April 25, 1 p.m. EDT: Webinar on The ICA principles in large co-ops: “just for show” or integral to success? Organized by the Measuring the Co-operative Difference Research Network.
When a co-op becomes very large, are these principles difficult to follow? For instance, what happens when a co-operative becomes so large that the vast majority of members don’t exercise their voting rights? Is the principle of Democratic Member Control still relevant?
In this webinar, Ghislain Paradis of IRECUS (s.coop/1fdz9), and formerly of Desjardins, argues that some ICA principles are based on idealism rather than realism; he suggests that large co-operatives cannot effectively adopt these principles in a way that would allow them to meet their needs in the global marketplace.
In response, we will hear from the MCDRN’s own Sonja Novkovic, of the Sobey of School Business at Saint Mary’s Univeristy, whose research involves working with worker co-ops to improve their ability to operationalize the ICA principles and values. Dr. Novkovic will argue that the ICA Principles remain just as valuable and relevant as co-ops grow.
After we hear from Ghislain and Sonja, two respondents will give their own input on the debate:
1. A representative from The Co-operators.
2. John Restakis on his research on large consumer co-ops in BC.
To register, go to https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/982569881.
Canadian Co-operative Research Network 