What Year Was Co-op Founded?
Curious about the origins of the cooperative movement? You’ve come to the right place. The cooperative movement, a cornerstone of community-driven businesses, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. In this article, we delve into the fascinating journey of one of the most influential cooperative organizations, tracing its foundation to a specific year and exploring its impact over the years.
Early Beginnings
The cooperative movement was born out of the Industrial Revolution, a period marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Workers faced harsh working conditions, low wages, and little to no control over their working lives. It was in this context that the first cooperative societies began to emerge.
The Rochdale Pioneers
One of the most notable early cooperatives was the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, founded in Rochdale, England, in 1844. This group of 28 weavers and textile workers sought to improve their living conditions by pooling their resources to buy goods at wholesale prices and sell them at a fair profit. The Rochdale Pioneers established the principles that would become the foundation of the cooperative movement, known as the Rochdale Principles.
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Voluntary and Open Membership | Cooperatives are open to all people able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination. |
| Democratic Member Control | Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. |
| Member Economic Participation | Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership. |
| Autonomy and Independence | Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy. |
| Education, Training, and Information | Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperatives. They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of cooperation. |
| Cooperation Among Cooperatives | Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures. |
| Concern for Community | Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members. |
The Rochdale Pioneers’ success inspired the formation of numerous other cooperatives around the world. Today, cooperatives are present in almost every country, encompassing a wide range of industries, from agriculture to finance to healthcare.
The Foundation of the International Co-operative Alliance
In 1895, the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) was founded in London, England. The ICA’s mission was to promote the cooperative movement globally and to support the development of cooperatives. The ICA played a crucial role in spreading the Rochdale Principles and fostering cooperation among cooperatives worldwide.
The Impact of Cooperatives
Over the years, cooperatives have made significant contributions to society. They have provided essential services to millions of people, including access to affordable goods, credit, and healthcare. Cooperatives have also empowered communities, fostering economic development and social cohesion. Today, cooperatives are recognized as a vital force for sustainable development and social justice.