The next offering will be an online mini-workshop offered in partnership with the Co-operative Management Education Co-operative in February 2026 so you can email erin.hancock@smu.ca to indicate interest.
Other offerings/custom offerings (virtual or in person) are possible by reaching out directly to Erin Hancock (erin.hancock@smu.ca).
A pre-2025 Cooperative IMPACT Conference short course was held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia.
With 2025 being the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, the timing is right to spotlight the business advantage of co-operative values. Join us for this engaging short course on aligning business practices with the co-operative identity. This day-long course, animated by leaders with a collective 150+ years of sector experience, will explore specific and practical examples across a range of contexts, including sectors, membership types, and locations.
In this climate, many organizations profess to be values-based and purpose-led. This course will build your understanding of how being a deeply values-aligned co-operative sets you apart from other organization types. In particular, we will take a deep dive into the how (and the why) behind putting co-operative values into practice, with a focus on demonstrating and optimizing the business advantage.
This course is predicated on the view that co-operative professionals commonly refer to the seven principles underlying the International Cooperative Alliance’s Statement on the Cooperative Identity. However, there is less comfort in the underlying values to which the principles are linked. This course focuses on the values component while also making connections to the other elements of the Statement on the Cooperative Identity. Case study examples are used throughout the course to illustrate a diverse set of practices from the United States and other countries and regions, including Europe, Canada, Latin America, and beyond.
Gain a toolkit of practices, a new network of colleagues, and a deeper understanding of why and how co-operative values are central to successful organizations and a stronger sector. The day will involve a mix of case studies and frameworks, as well as time to interact with others participating.
Upon request, participants receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University.
Arlington, Virginia Offering 2025:
Whether you are new to co-operatives or an experienced co-operative professional (employee, board member, consultant, regulator, or affiliated with an association), this short course will stretch your thinking.
Erin Hancock, Education Manager (erin.hancock@smu.ca)