CEW Series: Credit Unions are Co-ops, Too! Credit Unions are Co-ops, Too! Follow-up Questions Credit Unions are Co-ops, Too! Follow-up Questions Name * Name First First Last Last Email * Co-op Affiliation Position at your Co-op 1) The relationship of a member to their co-op is the use of products and/or services. How do members “use” their Credit Union? * 2) Whereas a bank’s core purpose is to maximize return on capital for shareholders, a credit union’s primary purpose as a not-for-profit financial co-operative is to serve the needs and goals of members in the community. What is another major difference between a Credit Union and a for-profit bank? * 3) Credit Unions have roots around the globe as mutual aid and lending circles. The early formal financial co-operatives were noted in Germany, Canada, and then to the United States in the early 1900s. The first formal credit union was established in the U.S. in New Hampshire in 1908. Had you heard of the Credit Union Museum in Manchester, NH? If you were going to create a museum for your co-op or food co-ops in general, what are some of the things you would want to be sure were included? * 4) Self-help and self-responsibility are core values of credit unions, with members working together to provide one another with access to credit, savings accounts, and other financial services. What are the parallels you see within food co-ops? What are some ways that your co-op makes these values real? * 5) Presenter Carla Decker spoke about Principle 6 within the Credit Union sector and examples of how credit unions work together to better serve their members. Are there ways that your co-op collaborates with a local credit union? Please note. If not, can you think of ways that your co-op and a credit union could work together? Please note. * 6) Are you a member of a Credit Union? Are you familiar with the credit unions serving your area? If your answer is no to either of these questions, we encourage you to become familiar with the credit unions in your area. Here is a link to find credit unions near you: https://www.yourmoneyfurther.com/credit-union-locator * Please type the email you need to have your responses go to here. (Your Supervisor, Board Administrator or General Manager) * If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit
CEW Series: The Evolution of Co-operative Identity The Evolution of Co-operative Identity Follow-up Questions The Evolution of Co-operative Identity Follow-up Questions Name * Name First First Last Last Email * Co-op Affiliation Position at your Co-op 1) The presenters, Erbin Crowell and Martin Lowery, assert that co-op development is often linked to dramatic change. People coming together to address their shared needs isn’t new. The Rochdale Pioneers were able to build on the past experiences of co-operators. What was one of the key components to their success? * 2) In 1895 the International Co-operative Alliance was formed with the goals of fostering co-operative growth across all sectors and a shared understanding of the co-op business model. The list of operating practices of the Rochdale Pioneers evolved into the Co-operative Identity that we know today. Does your co-op have the Co-operative Values and Principles visible within your co-op? How many co-op principles can you remember? List them. * 3) An important component of co-ops historically and today is building active engagement, participation, and trust among members. What are some ways that your co-op strengthens community? * 4) The Co-operative Principles that we know today have gone through revisions through history. In 1966, for example, the Principle of “Co-operation between Co-ops” was added, and the current Statement on the Co-operative Identity emphasizes how co-ops “serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.” What are some ways that your co-op has actively worked with nearby co-ops or credit unions, promoted co-operative business, or participated in co-operative associations. * 5) The presenters note the importance of the leadership of Professor Ian Macpherson in the development of a universal co-operative definition and a dialog on how the Values and Principles are relevant to our social and economic environment. Are there other co-op leaders who have inspired you? Who are your co-op’s past or present champions? What could be done at your co-op to foster leadership which champions your Co-operative Identity? * Please type the email you need to have your responses go to here. (Your supervisor, Board Administrator or General Manager) * If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit
CEW Series: Rochdale & The Early Co-operative Movement Rochdale & The Early Co-operative Movement Follow-up Questions Rochdale & The Early Co-operative Movement Follow-up Questions Name * Name First First Last Last Email * Co-op Affiliation Position at your Co-op 1) The presenter, Erbin Crowell, starts off with dispelling some of the myths about the Rochdale Pioneers. What were some of the issues that people of that time were dealing with that led to organizing co-ops in Northern England? * 2) Prior to the establishment of the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in 1844 there were years of organizing and experiments in co-operation both in England and in other parts of the world. What was something that early co-operators addressed in either formal or informal ways working together? * 3) A key outcome of the organizing of the Rochdale Society was gaining legal recognition for co-operatives in the UK. For example, rules for returning surplus to members based on their use of the co-op and one member, one vote. In what way or ways does your co-op reflect these concepts? Go to the NFCA website which has links to co-op statutes for each state: https://nfca.coop/startup/#Incorporation Can you find the articles about voting or membership? * 4) The legal recognition helped legitimize the co-op business model and contributed to its rapid growth internationally and in the U.S. Do you recognize any of the organizations that were mentioned as advocates of co-operative development? What were some of the areas that co-ops were using to address the issues faced by communities? * 5) There is a wealth of resources for further reading and learning more about the Co-operative Movement. Does your co-op have any books on the subject available for sale or to borrow, or is it engaged in a study group using any of these resources? Does your website provide links to resources from co-op associations such as the NFCA, NCBA CLUSA, or the International Cooperative Alliance? If not, what do you think would be a way more staff or members could have access to educational resources on co-ops and the co-operative movement? * Please type the email you need to have your responses go to here. (Your supervisor, Board Administrator or General Manager) * If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit
CEW Series: Growing Co-operative Enterprise Growing Co-operative Enterprise Follow-up Questions Name * Name First First Last Last Email * Co-op Affiliation Position at your Co-op 1) The presenter, Erbin Crowell, gives some history of co-operative formation. People have long been organizing co-operatives and diverse traditions of mutual aid. Can you think of a social or economic challenge that has been addressed by forming a co-operative? Briefly describe. * 2) Co-ops today are successful businesses in all sectors of the economy. Name at least three business sectors that co-operatives have been formed in. * 3) Co-ops can be any size, scaled to meet the needs and goals of the members. Name a co-op that serves your co-op in some way, either by providing a product or service. Who are its member-owners? * 4) The presenter talks about two main paths to forming a co-operative enterprise. What are they? Which way was your co-op established? * 5) No matter the path to forming a co-operative, there are some keys to success for starting and maintaining a co-op. Providing ongoing co-operative education and training for members, directors and staff is important no matter the stage or type of co-op. What are some ways that your co-op provides education and training? * Please type the email you need to have your responses go to here. (Your Supervisor, Board Administrator or General Manager) * If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit
CEW Series: Introduction to the Co-operative Movement Introduction to the Co-operative Movement Follow-up Questions Introduction to the Co-operative Movement Follow-up Questions Name * Name First First Last Last Email * Co-op Affiliation Position at your Co-op 1) Erbin Crowell, ED of the Neighboring Food Co-op Association, shared how he was introduced to the co-operative model. How did you first learn about co-ops? * 1st question 2) The National Farmers Union is a sponsor of this Co-operative Video Series. NEFU has an interest in promoting co-operatives as an important part of the agricultural economy. Do you know of any Farmer or Dairy Co-op products that your co-op carries? What co-ops are they? * 1st question 3) The presenter draws the connection between our current society and economic challenges and the Industrial Revolution in England in the 1800’s. What parallels do you see? The Rochdale Pioneers were interested in having a response to the challenges of their time: dislocation of rural economies; dramatic shifts in wealth; concentration of economic control ; poor working conditions ; food insecurity ; and impacts on environment & human health . Can you think of one way that forming a co-op would be able to address any of these challenges? Briefly describe it. * 1st question 4) Diverse Traditions of Mutual Aid : There have been many examples of indigenous traditions of mutual support, group ownership, mutual aide, and working together throughout history here in North America and around the world. Can you think of informal models of cooperation today or that your ancestors might have been a part of? Briefly describe. * 1st question 5) Rural Co-op Innovation: The presenter spoke about co-ops innovating and meeting needs of rural communities. For nearly every type of business there is a co-operative possibility. What are some of the different types of co-operatives that were mentioned? * 1st question 6) The Co-operative Values and Principles are guides for co-ops to embrace their co-operative identity. All co-ops exist to meet the needs of their members and are owned and controlled by their members. Describe a need that is met by your co-op. * 1st question Please type the email you need to have your responses go to here. (Your supervisor, Board Administrator or General Manager) * If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit
