Are you ready to connect virtually with other cooperators, hear new insights and ideas, and discuss trending topics that the co-op community is navigating? Then we invite you to join us at NCBA CLUSA’s next Co-op Circle Happy Hour, scheduled for Friday, March 8 at 2 pm EST.
This month, we’re introducing a new series under the Co-op Circle Happy Hour umbrella featuring meet and greet sessions with special guests. Throughout the year, we’ll hear from cooperative thought leaders, conference speakers, board members and more. Our first guest, Jeroen Douglas, is Director General of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).
About our Guest
For the last five years, Jeroen Douglas served as Executive Director of Solidaridad, an international civil society organization with more than 50 years of experience in developing solutions to make communities more resilient. In solidarity with under-resourced producer communities, Solidaridad enables farmers, miners and workers to earn a decent income, produce in balance with nature and shape their own futures.
“I’m a big believer in the cooperative movement, and in particular of Principle 6,” Douglas said in his New Year’s message. “With 3 million cooperators around the world connecting more than 1 billion people, we are a tremendous force.”
With the 2024 International Year of Cooperatives on the horizon, Douglas is keen to position the global cooperative movement as key partners in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“As the world looks forward to 2025, the International Year of Cooperatives promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together cooperatives, governments, civil society and other stakeholders to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and foster collaboration for a more sustainable and equitable future,” Douglas said in a recent LinkedIn post after his first visit as ICA Director General to United Nations headquarters in New York.
Co-op Circle Happy Hour Highlights
- Engaging Conversations Connect with cooperative peers, share insights, and exchange experiences and ideas on the latest challenges, trends and developments in the co-op community.
- Virtual Networking Interact with cooperative professionals from around the world in a small group virtual setting where you can share your work, knowledge and helpful resources.
- Themed Activities Enjoy interactive icebreakers and team challenges designed to spark both conversations and learning moments on interesting facts about the history of the co-op community and more.
- Expert Insights Gain valuable tips from both guest hosts and attendees on opportunities to advance access to critical tools, resources and techniques that support the work we do as cooperative leaders.
For more details on joining this week’s happy hour, log into your Circle account and navigate to the “Events” tab.
Not a member? Click here to create an account. For additional assistance, email NCBA CLUSA’s Membership team at membership@ncba.coop.