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Happy International Day of Cooperatives! On Saturday, July 6, people around the world will celebrate the International Day of Co-ops with the theme “Co-operatives Building a Better Future for All.”
 

This year’s celebration of #CoopsDay offers food co-ops, credit unions, and other cooperative enterprises the opportunity to showcase their contributions to building a sustainable future, accelerating efforts to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by 2030. The theme also positions co-ops as leaders in the upcoming UN Summit of the Future and builds momentum toward the 2025 International Year of Co-operatives.

The Co-operative Identity and our shared Values and Principles provide a strong foundation for achieving the SDGs through inclusive and sustainable growth, protecting the environment, and fighting climate change. Through democratic governance and joint ownership, co-ops set an example for more resilient communities, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and fostering mutual understanding and respect.

On this special day, we celebrate the power of cooperation and community, recognizing how co-ops around the world contribute to a better, more inclusive society. Here in Belfast, our very own Belfast Community Co-op stands as a shining example of this spirit.

The Belfast Community Co-op isn’t just a store; it’s a hub of local resilience, sustainability, and shared prosperity. By supporting local farmers, artisans, and businesses, we’re not only nourishing our bodies but also strengthening the bonds within our community.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate how co-ops like ours empower owners, create jobs, and foster a sense of belonging. Together, we can build a brighter future through cooperation, one that benefits everyone and leaves no one behind.

Join us in celebrating today and every day by supporting your local co-op. Happy International Day of Cooperatives! 

​About the International Day of Cooperatives

The International Day of Cooperatives has been celebrated worldwide for over a century. It was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on the centenary of the ICA in 1995. The day is annually commemorated on the first Saturday of July.

#CoopsDay aims to increase awareness of cooperatives and their contributions to resolving major global issues addressed by the United Nations. The event also seeks to strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other actors. Since 1995, the ICA and the United Nations, through the Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), have jointly set the theme for the celebration of #CoopsDay.

This year’s theme is “Cooperatives Build a Better Future for All.” The celebration will mark the 30th International Day of Cooperatives recognized by the United Nations and the 102nd International Cooperative Day.

#CoopsDay provides an opportunity for local, national, and international policymakers, civil society organizations, and the public to learn about the contribution of cooperatives to achieving a just and sustainable future for all.

The International Day of Cooperatives is a perfect opportunity to emphasize that cooperative enterprises build a better future for all people. Cooperatives create decent work, uphold gender equality, and foster innovation, particularly with the involvement of new generations. With an innate sense of social responsibility, cooperatives prioritize people and the environment, creating optimal conditions for producers and consumers. They educate, care for, and manage the natural, human, and financial resources of each community in pursuit of the common good.

This way of organizing socio-economic relations has a proven 200-year history and is today the most direct path towards a sustainable future in social, economic, and environmental matters.

Rising Tide Co-op
Portland Food Co-op
Fare Share Co-op
Blue Hill Co-op

Shop other Co-ops all around Maine. Not just food co-ops, for a full list of cooperative businesses in Maine check out Cooperative Maine Business Alliance and for regional resources be sure to check our Neighboring Food Co-op Association!

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