What is a co-operative?

• What types of Co-operatives are there?
• Co-operative Principles
• A Brief History of Co-operatives
• Frequently Asked Questions
• International Labour Organization

Featured Co-operatives

This section features case-studies of unique and interesting co-operatives from around the world.

Currently we are featuring:

• Syinurayi Collective Farming Co-operative (Zimbabwe)
• The Alma Mater Society Bicycle Co-operative (Canada)
• Golden Triangle Energy Co-operative (U.S.A.)

Featured Training Links

This section features examples of co-operative education programs that will give you an idea of some of the basic as well as more advanced learning options that you may choose to follow.

Featured Links include:

• ILO International Training Centre - Turin, Italy
• University of Victoria - British Columbia, Canada
• Camosun College - British Columbia, Canada
• L'Institut Supérieur Panafricain d'Economie Co-opérative - COTONOU, Rép. du Bénin
• Swedish Co-operative Center - Stockholm, Sweden

The International Movement Today

This page features an overview of the major international co-operative organizations: their aims, identities and methods.

While a specific focus is on international organizations such as the International Co-operative Association (ICA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) there is also a featured links section, and an extensive list of websites.

New Directions

The first part of this section presents some of the innovations that are transforming existing co-operatives, while the second part is dedicated to showcasing new and exciting co-operatives.

Featured New Co-operatives

This section features new innovative co-operatives from diverse economic sectors.

The current Featured New Co-operatives are:

• New Insurance Initiatives - Pillar Insurance Ltd.
• New Energy Initiatives - Touchstone Energy
• New Agricultural Initiatives - Island Empire Utilities Agency

Featured Innovations in Existing Co-operatives

This section features innovative changes that existing co-operatives have made to meet the changing needs of their members.

The current Featured Co-operatives in this section is:

• New Health Initiatives - Mental Health Co-operative

Starting a Co-operative

This section features a short review of the basic steps involved in becoming a registered and functional co-operative. It also provides links to other websites with much more detailed, and regional co-operative start-up models and analysis.