why co-operative ideas are great (+ see some examples)

We think that co-operative ideals are great. Here are 5 examples why:

1. Football Supporter Trusts
We have seen the creation of more than 120 football supporter trusts, with more than 75,000 members, from a Party initiative to create Supporters Direct, which puts fans back in control of their football clubs.

2. Co-operative Schools
With 25 co-op schools now up and running Ed Balls, Labour-Co-op MP & Secretary of State for Children, Schools & Families, has set a target for more than 200 co-op trusts by the end of 2010.
The co-op model means local communities - from parents to community groups and local businesses to the pupils themselves - can come together to give input, help govern and have direct power over the running of their local schools. See what Ed Balls had to say about them.

3. Foundation Hospitals & Primary Care Trusts
32 Foundation hospitals have been established, with many more in the pipeline – already with memberships exceeding 400,000. Health professionals are also establishing their own mutuals, with Primary Care mutuals providing out of hours care in many parts of the country.

4. Leading the push for Fairtrade, and against global poverty & climate change
The Co-operative Group been supporting Fairtrade since the inception of the Fairtrade mark back in 1994. Through ongoing campaigning, product innovation and leadership we have helped develop the UK as one of the largest Fairtrade markets in the world, supporting millions of growers and producers in developing countries.
Co-operative Party members & activists have long been active in campaigns for global social justice, from the Make Poverty History to campaign to action on climate change.
And not to forget our very own Chair of the Co-operative Party, Gareth Thomas MP, is Minister of State in the Department for International Development.

5. Co-operative Housing is turning run down estates into vibrant communities
Co-op housing boosts tenants’ involvement in their community, in some cases right from the initial stages: choosing a good architect, approving the designs, selecting fixtures and fittings. But most importantly the model engages tenants in the on going management of their properties. See some examples.

In all, there are more than half a million more members of mutuals today as a result of our work. We will continue to push the barriers of knowledge and understanding of mutuality, in order to ensure that the voices of citizens and employees are properly heard.

For a more detailed look of our policies go here.