The University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives is accepting proposals for breakout sessions for CCMA 2026 through Friday, February 27. The annual Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA) Conference is scheduled for May 28-30 in Tacoma, Washington.
Submit a proposal by February 27
Held annually in partnership with rotating host co-ops, CCMA prioritizes a vibrant, locally-rooted experience that showcases the unique aspects of the community through curated tours and activities.
Conference programming combines movement-building with hands-on training in cooperative governance and operations, emphasizing peer learning, practical application and strengthening the broader cooperative movement.
About the conference
A Cascade of Cooperation: Building Community Power in a Time of Change
We are in a moment of transition—one that calls for creativity and collaboration. Economic shifts, social change, and environmental challenges invite us to imagine new ways of working together. A Cascade of Cooperation celebrates how cooperatives, grounded in democratic ownership, spark positive change and strengthen communities through the ripple effects of collective action.
When cooperatives join forces, their impact grows—supporting resilient food systems, keeping wealth rooted locally, and advancing community well-being. As relationships deepen and leadership is shared, communities gain the ability to keep resources close to home, amplify diverse voices, and create solutions informed by lived experience.
CCMA 2026 invites food co-op leaders to come together to explore how cooperation creates lasting, cascading impact. Through learning, connection, and collaboration, we’ll share strategies for turning shared values into collective power—so that in times of change, communities don’t just adapt, they thrive.