The United Nations declared 2012 the “International Year of Cooperatives” (IYC) to highlight the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development here and around the world.
Cooperatives can take this opportunity in 2012 to:
- Educate co-op members and the public about cooperatives
- Promote cooperative formation and growth
- Encourage governments to establish policies, laws and rules for co-ops
Get inspired by watching this uplifting video on IYC and cooperatives around the world:
Cooperatives are celebrating IYC in a number of ways. In the resources and links on this webpage, you can learn more about IYC and the cooperative movement.
Hopefully, you will attend an IYC event this year or plan an IYC activity in your co-op or with other cooperatives. Join in and spread the word about 2012 – the International Year of Cooperatives!
Philadelphia City Council Passes Resolution Recognizing Cooperatives, International Year of Co-ops
Acknowledging 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed a Resolution on January 26, 2012 recognizing cooperatives’ contributions to economic and social development. Introduced by newly elected Eight District Councilwoman Cindy Bass on January 26, 2012, the resolution cites the accomplishments of cooperatives both here and around the world. Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) commends City Council for passing the Resolution and hopes that it will be the beginning of a new wave in cooperative development in Philadelphia.
See the full Resolution adopted by Phila City Council.
Kick Off Event
The International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) got off to a great start at the Kick Off event in Philadelphia on February 8th at Fergie’s Pub, where more than 70 members of local co-ops celebrated, mingled, and learned more about the local and national co-op movements.