At last co-operators have an opportunity to join the social networking revolution with a site dedicated to co-operatives, supporters of co-ops and those who are interested in what co-operation has to offer. To see what’s on offer check out www.hive.coop

Great news the UN have declared 2012 as the year of co-operatives, not only that governments are being encouraged to create a more supportive environment for co-operative development, particularly when it comes to securing finances for capacity building.

What this year will celebrate is the recognition that the co-operative business model is a major factor in economic and social development promoting fuller participation in both the developed and developing world in particular co-operatives contribute to the eradication of poverty.

Newly-elected President of the International Co-operative Alliance, Pauline Green said: “The International Year of the Co-operatives is a well timed event that represents the depth of understanding of the entire co-operative movement. The co-operative model is a better choice and offers the basis for a more sustainable way to do business when compared to traditional capitalist models now under scrutiny.

For more information click here

The next InterAct Co-operative Education Conference takes place at Northern College in Barnsley on 9^th-10^th July. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Being and Belonging-Community and Citizenship’. Far from being your standard dry event this conference really offers you the chance to explore ideas and put them into a real life context which is relevant to you. There will be some great workshops see www.clada.coop and an opportunity to laugh a lot and learn a lot in a fantastic setting. (Be prepared for exhaustion!)