The International Year of Cooperatives is finally underway, fueling a myriad of global opportunities served up on a silver platter for all cooperatives in all sectors; opportunities that can be creatively harnessed to educate all peoples on the inherent value of the cooperative business model.
If there ever was a time when the world needed a business model rooted in values and principles, now is the perfect time for us to step forward. Now is the time for all cooperative leaders to take to the airwaves. Now is the time for member/owners to tell their neighbors why they belong to a food co-op, a housing co-op or a credit union. And, now is especially the time for cooperative evangelists to herald the tidings of hope, equity and dignity that come with membership in a co-op.