Celebrate International Year of Co-operatives

We’re usually not ones to brag, but it’s a special occasion: We think co-operatives, including ours, are pretty awesome. Co-operatives make life better for people around the world, including right here in Western Canada.

That’s why we’re celebrating International Year of Co-operatives in 2025. We’ve come up with 10 ways for you to celebrate with us by learning more and participating in the co-operative movement.

1. Join a co-operative

   There’s no better place to start than jumping in and becoming a member of your local Co-op, in person or online. Already a member? Explore participating in other co-operative organizations in your community.

2. Learn more about co-operatives in your community

   There are different types of co-operatives operating in many different industries across Canada. Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada maintains a directory and map to help you find co-ops in your community, region and province.

3. Participate in a co-operative event in your community

   Co-ops regularly host and participate in community events, such as fundraisers like Fuel Good Day or barbecues and summer parades. If you’re in British Columbia, celebrate International Year of Co-operatives by attending a Co-op Tour event. In Saskatchewan, visit the Diefenbaker Canada Centre in Saskatoon this fall for the Community Powered: Celebrating Canadian Co-operatives exhibit. Co-op Week across Canada is in October and coincides with Credit Union Day.

4. Find out about and purchase food products from co-operatives

   Discover where your food comes from. In Canada and around the world, there are many agricultural co-operatives in which producers work together to sell a product. Your dairy products, coffee, honey, vegetables, poultry, fish and more may all be sourced from a co-operative organization. “Co-operative” may not even be part of the business or brand name, such as Olymel, Agropur, Camino and Gay Lea Foods.

• Read: Make your day with Co-operative Coffee
• Read: Collaborating on food products
• Read: Hooked on Sask. fish

5. Review your financial services

   Co-op members save on insurance through the Co-operators. Credit unions are owned by their members and offer banking services and rates similar to, if not better, than traditional banks. They focus on customer service and use their profits to improve services and give back to their local community. Find a local credit union.

6. Participate in governance activities

   Co-operatives are driven by their members. Attend an annual meeting or become an elected board member to have your say in your co-operative’s strategic direction.

7. Have a conversation about co-operatives

   This one is as easy as discussing what a co-operative is with friends or family! You can also join others in the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives’ monthly online discussion, Co-op Conversations, or discover webinars from other co-operative organizations. Listen to a podcast like The Common Share from Co-operatives First or read a book about co-operatives.

8. Donate to a co-operative charity

   Of more than 6,000 co-operatives in Canada, about 58 per cent are non-profit organizations. There are about 250 co-operatives that are registered charities associated with childcare, health, recreation, arts and culture, among others. Use the advanced filter on the Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada map to find a registered charity.

9. Engage your whole family

   Many Co-op associations offer a Co-op Kids’ Club, a program that may provide treats, savings and special activities for the next generation of members. And the best part is that it’s free to join. Visit your local Co-op to see if they run a Co-op Kids’ Club.

10. Develop your co-operative expertise

    No matter if you’re new or a seasoned veteran, Co-operatives First offers free online courses to support your co-operative journey. They also offer a special series of certifications for co-op entrepreneurs, professionals and advisors. Learn more about co-operatives through professional development opportunities or university programs, including those from the University of Saskatchewan.

Have more ways to celebrate? Let us know by tagging @coopcrs #IYC2025 #ItsACoopThing.

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