One thread that is common amongst the various types of co-ops is that they all follow 7 cooperative principles. Principle 6 (or P6) is cooperation by cooperatives. Strengths of the cooperative movement lies in co-ops working together across sectors, industries, and regions to support each other.
Seven Cooperative Principles
- Voluntary and Open Membership
- Democratic Member Control
- Member Economic Participation
- Autonomy and Independence
- Education, Training, Information
- Cooperation by Cooperatives
- Concern for Community
P6 is a way to fill needs amongst co-ops. It’s a way to live out co-operative values. It’s a way to distinguish coops from other business models. P6 has the power to shape policy, expand opportunities, accelerate growth, and take advantage of economies of scale.
Examples of P6 in action:
Advocacy – collaborating with organizations to influence policy
Economies of Scale – co-ops joining to utilize shared marketing resources, or to reduce costs.
Training and Education – co-ops together hosting workshops.
Cross sector partnerships – housing co-ops working with a cooperative financial institution.
Supporting new co-ops – established co-ops mentoring start up co-ops.
How can CoMN aid your cooperative with P6?
CoMN is a central hub for co-ops with Minnesota connections and bring together various cooperatives for cross sector collaboration. Even for the most experienced cooperator, CoMN hosted events provide education and networking opportunities.
Sources: NCBA
ICA Identity Statement Guidance Notes
From the Guidance Notes:
“Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.”
“The Dual Focus of Inter-Co-operative Structures
Typically the structures co-operatives build between and among themselves focus on one of two types of activities. They tend to focus either on the economic dimension of co-operatives, to trade goods and services, such as Coop2Coop trade, or on the social and political dimension of joining forces for networking purposes and to advance shared interests. The social and political dimension of inter-co-operative structures is frequently the framework upon or through which economic relationships and structures are built. These two dimensions are evident in many inter-co-operative structures at local, regional, national and international levels.”