International Cooperative Alliance

One of the largest NGOs in the world, the ICA includes more than 300 member cooperative organizations from over 110 countries, representing such diverse economic sectors as agriculture, banking, consumer and labor, among others. The organization primarily serves its members by organizing regular global conferences, sharing educational resources, conducting surveys and engaging in other activities aimed at improving and expanding the cooperative model.

Origins of the Cooperative Movement

While social groupings based on mutual aid have existed since early civilization, the earliest known formal cooperative dates to 1761, when 16 weavers in Fenwick, Scotland, founded the Fenwick Weavers Society. Bound together by shared economic interests, the weavers pledged to provide each other with mutual support while establishing reasonable prices for their labor. Eventually, they began pooling their resources to purchase food in bulk, which they then sold at a discount both to themselves and the wider community.

In 1844, a group of 28 artisan mill workers in Rochdale, England, began pooling their earnings to buy food at lower prices. Known as the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, the group initially focused on acquiring basic items such as sugar, flour and butter. They soon opened their purchasing alliance to other shoppers, offering people the opportunity to buy a stake in the cooperative in exchange for a share of the profits. In addition, all members received an equal say in how the business was managed.

Other cooperative models soon appeared throughout Europe. In the mid-19th century, the first cooperative banks, or credit unions, began to emerge in Germany. In 1895, as the movement continued to spread, delegates from national cooperative federations organized a general conference in London. A second conference followed in Paris a year later, leading to the establishment of the ICA. Inspired by the Rochdale Pioneers, ICA representatives agreed to a set of common principles, including open membership policies, democratic governance and equitable profit sharing.

Over the next two decades, the ICA assumed a leading role on issues of social justice. In 1897, the organization passed a resolution requiring all cooperatives to open their membership to women. At the onset of World War I, the ICA emerged as a voice for global peace by publicly declaring its opposition to the conflict. During this time the alliance also demonstrated a commitment to expanding the movement through education. In 1921, the ICA formed the first international cooperative school, bringing together experts from diverse disciplines to share technical knowledge and offer instruction to student co-op representatives. 

Adapting to Globalization

Although the Great Depression and World War II disrupted the activities of several ICA members, the alliance remained steadfast in its mission to promote solidarity and peace. In 1946, the newly-established United Nations (U.N.) granted the organization consultative status, making it one of the first three NGOs to receive this recognition. In the postwar era the ICA also took steps to increase its activities outside of Europe. Beginning in the late 1960s, the alliance established a presence in Africa when it opened branches in Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire. By 1992, the ICA had established regional offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. During this period the organization also expanded its scope to include social co-ops, community co-ops, cooperatives of freelancers and other interest groups.

In the early 21st century the ICA began to receive broader recognition for its role in promoting sustainable economic development. In 2001 the U.N. issued a set of guidelines aimed at generating support for cooperatives among its member states. A year later, the “Statement on the Cooperative Identity” was cited in an International Labor Organization (ILO) resolution pledging to promote and support cooperatives worldwide.

As the ICA continued to expand its global presence, it adapted its mission to confront such vital issues as climate change, racial equality and the impact of technology on labor practices. The alliance also orchestrated a number of outreach efforts – notably its 2020 Global Youth Forum in Malaysia – to attract younger members to the cooperative movement. By reaffirming its commitment to environmental, social and economic justice to a new generation, the ICA ensured that it would remain a vehicle for progressive change into the future.

Contributor: Stephen Meyer