This past year saw co-operatives rally to support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Credit unions stepped up to waive fees and implement new services while food co-ops ensured their shelves were stocked with fresh, local fare. Co-ops showed how their democratic structure and putting people before profit makes a difference, especially in a crisis.
We lost a large consumer co-op with the demise of MEC. There are certainly lessons to be learned from that situation about co-op governance and ensuring co-operative leaders understand our values.
The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives sent out its annual survey about the Top Co-op Issues 2020 in December of last year, allowing time for co-ops to reflect on what had been and look forward to what’s next?
Stan Yu, Research and Communications Co-ordinator for the Centre, shares the findings of this fifth annual survey. Have a listen.
