First ever Co-operatives Fortnight announced for June

A date, or rather a fortnight, for your diaries...

This summer sees the arrival of the very first Co-operatives Fortnight, when the co-operative movement are being asked to help to promote the co-operative way as a better alternative.

The groundbreaking initiative, which will take place from June 19 to July 3, will use the theme There is an Alternative and will be accompanied by a dedicated new website, www.thereisanalternative.coop.

Co-operativesUK is calling on co-operatives from across the country to help make the fortnight a success.

The best way co-operatives can do that is to get involved in showcasing what makes them and co-operation different.

A good place to start is the website, where a range of tools are available to help co-operatives promote themselves during the Fortnight.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operativesUK, says: “The Fortnight is going to be truly collaborative.

“We want all co-operatives whatever their size to do something during the Fortnight. Whether that is putting up posters, hosting a meal for members, organising an open day for the public or collaborating with other nearby co-operatives, it’s taking part that matters.”

The Fortnight will include Co-operatives 2010, the flagship conference for the co-operative sector, this year being held in Plymouth, as well as International Co-operatives Day, celebrating co-operation across the globe.

Co-operatives Fortnight is sponsored by a number of co-operatives: The Co-operative Group, Midcounties Co-operative, The Southern Co-operative, Anglia Co-operative, Chelmsford Star Co-operative, Lincolnshire Co-operative and Channel Islands Co-operative Society.

“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.”