Co-operative College

Part of the national commemorations, join a unique archive open day to mark the centenary of the 1926 General Strike, and delve into its significance and legacy.

Taking place on Saturday 9 May, 10.30am to 4.15pm at People’s History Museum, join academics, activists, trade unionists, and heritage professionals in exploring the 1926 General Strike, and discover rare archive materials from the time of this unprecedented act of unity.

A collaboration between John Rylands Library, the National Co-operative Archive, People’s History Museum, and Working Class Movement Library, with support from the Society for the Study of Labour History.

Follow the link to get your tickets, which includes tea and coffee: https://bit.ly/4m0l5ZM

Word of the day: Resilience

Co-operatives build resilience by supporting one another and working collectively through change. Together, communities can overcome difficulties and emerge stronger.

How do co-operatives build resilience together?

Did you know there are many different types of co-operatives? Housing co-ops are one example.

Housing co-operatives provide affordable, secure housing that is owned and managed by the residents themselves. Members work together to make decisions, maintain their homes and build strong, supportive communities.

Word of the day: Community

Community is at the heart of co-operatives, it brings people together through shared purpose and mutual support. With connection, trust, and working towards common goals, strong communities create the foundation for lasting co-operation and positive change.

What makes a community strong and supportive?

Did you know there are many different types of co-ops? Worker co-operatives are just one example

Worker co-operatives are businesses owned and run by the people who work in them. Every member has a voice, with decisions made democratically and profits shared fairly. It is a model that puts people, purpose and participation at the heart of work.

Word of the day: Democracy

Democracy is at the heart of co-operatives, where decisions are made collectively and every member has an equal say. It is about fairness, transparency, and shared responsibility. Through democratic practice, co-operatives build trust and empower people to shape their own futures.

Why is democracy important in the organisations you are part of?

CO-OP WOMEN'S VOICES
Speaker - Liz McIvor
🗓️ Wednesday 8 April 2026
⏰ 12noon (UK time)
📍 Online
If you're interested in hearing from inspirational women working in the co-operative movement, then Co-operative Women's Voices is for you!
Join Rebecca Harvey, Co-operative News and Sarah Alldred, Fund for International Co-op Development, next Wednesday as they chat to Liz McIvor, manager of the Co-Operative Heritage Trust.
Tickets are free and everyone is invited to attend. Grab your place here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/coopnews/2147703

Co-operatives take a different approach to decision-making.

Decisions are made democratically, with members at the centre. From “one member, one vote” to annual general meetings, elected boards and active participation, co-ops ensure every voice has the opportunity to be heard through transparent and inclusive governance.

Word of the day: Partnership

In the co-operative movement, partnerships strengthen impact by connecting organisations, communities, and ideas. Through collaboration and trust, partnerships help create meaningful and lasting change.

In your opinion, what makes a partnership successful?

Do you know the co-operative principles?

These principles are the foundation of the co-operative movement. They are the internationally recognised guidelines that co-operatives use to put their values into practice. They ensure co-operatives remain democratic, member-owned and community-focused.

From voluntary and open membership to democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy, education, co-operation among co-operatives and concern for community, the principles provide a practical framework for running a values-led enterprise.

Which principle is most important to you?

In the co-operative movement, legacy is shaped by the choices we make today, choices rooted in fairness, democracy, and shared responsibility. By acting with purpose and integrity, co-operatives create a legacy of community strength and collective progress that continues to inspire.

What kind of legacy do you want to help build?

Do you know the co-operative values?

These values, self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity, are the foundation of the co-operative movement.

Which value is most important to you?