Co-operative posters
Aim:
To understand about the co-operative principles.
You will need:
Paper, coloured pens/pencils/crayons.
Duration:
30 minutes
Divide the group up into seven pairs or small groups. Each group will design a poster to represent one of the 7 co-operative principles. Let each group choose a principle, and if necessary explain to them more about what it means and discuss how they might want to illustrate it. The words describing the principle should be clear on each poster.
- Voluntary and Open Membership - (anyone is allowed to join a co-operative, and can choose if they want to join)
- Democratic Member Control - (each member has one vote on all decisions that are made, and nominates a group of representatives)
- Member Economic Participation - (each member invests some of their own money in the business, and may receive back a share of the profits made)
- Autonomy and Independence - (co-operatives are self-help organisations, independent from any other business or organisation (although they can make agreements with them))
- Education, Training and Information - (co-operatives provide education and training for their members and employees, and give information to the public about the benefits of co-operation)
- Co-operation Among Co-operatives - (co-operatives work together at local, regional, national and international levels)
- Concern for the Community - (co-operatives work for and support sustainable development of their communities)
When the posters are completed you could display them somewhere for other people to see them.