Co‑op Fortnight involves co‑ops and organisations from across the UK working together to celebrate and promote co‑ops.

Renowned Manchester poet Tony Walsh has inspired the theme for both this year’s Co-op Congress and Co-op Fortnight, with a line taken from his poem This beautiful idea, originally commissioned by Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival: Co-operate and we can change the world. He will perform the poem at Co-op Congress on Friday after which Co-operatives UK will release a video and performance of the poem as part of Co-op Fortnight.

Throughout the Fortnight, members of Co-operatives UK and the wider co-operative movement are encouraged to share why you’re proud to be a co-op, for example:

  • The ways co-operatives support and strengthen their communities
  • How they improve the lives of members, employees, customers or clients
  • Examples of how co-operative principles are creating fairer, more empowering places to live and work

Co-ops UK are also asking members to share the induction film, Co-operatives: Owned by members (see below).

Watch this space for updates & info on how to get involved - Co-operatives UK Fortnight webpage

Co-operatives: Owned by our Members is a powerful short film that brings the co-operative model to life – showing why member ownership and control matters. Whether you're inducting new people, hosting an event, or updating your website, this film is made to be shared. It celebrates the diversity of our movement, connects our Rochdale roots to a global future – and reminds everyone why co-operation works.

This film is from Co-operatives UK and produced by Media Co-op. It was made possible thanks to grant funding from The Co-operative Bank. @CooperativesUK

If you would like to use the video at one or more of your events, then contact [email protected]

Click here to find out more about the co-operatives featured in this film