National Co-operatives Fortnight runs from September 10-24, and will provide a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote the benefits of the co-operative model – shared profits, equal say and community engagement to build a better world.
Your co-operative, credit union or mutual can join in by staging an event during the Fortnight – just add your activity to the National IYC Calendar.
Based on similar successful national campaigns around the world such as the UK campaign of the same name, the fortnight is a time for co-operatives to showcase the social and economic good that comes from co-operative business.
Last year’s UK Co-ops Fortnight saw 290 events and online publicity reaching nearly 2 million. Co-operatives trended on twitter for the first time, becoming one of the most popular topics.
Here are some ways to get involved in the Co-ops Fortnight, as well as resources to aid you in your activities.
What you can do to make the most of Co-ops Fortnight
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Hold an event celebrating your co-operative and its contribution to the local community; an information evening, luncheon, products fair, stall, film screening etc.
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Invite your local chamber of commerce, mayor, local media or a local MP to learn about the contribution of your co-operative to the local community and its economy.
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Hold a promotional competition to celebrate the Fortnight and promote the IYC 2012.
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Invite your local schools to visit your co-operative – or organise to visit them! (Educating the next generation of co-operative members about the difference in our business structure).
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Write to your local MP and tell them about the contribution your co-operative and others in your region have made to the local economy and social fabric over the years.
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Add your event to the IYC Calendar
The Secretariat will mark your event with the Co-ops Fortnight logo.
What the IYC Secretariat can do for you
To support co-operatives during their Co-op Fortnight activities, the IYC Secretariat is developing a range of free resources to add value to your event:
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IYC 2012 Postcards for giveaway at your event/s (for our IYC 2012 partners).
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Not a supporter yet? Find out how you can contribute to the industry funded campaign.
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Downloadable artwork to print off Co-ops Fortnight and IYC 2012 posters
- Use of Co-ops Fortnight logo in all promotional materials (contact [email protected])
The Secretariat has commissioned several merchandising opportunities that can be purchased for sale or giveaway at your fortnight activities:
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Commemorative badge
Limited edition IYC 2012 badges featuring the UN logo would be an ideal giveaway at any Co-ops Fortnight event.
- Banners, caps, pens, balloons, mugs, key rings – all with our great IYC logo. For a full list, see our e-shop
Commemorative items – limited edition
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Commemorative stamp sheet and coin mailer
Available with great bulk discounts on the pre-paid envelopes, these limited edition Australia Post items offer the chance to collect a lasting reminder of IYC 2012. They make great member recognition gifts too.
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Commemorative coin
The only nation in the world to produce a collectible coin and stamps series celebrating the IYC 2012, the coin offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the year.
Lastly, please contact the Secretariat to notify us of your involvement in Co-ops Fortnight, so that we may promote your activities across our networks and in the media: [email protected]
Look no further than Maleny…
As an example of an excellent way to celebrate National Co-operatives Fortnight, look no further than Maleny’s ‘Coops 4 Change Fest’. The one day festival will promote the co-operatives of this Queensland town and the vast contribution they have made to their community: www.iycmaleny.coop
Toolkit
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