2012 International Year of Cooperatives Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World Andrea Cumpston Director, Communications & Marketing National Cooperative Business Association

“Cooperatives are a reminder to the international community that it is possible to pursue both economic viability and social responsibility.” —UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

A Major Economic Force… in developed countries and a powerful business model in developing ones. Worldwide, over 1 billion people are members of cooperatives. The economic activity of the largest 300 cooperatives in the world equals the 9 th largest national economy. Source: International Co-operative Alliance

UN Goals for Celebration Increase public awareness about co-ops and their contributions to socio-economic development Promote the formation and growth of cooperatives Encourage governments to establish policies, laws and regulations conducive to the formation, growth and stability of cooperatives

Co-ops are everywhere! Start your day with a glass of Sunkist orange juice or Ocean Spray cranberry juice and a couple of pieces of toast spread with Land O’ Lakes butter. On your way to work, you drop off your child at a local day-care center. Later, make a deposit at a credit union and then pick up groceries. You can spend your day doing business with co-ops!

You Might Know…

More than 29,000 Co-ops

Priorities for US Celebration Increase awareness of how cooperative enterprise can meet community and individual needs –Raise the awareness and profile of cooperatives— especially among young people Build and sustain the cooperative movement and its capacity for growth and innovation

Multi-level, Targeted Celebration International National State, Regional and Local Public Policy makers Youth Business thought leaders 9

Areas of Focus for US Observance Raise profile of cooperatives Improve access to cooperative businesses Reach out to youth—cultivate next gen leadership Educate and engage senior government leaders Support studies that demonstrate economic value 10

Providing local service… part of a global network Innovating to meet member needs Putting people first Key Messages for US Co-ops Theme four - saved for each co-op sector

How Will You Observe? Be a champion within your organization Create a network of cooperatives within your area Stimulate thinking about 2012 legacy projects 12

Pass the IYC Resolution Builds awareness and community alignment Resolution template created for you to download and customize –Can be modified for board adoption Passed by CUNA, NRECA and the Neighboring Food Co-op Association—among others

Online Directory to Improve Access 14

Implementing Social Media Strategy Expanding successful initiatives across sectors –My Co-op Rocks! Sharing strategies and resources among Anglophone co-op organizations –Stories.coop –Choose a Co-op video 15

16

17

Posters 18

Web banners 19

Thank you! Cooperative enterprises build a better world