Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, National Co-op Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business and build communities. Under the theme “Build Back for Impact,” this year’s Co-op Month was also a chance to leverage our shared cooperative identity in the face of some of the biggest challenges we face: a global pandemic, climate emergency and systemic racism. As we build back an economy that works for everyone, our biggest impact comes from embracing the values and principles that make us truly unique. As we end Co-op Month, we are reminded of the impact that cooperatives have on the world. Co-ops and their partners celebrated the month in a variety of ways from social media engagements to official Co-op Month proclamations. Here are some of the highlights:
House of Representatives resolution recognizes October as National Cooperative Month:
Senate resolution recognizes October as National Cooperative Month:
Co-op Month Proclamation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Secretary Tom Vilsack:
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker recognizes October as National Cooperative Month:
Vermont Governor Phil Scott recognizes October as National Cooperative Month:
Land O’Lakes donates $100,000 to Feeding America in honor of Co-op Month:
CO-OP MONTH FUN FACTS
- Minnesota was the first state to declare an official Co-op Month proclamation in 1948.
- Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since 1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, a former Minnesota governor, proclaimed October Co-op Month.
- The first national Co-op Month theme, in 1964, was “Cooperatives: USDA Helps Build a Better America.”
- The U.S. Government sponsored Co-op Month from 1964-1970.
- Every October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases its annual Co-op Month proclamation.
Learn more and download graphics at coopmonth.coop