New research published this month shows that seminars and workshops are the most common method used by co-operatives to fulfill their educational role as described in fifth principle of co-operation. The study explores the application of the International Co-operative Alliance\u2019s fifth co-operative principle (education, training, and information) within Canadian co-operatives.<\/p>\n
The paper \u201cThe Fifth Co-operative Principle in Action: Mapping the Co-operative Educational Initiatives of Canadian Co-operatives<\/a>\u201d was researched and written by Erin Hancock and Annabelle Brault and published by the University of Saskatchewan as part of the Measuring the Co-operative Difference Research Network<\/a>.<\/p>\n In Canada, co-operative associations and federations are the largest single group offering educational initiatives (38%), which is a traditional service offered by second- and third-tier co-operatives in stewarding the fifth principle.<\/p>\n The study also explores educational initiatives undertaken by co-operatives to educate stakeholder groups (staff, board, members) and, more broadly, the general public. It looks closely at external organizations that offer educational initiatives specifically targeted at co-operatives.<\/p>\n The Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation<\/a> (CASC) in partnership with the Association of Cooperative Educators<\/a> ACE are also exploring activities and innovations in the application of Co-operative Principle 5. They have launched a video challenge<\/a> to document co-op activities across North America entitled: The P5 Video Challenge: Educating for co-operation<\/a>. The completion offers $1,000 US prizes in two categories, video\u2019s less than 3 minutes and video\u2019s 3 to 10 minutes in length. Details of the competition and how to enter can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n