The global co-operative movement

In addition to our commitment to supporting co-operative models in the local community, Vancity also plays an active role in furthering the co-operative movement worldwide. It’s an exciting time to be part of this global movement. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives, marking the start of a worldwide campaign to take the co-operative model to a new level. And in 2013, the International Co-operative Alliance unveiled an ambitious plan, Blueprint for a Co-operative Decade, which outlines how, by the year 2020, the co-operative business model will become:

• The acknowledged leader in economic, social and environmental sustainability
• The model preferred by people
• The fastest-growing form of enterprise.

International Summit of Co-operatives

Vancity is a sponsor of the International Summit of Co-operatives, a biennial gathering of co-operative enterprise leaders. The summit provides a forum to:

• Discuss concerns about the current and future business challenges facing the sector
• Forge valuable strategic alliances
• Learn of major international development trends
• Gain a solid understanding of the global co-operative movement and the business opportunities it offers.

Global Alliance for Banking on Values

In line with our co-operative model, Vancity is a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an independent network of financial institutions supporting sustainable development for people, communities and the environment. Being part of the Alliance offers us a unique opportunity to work with like-minded colleagues from around the world who believe banking has an important role to play in building a better future for people and the environment. Our Canadian GABV partners are Assiniboine Credit Union and Affinity Credit Union.

For more information on Vancity’s role in the co-operative economy, contact:

Elvy Del Bianco
Elvy_DelBianco@vancity.com
604.871.5324