When times are tough - we look for stories of heroes and impact. Now is the time for co-ops to step into the spotlight and start sharing their superpowers. The Co-operative Intelligence Unit (CIU) was developed to create resources and connect co-ops to experts to plan effectively in an uncertain future and this team of experts are available to support your co-op through these unpredictable times. 

 To fight off feelings of helplessness, Canadians are now reconsidering how spending choices impact their community. Questions of what we’re paying for and how it translates to the recovery and strength of our communities are prevalent on social media. As a result, efforts to shop local have gained popularity. More Canadians are discovering what co-ops knew all along - that there’s value in sustainable transactions, and in supporting the local community. 

When times are tough - we look for stories of heroes and impact...

 Now is the time for co-ops to step into the spotlight and start sharing their superpowers. Imagine, a model that serves its people and its communities and, finds its strength in support of those very same people? Co-ops are well-placed to offer Canadians a solution to this uncertainty by empowering members, employees, and suppliers to benefit from success and influence decisions.  

Setting the Post-Pandemic Stage

The stage is set for co-ops to loudly share their compelling value proposition. And seek to gain understanding from the broader community. As the pandemic dust settles, cooperation and collaboration, local community investment, and a democratic spirit of engagement appear to be a solution, many are ready to embrace. 

Co-operative Intelligence Unit:  Ideas are Percolating

“There are a lot of think tanks out there, but we want to be a think and do tank,” said ACCA manager of co-op services Seth Leon while speaking about the Co-operative Intelligence Unit. The Co-operative Intelligence Unit (CIU) was formed weeks before the COVID-19 global pandemic locked-down the country and initiated broad changes and uncertainty. It includes a group of people from across the country and from a variety of cooperative perspectives including practitioners, government and academics. All share a shared passion for advancing the cooperative system.

The CIU was developed to create resources and connect coops to experts to plan effectively in an uncertain future. How can the CIU help? Your board would be interested in connecting with the experts in our network to bring foresight and scenario planning into your strategic planning. Plus, provide connections to subject-matter experts on topics that will impact your co-op and support this work by funding research on the issues that affect our sector. 

 For further information, please follow these links:

In the recent CIU Discussion paper, “Cooperatives in the time of COVID-19” some of the drivers of change are discussed in relation to their impact on the preferred future state for cooperatives. Please use this link to read the discussion paper. 

Also, if you haven’t yet, please take time to watch and share the short video featuring highlights from the virtual conference co-hosted by ACCA and BCCA.