Inter-co-operation is hardwired into the co-operative DNA. It is the bedrock of the co-operative economy and movement. In this interactive short course, “Taking Action on Principle 6”, engage fellow practitioners, thought-leaders, tools, and frameworks on how to leverage co-operation among co-operatives for stronger co-operatives, economies, and communities.

Two offerings

• Washington, DC: October 4, 9-4:30 EDT in conjunction with NCBA-CLUSA's 2022 Cooperative IMPACT Conference
• Virtual: January 24 & 25, 10-3:30 EST

Learn more and register here.

The Centre's Working Paper and Case Study Series publishes research papers and reports in the field of co-operative management, economics and governance. Enjoy our latest case study on Zadruga za Etično Financiranje (ZEF) by Master's student Iva Jankovic.

"The Cooperative for Ethical Finance (Zadruga za Etično Financiranje, or “ZEF”) in Croatia is an exemplar of innovation in cooperative governance within the complex social, geopolitical, and economic context of the Western Balkans. ZEF was incorporated as a multistakeholder cooperative in 2014 with the purpose of creating an ethical bank as an engine for sustainable regional development in Croatia. The Cooperative’s vision was to unite key stakeholders (individuals and organizations) across geographical, political, economic, religious, and cultural lines by providing affordable financial services through a jointly owned and democratically controlled financial institution while investing collective wealth towards the generation and distribution of long-term benefits across Croatian society."

The Centre is engaged in a multi-year partnered research project investigating the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian co-operatives and their resilience. This project is commissioned by Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC).

We are excited to share the results of a survey which outlines the impact of COVID-19 on co-operatives and mutuals within Canada during the first 18 months of the pandemic. View the summary report and the full report.

We were pleased to present this research at the virtual CASC Conference (May 2022), CMC Congress in Calgary, AB (June 2022) and the CIRIEC International Congress in Valencia, Spain (June 2022).

CanadaDE 2022 

📆 6 days

👤 43 participants

🌍 10 countries

🤝 35 credit unions, leagues, centrals & co-op organizations

We were thrilled to facilitate another successful Credit Union Leadership Program from May 29-June 3 at Saint Mary's Univesity in Halifax, NS (Kjipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki). This year's program delved into the co-operative enterprise model, co-operation among co-operatives, the UN Sustainable Develop Goals, reconciliation, anti-oppression, just transitions and more.

"One of the most unique opportunities to learn as a professional, grow as a human being, and experience true co-operative values as they are held by people across the world"

- Jeff Fero, Director of Marketing And Community Engagement, East Kootenay Community Credit Union, BC

"This program was incredible, and like nothing I've ever experienced before. Thanks to the value placed on intersectionality and the co-operative values, CanadaDE stands uniquely on its own in comparison to other educational and professional development opportunities. Participants leave this program changed for the better, and I believe each one of us will work even harder towards positive impacts for our members, organizations, communities, and the world as a whole."

-Charlotte Taylor, Executive Assistant, Atlantic Edge Credit Union, NFLD

Photo: Group shot at Mondragon University with our host Ander Etxeberria

From June 25- July 3, students, alumni, faculty members and fellow co-operators visited the Mondragon network of co-operatives in the Basque Country to witness firsthand the benefit of a deeply co-operative economy and society. The international study tour is a hallmark of our Master's program and is open to students and non-students alike! Spots are still available for the Study Tour to Emilia-Romagna, Italy, June 3 -12, 2023.

"The study tour was an unforgettable experience and the cherry on top of the Master's program. Above all, I enjoyed connecting with my professors, classmates, program alumni and many incredible co-operators in the Basque Country. I am delighted to bring back insight and inspiration from the Mondragon co-operative experience into my current and future endeavours in the co-operative movement"

- Iva Jankovic, Master's student, Co-operative Education Co-ordinator, BC Co-operative Association

"The study tour is a rich combination of relationship building, exposure to the Basque culture and countryside, and an exploration of the Mondragon co-operative experience. For many, it is a wake-up call to what is possible: Mondragon built a diverse and strong co-operative network from the ground up over a few decades.

Our days are rich with classroom sessions and guest speakers from across the Mondragon network including research and development institutions, Mondragon University, cooperative development initiatives, industrial co-operatives and well-known co-operatives such as Laboral Kutxa (financial), Eroski (retail), and Lagun Aro (health, pension, and employment support co-op).

We thank our key partners for making all of our Mondragon tours memorable. In particular, Ander Etxeberria with Otalora (Mondragon’s training centre) and Fred Freundlich with LANKI (Mondragon University)."

-Karen Miner, Managing Director, ICCM

Elevating the performance and impact of co-operative enterprises through customized business education and research.

International Centre for Co-operative Management | managementstudies.coop

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The International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded and never surrendered territory of the Mi'kmaq. The Mi'kmaq have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. It is covered by the 18th century Peace and Friendship Treaties. We are Treaty People.