Want to learn more about cooperatives and why they are a better way to do business? Here are pointers to many websites:
National Cooperative Business Association http://www.ncba.coop/ The leading national membership organization for business co-ops of all kinds (everything from buyer co-ops through tiny food co-ops). Lots of good information at this site.
International Cooperative Alliance http://www.ica.coop/al-ica/ A leader in spreading the co-op principles across the planet. Good resources/info at this site, too.
National Association of Federal Credit Unions http://www.nafcu.org/ A rich resource on credit unions.
The Cooperative Development Foundation http://www.cdf.coop/ Seed money plus info for co-ops in their early stages, all around the world. Good insights into starting a co-op.
University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives http://www.uwcc.wisc.edu/ Solid academic research from a highly respected university. There are plenty of reports, news about conferences, ongoing educational opportunities.
International Day of Cooperatives (United Nations) http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/intldays/IntlCoops/ A UN initiative. An international day of celebration of the cooperative movement.
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives http://www.ncfc.org/ Congressional testimony, reports, and more on the importance of cooperatives for the nation’s farmers.
US Federation of Worker Cooperatives http://www.usworker.coop/front A grassroots organization for worker-owned cooperative businesses, from Union Cab of Madison, WI to Southern Appalachian Center for Cooperative Ownership. Especially rich info on starting up a worker co-op and finding financing.
Cornell University Cooperative Enterprise Program http://cooperatives.aem.cornell.edu/ More rich data from a leading university.
Young Cooperatives http://www.youngcooperatives.coop/ A group devoted to helping the young start and run cooperatives. There even are programs for kids in primary school.
There are many, many more groups and websites about cooperatives. This list is designed not to be inclusive, but to get you started exploring the rich history and vibrant present of the global cooperative movement.
