6 Ways to Fuel the Cooperative Takeover [View all]

[eridani]

http://www.nationofchange.org/6-ways-fuel-cooperative-takeover-1364051929

In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, businesses, products, and services that benefit people, communities, and the planet instead of a few megabanks and billionaires—have been in higher demand. The International Cooperative Alliance's recently published "Blueprint for a Cooperative Decade" lays out a long-term vision to make cooperatives not only the fastest-growing form of business but the acknowledged leader in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. From now on, the global mantra for filling market gaps and new demands, according to Eric DeLuca of the National Cooperative Business Association, is going to be, "There's a co-op for that." But co-ops—like any kind of business—need customers, money, training, political support, and help from their communities. How do we shift from business as usual to the work of cooperation? Here are a few strategies.