Have you noticed that the co-op principles get more challenging the further you go down the list? “Co-operation among Co-ops” and “Concern for Community” are the last two of the seven co-op principles, and they are the ones that are often hardest to integrate into our co-op structures. Many of us may put them into practice as individuals, but how do we encourage them as co-ops?
View Court was faced with exactly that problem. In the past we’ve had an impact outside the co-op: a suite set aside for people with AIDS in the 90s, supporting an investment fund for women entrepreneurs and helping Ontario co-ops fight regressive legislation. These wonderful initiatives were individual and of limited duration. How could we make something more likely to happen? Our approach was to support neighbours and members to help them realize their visions when they fit with ours.