All Things Co-op Episode List: Season 2

Season 2

Season 2 began in February 2020 and ran through June 2020. It takes a deep dive into the Rochdale Principles. These principles were first written in 1844 and were adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1937. Learn more about these principles on the website of the International Cooperative Alliance and the ICA's Guidance Notes to the Co-operative Principles.

The Rochdale Principles as a Whole

June 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 9)

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The Rochdale principles should really be seen as a set, they all intertwine and relate to one another creating a web of interlaced necessities. What would an economy look like that would embody these principles in all businesses?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the Rochdale Principles as a whole, after their deep dive into each separate principle.

Seventh Principle - Concern for Community

June 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 8)

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What really sets co-ops apart from traditional businesses is that instead of the bottom line, they have a wider vision. But can this go too far?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the seventh of the Rochdale Principles: Concern for Community, which states, "Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members."

Sixth Principle - Cooperation Among Cooperatives

May 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 7)

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One of the most common refrains in the cooperative community is the need for a cooperative ecosystem. But how do we set this up? Who works who whom, and how do coops work together and be independent?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the sixth of the Rochdale Principles: Cooperation among cooperatives, which states, "Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures."

Fifth Principle - Education, Training, and Information

May 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 6)

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How can cooperative societies provide meaningful education and training to their members and the public about the nature and benefits of co-operation? How does ATC fit in?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the fifth of the Rochdale Principles: Education, training, and information, which states, "Co-operatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation."

Fourth principle - Autonomy and independence

April 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 5)

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How can a cooperative control itself and not be beholden to anyone else? Can it? How can cooperatives ensure their independence when they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the fourth of the Rochdale Principles: Autonomy and independence, which states, "Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy"

Third Principle - Member Economic Participation

April 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 4)

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What is expected of worker-owners, and what is given to them? What does it mean to "contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital" of a cooperative and what is done with surpluses?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the third of the Rochdale Principles: Member economic participation, which states, "Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the co-operative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership."

Second Principle - Democratic Member Control

March 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 3)

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Cooperatives must be democratic, but what does that mean? What form of democracy is best, and how do workers transition from mere workers and into democratic owners?
In this episode, Kevin, Cinar and Larry discuss the 2nd Rochdale Principle: "Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner."

First Principle - Voluntary and Open Membership

March 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 2)

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What does it mean to be a voluntary organization, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political, or religious discrimination?
This week Kevin, Larry and Cinar discuss the first principle of the first of the Rochdale Principles: Voluntary and Open Membership, which states, "Co-operatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination."

The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers

February 2020 (Season 2 - Episode 1)

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In this episode Larry, Cinar, and Kevin sit down for a discussion about the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers. Who were they, from where did their principles come, and why does it matter?
These principles were first written in 1844 and were adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) in 1937. Learn more about these principles on the website of the International Cooperative Alliance and the ICA's Guidance Notes to the Co-operative Principles.

OTHER SEASONS OF ALL THINGS CO-OP

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