In a world seeking hopeful paths toward equity, sustainability, and social wellbeing, the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of the Cooperative - a timely recognition of the quiet yet transformative work of cooperatives around the globe. This year-long observance offers us the opportunity to reflect on how co-ops, including credit unions like Kindred, empower people and communities to live out their values through meaningful participation in the economy.
At its heart, a cooperative is more than a business model - it’s a shared promise. One where members are not just customers or clients, but owners and decision-makers. According to Rebecca Smith, Vice-President, Engagement and Values at Kindred, “Cooperatives are grounded in principles of democratic control, mutual aid, and community benefit, and they put people before profit.” They come in all shapes and sizes, serving needs as diverse as local food access, childcare, housing, agriculture, finance, healthcare, and more.
Let’s explore what makes cooperatives so impactful, how they’ve flourished globally and in Canada, and why the International Year of the Cooperative is such a welcome celebration.
What is a Cooperative?
A cooperative is a member-owned and member-governed business that operates for the benefit of its members and their communities. Rather than maximizing shareholder returns, co-ops aim to meet shared needs, whether that’s affordable housing, fair access to goods and services, or financial security. This model of collective ownership creates space for meaningful participation, ensuring that profits are reinvested in ways that directly benefit members.
The International Co-operative Alliance outlines seven guiding principles for cooperatives:
- Voluntary and open membership
- Democratic member control
- Member economic participation
- Autonomy and independence
- Education, training, and information
- Cooperation among cooperatives
- Concern for community
These principles are not just a checklist—they reflect a shared commitment to fairness, dignity, and mutual support.
Cooperatives by the Numbers
Today, there are more than 3 million cooperatives worldwide, serving over one billion people. They span every continent and sector, playing a vital role in sustainable development, inclusive economies, and social cohesion.
Here in Canada, the cooperative sector is alive and well. According to Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC), there are over 9,000 co-operatives across the country. These organizations are collectively owned by over 18 million members! They directly employ more than 195,000 people and contribute billions to the national economy.
And yet, many people still don’t realize they belong to, benefit from, or could choose a co-operative. The 2025 UN designation is an open invitation to look more closely.
How Cooperatives Help People
“Cooperatives are quietly powerful because they meet real needs,” states Rebecca Whether someone is looking for affordable groceries, community-supported agriculture, ethical banking, or stable housing, co-ops provide local, people-centred solutions.
They:
- Create economic inclusion by offering equitable access to resources;
- Encourage democratic participation in business and community life;
- Promote education and awareness about shared responsibility;
- Reinvest in communities through local development; and
- Offer stability and resilience in economic downturns.
In rural areas, co-ops help communities retain essential services. In urban neighbourhoods, they promote innovation and social enterprise. In all settings, co-operatives weave a safety net of mutual support that aligns with sustainable development goals.
Familiar Examples of Cooperatives
The cooperative spirit is often hiding in plain sight! Here are just a few fun and inspiring examples:
- Food co-ops where members decide what’s stocked and how profits are shared;
- Carshare co-ops that make environmentally friendly transport accessible;
- Worker co-ops in everything from tech to bakeries, where employees are also owners;
- Housing co-ops offering secure and affordable homes with shared governance;
- Artisan co-ops that support makers and creators through shared retail or studio space; and
- Farming co-ops that allow producers to pool resources and market goods collectively.
Every one of these reflects the same underlying principle: we are stronger, more resilient, and more just when we work together. Well-known brands such as Ocean Spray, Gay Lea Foods, Organic Meadow, and the Green Bay Packers are all cooperatives!
The Credit Union Difference
Credit unions, like Kindred, are one of the most recognizable and impactful forms of financial cooperatives. Born from a need to support each other in tough times, credit unions are member-owned financial institutions that prioritize people over profits. Every member has a vote and a voice, regardless of the size of their account.
Through our community engagement, ethical investing, and values-aligned banking services, we embody the cooperative spirit every day. And we’re not alone. There are more than 220 credit unions across Canada, with over 5.9 million members - each one helping people steward their finances with intention and care.
Why the UN’s Designation Matters
The United Nations designating 2025 as the International Year of the Cooperative is more than symbolic. It’s a call to recognise the value of cooperative enterprise as we confront global challenges like inequality, climate change, and economic instability. Co-ops demonstrate that another way is possible - one that is inclusive, fair, and rooted in community.
This designation will:
- Increase public awareness of co-operatives and their contributions;
- Inspire policy makers to better support cooperative development;
- Strengthen networks of solidarity among co-ops locally and globally; and
- Encourage young people and entrepreneurs to explore co-operative models.
It’s also a chance for each of us to reflect on the choices we make. Where we shop, bank, and work are not just transactions. They are opportunities to align our values with our actions.
A Shared Future
Throughout the International Year of the Cooperative, we’re reminded that co-operatives are not a fringe alternative. They’re a global force for good. Whether it's a small housing co-op or an international network of worker-owned businesses, cooperatives exemplify what it means to care for one another in community.
At Kindred, we’re proud to be part of this movement. As a financial cooperative, we are committed to walking alongside our members, helping them connect their values and faith with their finances.
Looking to learn more or join us? Book an appointment with one of our expert team members today!