The Co-op Federation/Co-operatives Research Group Virtual Symposium
Friday, 4 November 2022
9.45-3.30 pm AEDT
Presented by the Co-operatives Research Group, The University of Sydney and The Co-op Federation.
Co-operative education has been a significant priority within the co-operative movement to highlight the benefits of the ‘co-operative difference’ to co-operative members. It was enshrined as one of the original co-operative principles formulated by the Rochdale Pioneers in the UK and remains one of the current seven co-operative principles of the International Co-operative Alliance, the peak international co-operative organisation, alongside training and information. Co-operative education has been seen as a significant factor in explaining the spread of the co-operative movement and the failure of some established co-operatives to commit sufficient resources to co-operative education has been seen as a significant factor in their demise.
This symposium will explore the various approaches to co-operative education for members both past and present ranging from co-operative libraries to social media. It will also examine co-operative education for members in practice through case studies. Overall the symposium highlights why co-operative education is crucial for sustaining and expanding co-operatives.
This year’s joint symposium will feature a line-up of inspiring leaders and experts from the co-operative movement. Including:
- Sam Byrne – The Co-op Federation
- Fi Emberton – Maple Street Co-op
- Clare Fountain – Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals
- Allan Gordon – Hastings Co-operative
- Rebel Black – THE Rural Woman Co-op
- Peter Pamment – Maple Street Co-op
- Professor Greg Patmore – University of Sydney Business School
- Kristin Sinclair – Webgirl Consulting
- Professor Tom Webb – Saint Mary’s University
The symposium is virtual and registration is free.