Co-op Week is being celebrated from October 12-18. It\u2019s a time to celebrate the power and impact of co-operatives and mutuals. It is an opportunity to tell the stories of how co-ops are making a difference in the lives of Canadians and around the world. Better than that, it\u2019s an opportunity to tell the story of your impact to the public, and to policymakers. By engaging with your community, and your local elected official and telling your story of impact, you will be playing a key role in influencing a policymaker and making the case for a more co-operative economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Engage with your community<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether through town halls, door-to-door visits, community events, or campaign meet-and-greets, this is a timely moment to highlight how your co-operative or mutual is making a difference in your community. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why This Matters:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Co-ops and mutuals have been an integral part of Canada\u2019s social and economic landscape for more than 150 years. Sharing stories of local impact reinforces the role of co-operatives, credit unions, caisses<\/em>, and mutuals in building resilient, inclusive communities. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is on the campaign trail to make the words co-operative, credit union, caisse or mutual <\/em>heard \u2013 the more they are heard, the more likely they are to resonate post-election.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n How You Can Take Action:<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prepare a 2-minute story about your co-operative or mutuals\u2019 impact\u2014who you serve, what you do, and why it matters. Post it on your social media channels and share your stories with CMC using these hashtags: #CoopsNow, #CoopsInAction, #CoopsBuildBetter <\/strong>to create stronger visibility and alignment. Tag CMC and your provincial association\/sector federation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring it up in conversations in your community during the campaign period. Weave data on key facts about the co-op sector to your storytelling (see CMC\u2019s Core Messages Leave-Behind<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Engage with Federal Members of Parliament<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n We need to keep telling our elected officials at all levels of government that Canadian co-operatives offer an opportunity to help safeguard and promote Canadian interests amid a shifting national and global landscape. Recognizing and supporting the co-operative model as a key driver of economic security, and sustainable growth will lead to the inclusive, resilient and prosperous future that Canadians deserve. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why This Matters:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian-owned and proven across the country, the co-operative model\u2019s anchor economic development locally, foster social cohesion, and respond directly to regional needs. co-operatives turn national policy goals into tangible, lasting outcomes. This makes them ideal partners in advancing Canada\u2019s social and economic priorities for the benefit of Canadians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How You Can Take Action:<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Send your budget recommendations and CMC\u2019s Budget 2025 Recommendation<\/a> to highlight your priorities and sector priorities to your elected official at the level. Personalize your e-mail message with a short paragraph about your co-operative or mutual and why your elected officials\u2019 support matters. Request a brief meeting or invite them to visit your organization to see the co-operative difference in action. \u202fSee the CMC Federal Government Advocacy Guide<\/a> for practical advice for engaging policymakers. Find your Member of Parliament here<\/a>. You can replicate this advocacy step with policymakers at the provincial and municipal level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Engage with the Media<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Help amplify how co-operatives and mutuals play a key role in driving local economies, creating good jobs, and fostering democratic participation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why This Matters:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Letters published in your local newspaper are closely read by elected officials who use them to understand what issues constituents are thinking about. These letters also catch the attention of other journalists\u2014if they notice public interest in co-operatives and mutuals, it can raise public awareness and encourage federal leaders to take notice. They set the frame for \u2018what matters here.\u2019\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n How You Can Take Action:<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Write an op-ed of 500-700 words and forward it to journalists, editors, or media outlets you\u2019ve worked with or follow (see one of CMC\u2019s op-ed<\/a> for an example). In your message, highlight why the story is relevant to your province, city, and community. Pitch it to your local newspaper or community radio station with a short personal note about a local co-operative or mutual success story.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Share Noteworthy Interactions or Comments<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n When elected officials speak positively or knowledgably about co-operatives and mutuals it matters to make a note of it. Positive mentions now become the basis for support later. Please notify CMC, your provincial association, and sectoral federation and include a clip, a quote, a photo, or a link when possible. These suggestions can be helpful for future advocacy and engagement efforts.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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