All 4 Each: A Unit to Empower Co-operative Consciousness

This lesson will explore how the Co‑operative Principles make a co‑operative a unique business model. In the spirit of co‑operative organization, through group work the students will explore how the principles—set forth in the International Co‑operative Alliance’s Statement on the Co‑operative Identity—bind co‑operatives together. Generally speaking, with the exception of the sixth principle, these principles are reflected in how Saskatchewan law recognizes co‑ops. Knowing them will give insight into the motivation for choosing a co‑operative as a model of choice.

The Plan
1. Have students consider their own experience by asking if they belong to a co‑operative, know what a co‑operative is, or how it works. Leading questions such as “Why do people work together?” may be a good way to gauge student knowledge.

2. Break students into seven groups. The reason for seven groups is that
there are seven universal principles of co‑operatives.

3. Hand out one of The Co-Operative Principles to each group. The principle will be the group’s focus and its corresponding story will provide context and relevance.

4. In their groups, have students read the principle and story. Each group will identify a recorder and answer the following:

• Briefly summarize this principle.
• How was this principle meaningful for the people in the story?
• Do you believe this principle is a fair way of doing business? Why or why not?

5. Using their answers, have students create a poster for their principle. These can be later placed in the classroom as a visual reminder of the Co‑operative Principles.

6. Have students present their poster to the class so that everyone gets to hear what the principle is and why it might be beneficial.

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