Advocacy & Lobbying

Advocacy is a central component of the BC Co-op Association’s work. As a province-wide umbrella organization and a non-partisan voice for all co-ops in BC, we focus on advocacy activities and initiatives that can benefit our members and strengthen the co-op sector.

Our skilled, experienced team initiates and leads lobbying activities to educate the academic and business community about the co-op sector, and to change government policies. We also participate in nation-wide advocacy campaigns with other provincial co-op associations.

VISIBILITY AND CREDIBILITY

At a large scale, we aim to educate the business community, academic community, government, and the general public about co-operatives. We use cross promotions, marketing campaigns and engagement tools like our Co-op Cafe to raise awareness and bust the myths around co-op businesses. We want to highlight what makes co-ops unique in the business world, and promote the immense value we bring to many local communities across BC.

HANDS-ON ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT

As advocates for all co-ops in BC, we:

• Help both small and large BC Co-op Association members with one-on-one advocacy support, to navigate business challenges or government policies and regulations
• Address advocacy and lobbying needs from members as they come up
• Promote the BC Co-op Association brand to raise visibility
• Budget lock-up once a year