Co-operatives Fortnight logo

NACO is happy to be a part of the first ever Co-operatives Fortnight – and we encourage you to do all you can to Join in, be inspired, be co-operative!

Co-operatives Fortnight is a major campaign to spread the message about the co-operative alternative and takes place on 19 June to 3 July 2010.

The theme of the two week extravaganza is There is an Alternative, and a dedicated website has been set up – www.thereisanalternative.coop – full of fantastic resources and ideas.

Co-operatives UK, who are co-ordinating the Fortnight, will be producing a series of national reports, focusing on co-operatives and fairness, co-operation and business and co-operation and neighbourliness. They will also develop a series of thought pieces and launch the Co-operative Review, which outlines key trends across the whole co-operative sector.

The Co-operatives Fortnight team will keep everybody up to date thanks to the introduction of a new weekly Co-operatives Fortnight e-newsletter; a new Facebook page, Twitter (use the #coops14 hashtag) and You Tube channel; a calendar and map for co-operatives to register what they’re doing for the Fortnight; downloadable resources on the website including useful toolkits and bright posters; activity packs full of Co-operatives Fortnight goodies and forums for everyone to talk about what they will be doing! 

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, says it is going to be truly collaborative.

“We want all co-operatives to do something during the Fortnight, no matter how big or small. Whether that’s putting up posters, holding a meal for members, hosting an open day for the public or collaborating with other nearby co-operatives, it’s taking part that matters.”

By joining in and doing something during Co-operatives Fortnight, co-operatives will not only be able to promote co-operation as a better alternative, but will also be able to raise the profile of their own organisation.

“Be part of Co-operatives Fortnight,” says Ed. “It’s going to be powerful. And the more people that take part, the bigger impact we’ll have.”

Click here to find out more about Co-operatives Fortnight.