help and self responsibility and organize an event to highlight co-operatives as an inherently more sustainable model of enterprise but also how co-operatives live up to their values and principles by supporting the wider sustainability agenda.

See the attached programmes for 2 inspirational days on how to use co-operative options as a route to a more sustainable economy and society.

We would be delighted to see you in Aberdeen for either or both days. Places are free but limited – so if you want to be part of the Co-operative Future, contact the email below.

Hugh Donnelly
hugh.donnelly@cets.coop

Programme details – Monday

Programme details – Tuesday

Dame Pauline Green visits the White House - May 4th

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:35:04 +0000

ICA President, Dame Pauline Green will visit the White House today along with 150 Cooperative Leaders to discuss jobs and the economy

The event, co-ordinated by NCBA, will see 150 co-operative leaders from all sectors of the economy and corners of the nation meet with top policymakers at the White House on May 4 to discuss how their organizations spur economic recovery through job creation and ongoing investments in their local communities.

“Every day cooperatives around the U.S. are stimulating the economy and we are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss our successes in job creation and ways to use the cooperative model to continue to strengthen communities large and small,” said Liz Bailey, interim president and chief executive officer of the National Cooperative Business Association. “Two million jobs are generated each year as a direct result of cooperatives, which illustrates the incredible impact that these organizations have on local economies.”

The event will begin with a briefing by senior Obama Administration officials followed by breakout sessions where cooperative leaders will meet with members of the Administration to discuss small business development, job creation, innovative agriculture programs and financial cooperatives.

US Co-operators descend on DC for White House meeting

AnthonyMurray — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:04:29 +0000

US Co-operators descend on DC for White House meeting:

Big Co-op Event #2: New Lanark 15 June 2012

Diarmuid McDonnell — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:33:24 +0000

In contrast to the 14 June, this event will focus on co-operative studies in higher education and explore ways in which it can be enhanced. Here are the details of the event:

We are happy to play a part in the celebrations around IYOC and to help raise awareness of the scale, scope and sustainable contribution of co-ops to the global economy.

However, we think it is even more important to ensure that 2012 creates a legacy and in particular in the field of education.

There are many options in terms of co-op structures and growing areas of support but we keep coming back to the imperative, of the need to imbed co-operative values and principles and co-operative models of enterprise at the very core of our education system. There are alternatives and we need to ensure future generations are made aware that there are alternatives.

Successful co-ops are based on member participation. Progress, in co-operative teaching and learning, needs the participation of co-operative academics. The basic economics of making the most efficient use of scarce resources still applies – we need your input to determine the most efficient way to imbed co-operatives into the system.

We have an interesting programme with significant input from academics, practitioners and most significantly, students. It will be even more interesting, stimulating and productive with your input so book your place by responding to e-mail below.

New Lanark Programme Details

Hugh Donnelly
hugh.donnelly@cets.coop

Big Co-op Event: New Lanark 14 June 2012

Diarmuid McDonnell — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:29:16 +0000

As part of the celebration of UN International Year of Co-operatives we are hosting an event at New Lanark on Thursday 14th June 2012 to highlight opportunities to develop the Curriculum for Excellence through Co-operative Studies.

We now have available, SQA Customised Awards in Co-operative Studies - http://s.coop/jk0n
We have supported over 120 pupils in 8 schools to the attainment of ASDAN Awards in Co-operative Studies
We have launched our online “Co-operative Farm to Food Cycle” - http://www.cets.coop/resources/primary.html

We believe that the co-operative values and principles and co-operative business model are at the very core of everything CfE aspires to be. We have a limited number of free places still available. Read the attached programme and send your details to info@cets.coop for a day of CPD which could prove priceless.

Programme details

www.2012.coop/get-involved/competitions

Co-op'Art deadline 31st May

AnthonyMurray — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:16:52 +0000