The world has seen many developments and changes, both positive and negative, in the recent past. These developments, foremost of which is globalization with its encompassing and far-reaching effects, have given rise to many issues that affect people from all walks of life in all countries. Co-ops are among the most affected by these issues—and their accompanying challenges and threats—being organizations of people of mostly meager resources who have come together to help one another in their needs. Recognizing these challenges and threats, the co-op movement has re-affirmed and become more cognizant of its dual role: recognizing both the economic and social needs of its members, the community, and the society as well.

Using correct information and sex-disaggregated database about the situation and needs of their women and men members, co-ops can easily design and provide financial programs, products, and services to their members who need these most. For example, these financial programs, products, and services may cater specifically to single mothers, widows and widowers, the micro-entrepreneurs, the home-workers, the laborers, and other low-income groups.

But as co-ops have come to strengthen the performance of their dual role, they have also intensified addressing the social needs of their members and of the community, not only through the benefits reaped from business enterprises but more so through the provision of social services. Where government institutions aren’t able to make available the basic necessities for a quality life that human beings need, co-ops—small or large—exist in the communities, especially in the poor communities in Asia and, particularly in the Philippines, to provide services to the people that address not just their economic needs but also their social needs. Very often, the members themselves expect and demand these services from their co-ops. And, sometimes, government agencies and development institutions use the facilities of co-ops to serve poor communities by way of services like literacy classes, health and nutrition education and services, livelihood skills training, and gender-sensitivity training.

Co-ops of whatever type operate in a way that is always consistent with the principles and values of co-operatives. Specifically, the co-ops’ policies, programs, and services are always formed consistent with co-op principles and values.

Adapted from: Trainer’s Manual on Transformative Leadership Training for Co-operatives, Asian Women in Co-operative Development Forum (AWCF), Quezon City, Philippines, 2001

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...