Co-ops Rock Because They Sustain Our Environment

Long before “green” was a marketing keyword to promote everything from game shows to gasoline brands, cooperatives were working for a healthier planet and more sustainable world.

Co-ops Rock Because They Are Pioneers

The cooperative movement began in northern England in 1844 when a group of working-class artisans and craftspeople called the Rochdale Pioneers grew tired of being victimized by an economic elite.

Co-ops Rock Because They Walk on the Wild Side

The cooperative movement is made up of rugged individualists (and more than a few eccentic characters) united by a common bond to work for a better, more cooperative world.

Co-ops Rock Because They Build Character

U.S. President Barack Obama was an active member of a storied cooperative in Chicago. The cooperative movement, by nature, builds leadership and a sense of dedication to community service.

Co-ops Rock Because They Fight for Social Justice

Without justice, there can be no cooperation. Without cooperation, there can be no justice. Cooperatives work for a more just world so that many will not bear extraordinary burdens for the benefit of a few.

Co-ops Rock Because They are Visionary

Many concepts considered no-brainers today—such as organics, the local-food movement, environmental sustainability, and fair trade—were advocated by people in the cooperative movement decades ago.

Co-ops Rock Because They Are Revolutionary

Today’s common practices were yesterday’s revolutionary ideas. Cooperatives were born out of a sense of socioeconomic revolution—which still fuels the cooperative movement today.

Co-ops Rock Because They Believe in Economic Equality

One person desire for profits should not drive many other people into poverty. The cooperative movement works to build robust, sustainable local economies so that all may benefit by mutual cooperative efforts.

Co-ops Rock Because They Are Relevant

Cooperatives and the values, ethics, and principles they stand for are as relevant and revolutionary today as they were when they were first established by the Rochdale Pioneers more than 150 years ago.

Co-ops Rock Because They Are Independent

Walk into any cooperative and the first thing you will notice is that it is different from the last one you may have seen. Every cooperative is an independent, self-sustaining entity with its own mission, vision, and character.