It is difficult to define a co-operative. Generally a co-op is a business or organisation that adheres to the seven co-op principles.

	The Story of Toad Lane A comic about one of the first co-ops, The Rochdale Pioneers, and how they created the co-op principles. Click here to read.

1. Voluntary and Open Membership
2. Democratic Member Control
3. Member Economic Participation
4. Autonomy and Independence
5. Education, Training and Information
6. Co-operation Among Co-operatives
7. Concern for Community

Some examples of well-known co-operatives include Mountain Equipment Co-op and Welch's Grape Juice. Common forms of co-operatives include: financial (Credit Unions), housing, consumer, insurance, transportation, worker, daycare, agricultural, phone, technology, and community service co-ops.

The co-operative movement has been one of the largest social movements in Canadian history. Co-operators fought for women’s right to vote, equality for ethnic minorities and worker rights. The co-op movement has been involved in many social reforms such as improving employment standards and public medical care. Recently many co-operators have joined the battle against globalisation and corporatisaition. Co-operatives continue to stand for human rights and sustainable development.

Youth have always played a vital role in co-operatives as founders, employees, directors, students and members. What do co-ops offer today’s generation? A chance to earn a living while adhering to morals and beliefs; a way to escape cynicism; the ability to help yourself and others; community and international development opportunities; social, academic, economic and travel possibilities; and, much, much more. Just check out our Youth in Co-ops, Resources, Co-op Studies and Events pages if you don’t believe me.