IYC Launch Reports and Links
On Thursday, January 12th, cooperatives came together to show their pride in the co-op business model and what they have to offer the world. The United Nations General Assembly annouced the proclamation in 2009, and over the last three years excitement and plans gathered toward this single showing of cooperative spirit. Internationally, nationally, provincially - down to the very grass root communities in Alberta - celebrations joined in the united cause to "build a better world" through cooperative businesses.
The AFREA celebrates, not only its own cooperative status, but that of its cooperative members - Rural Electrification Associations (REA). We are unique - in Canada, REAs only exist in Alberta; we are small but strong - many member REAs celebrate 60+ years; we provide a service to rural consumers borne of those who joined forces in the late 1940s to bring power to even the farthest farmhouse.
The AFREA was asked to join other Alberta co-op representatives on the Alberta steering committee for IYC 2012 planning, including among others the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), Servus Credit Union, Co-operators Insurance Agencies, and the Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops. Several initiatives were discussed by the committee to bring provinical co-ops together. The province-wide IYC 2012 launch was just one and it is just the beginning. As we look forward to the upcoming year and beyond, we realize we must embrace the co-op model, create awareness, and enforce the benefits this type of business can offer in today's economy. Co-ops have been around for a long time but there is more work to do in order to increase the number of people who know what co-ops are and what they can do!
CO-OPS IN ALBERTA - a Google map is in the works to include all Alberta co-ops. Check out its progress and marvel at the number of cooperatives throughout the province. Zoom in to get an idea of the co-ops that operate in your own community.
http://tinyurl.com/albertacoopsmap
Create a Co-op Cluster - are you looking to celebrate? Combine your efforts with neighboring cooperatives to bring awareness and fun to your community. The IYC co-ordinator, Sarah Arthurs, is available for conference call consultations to encourage cluster events, discuss options, and share success stories. Working together we can create a buzz that will last all year long.
The next Co-op Cluster group conference call is on Tuesday, March 6th @ 10:00 am
Call in information 1-866-613-5223 - participation code 4241718 PLEASE express your interest in participating with RSVP via email to Sarah at iyc@acca.coop
Promotional material is available through the AFREA for members interested in handing out some IYC gifts - buttons, magnets, paper flags.... Please contact our office if you are planning an event. Quantities on hand are limited but they are also avaiable through the local Flag Shop. Use the link below - contact linda@afrea.ab.ca for more information.
http://iyc.flagshop.com/
Social Media Connections & News:
Alberta Co-op Cafe Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alberta-Co-op-Cafe/181455038572693
AFREA Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alberta-Federation-of-Rural-Electrification-Associations-Ltd/184529828226653?v=info
Strathcona County Co-ops Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IYC-2012-Strathcona-County/254371121292593:
IYC Alberta - follow us on Twitter @IYCalberta
AFREA - follow us on Twitter @AFREA1
Local news updates on ACCA web site: http://acca.coop/alberta-co-op-cafe/
Alberta Co-op Launch Video: http://clients.pyramidproductions.tv/html/clients/acca/
News Coverage:
