Engaging New Audiences In Co-operatives

Two presentations on the second day (May 20) of the "International Symposium on Co-operative Identity and Energizing the Co-operative Brand", hosted by the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University. The event sponsors are DotCoop and the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, with support from Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada. 

Welcome: Cathy Statz, Outreach Specialist, International Centre for Co-operative Management; Cooperative Outreach Specialist, NCBA CLUSA; Communications/Special Projects, Ralph K. Morris Foundation 

1) Attracting New Audiences: Bringing New People to the Co-op Model

Aasa Marshall, Director of Communications, Co-operatives First

Co-operatives First was founded in response to falling awareness about co-ops and how they can be used. They've learned some key lessons about how to reach people who could benefit from co-ops, but are not familiar with their structure and benefits. With useful, practical tips for practitioners and co-op leaders, this session will draw on lessons learned from years of helping new audiences discover the value of co-operatives. 

2) How Youth Education Maintains Co-operative Engagement Over The Long Term 

Marc-Andre Pigeon, Director and Strategic Research Fellow, Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives 
Stan Yu, Research and Communications Coordinator, Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives

Co-operative youth education programs (CYEPs) have been offered across Canada for decades. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these programs produce generations of graduates who value the co-op model but there has been little research on their long-term impact. This presentation highlights a survey on alumni, which found that they actively engage with the co-op sector in their professional and personal lives and offers lessons on how we can harness this engagement to promote a wider co-op culture.