Cooperative 101

Playgrounds flood with games during school recess. A great example is hopscotch. The game can be played by one child or a large group, and the rules are simple. A course is laid out, typically drawn in chalk on pavement. Blocks are numbered in the order they must be hopped in, with a home, or safe, spot at the end. Then players toss a marker into designated squares and hop through the course.

In some ways, the game reflects how  cooperatives were formed. Co-ops—not-for-profit, member-owned businesses—may serve a few people or large groups. But all co-ops use the same “course,” following seven key principles. By “hopping” on each principle, co-ops provide an efficient consumer resource focused on service, not profit.

Youth Tour is a GREAT example of the cooperatives principle, Concern for Community, being practiced.

What are co-ops?

Cooperatives are owned by their members—the people who receive services from them—and are found in many industries. For example, more than 900 electric co-ops serve 42 million Americans. According to the National Cooperative Grocers Association, 30 percent of farmers’ products are marketed through more than 3,000 farmer-owned cooperatives in America. Familiar brands like SunKist, Land O’Lakes, Cabot Creamery, Ocean Spray, and Sun-Maid are all co-ops formed to help farmers distribute products.

In banking, 10,000 credit unions provide financial services to 84 million members across the nation. Co-ops have also been formed to provide child care, insurance, and housing. Nearly 30,000 cooperatives operate at 73,000 locations nationally.

Guiding Principles

The cooperative movement traces its roots to a store started by weavers in the town of Rochdale, England in 1844. The Rochdale model revolved around a set of guidelines drawn up by one of its members, Charles Howarth. When introduced into the U.S. by the National Grange in 1874, these “Rochdale Principles” fueled a cooperative explosion.

Although stated in many ways, the Rochdale Principles hold that a cooperative must provide:

Your Guild to a GREAT 2015 Youth Tour!

We’ve collected advice from students that went on Youth Tour the last few years. Check out their words of wisdom! You’ll notice a theme: it’s an awesome trip, enjoy every minute; wear comfortable shoes; don’t worry about sleep – sleep when you get home!

·                  Take time to enjoy every second of this awesome trip, it’s a trip of a lifetime! Don’t be afraid to talk to everyone on this trip I guarantee they are all cool (they are from Iowa how could they not be?), and last but not least bring a small purse/satchel because you will be taking it on and off at almost every building you go in! 

·                  Although it's awkward the first day, don't be shy! Step out of your comfort zone and get to know everyone!

·                  Be on time...

·                  You might have the cutest new pair of shoes, but don't wear them! Wear the most comfortable shoes you have because you will be doing a lot of walking!

·                  Dive in and get involved! Everyone is just as nervous as you. Also don't shy away from further opportunities offered due to this incredible experience YOU earned 

·                  Bring a camera, and interact with people from other states! Get to know your roomie, because they're pretty awesome also. Never miss an opportunity to see something new, because when you get back you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't go. 

·                  When you get the schedule you will think, "I have to get up at what time?" but sacrificing a few hours of sleep is completely worth it. Besides, you can sleep when you get home!

·                  Be social! The friends you make on this trip are the best! :)

·                  Pictures, pictures pictures! You'll never forget the trip and memories. Socialize with everyone! Have fun!

·                  Take as many pictures as possible!! Make as many friends as possible! Learn about your fellow Youth Tourers from Iowa and other states some will be your lifelong friends! And stop worrying this will be the best trip ever!

·                  Don't be stressed out that you won't know where to go or what time to be there. This is a very well organized trip and you always have a schedule, a great group leader and chaperones, and of course your group of new friends that you can ask questions. Also, don't forget to pack the little things like sun screen, sunglasses, Chapstick, …

·                  Be somewhat familiar with the Smithsonians. That way you can be sure to make it to your favorite!

·                  Get comfortable being uncomfortable, Ask people from other states questions, learn how to run off adrenaline

·                  Bring good shoes; you will want them for the long days walking!! Be social & make the best of every minute! You will make friends for life :)

·                  This is experience is going to be one of the greatest in your life. Embrace every moment of it and take the time to get to know everyone you meet on a personal level. You'll meet some of the best friends you'll ever have in life and will see some of the coolest things.

·                  You are going to love the experience. As tiring as it gets just keep up the effort and take advantage of every opportunity that you can get. If you play your cards right this event could be a strong kick start to your future career, either inside or outside of the cooperatives.

·                  Don't worry about sleep and make as many friends as you can! You can sleep on your way home; you'll be having too much fun

·                  Take time to talk to everyone in your group! They are all great and you will probably have something in common with each of them (beyond the sharing the same state thing).

·                  Arrive well rested.

·                  Make as many friends as you can and don't be nervous! Enjoy every moment of it because it goes by fast.

·                  And like everyone said, be open minded, meet as many people as possible, and enjoy all the little things :)

·                  Take a moment at each place and truly absorb what it represents. There is a lot to see and pictures to take but make a memory of each monument or historic place. Also write down your thoughts.

·                  Enjoy every minute of it because this is one of those important once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. If you're not a social type, now is the perfect time to get out there and make some new friends. If you are a social butterfly, you should be in your element. The people you meet here are the kind of people you want to keep in touch with because they are going places

·                  Take note of this rich advice: the Alaska rep never brings enough pins...so find him/her before they start doing crazy stuff like selling them or trading 3 for 1.

·                  Take lots of pictures. Don't be shy to ask someone to take your picture for you. Be nice, polite, outgoing and friendly. INCLUDE EVERYONE!!!! NO CLICKS!!!! Be yourself. Have fun. Fill your head with knowledge. Remember names. Absorb everything our nation’s capital has to offer. Ask questions at Capitol Hill. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! Spend money wisely.

·                  Enjoy every experience because you never know when you will be able to go back to DC and meet so many new people. Also the Youth Tour Staff is some really cool people!

·                  Get plenty of sleep, be nice to your roommates, get to know everyone you meet, and make the most out of every amazing opportunity you get!

·                  Coordinate shower schedules in your room.

·                  Find a friend who looks at things in museums at the same pace you do. If you take time to look at EVERYTHING, find a friend who also takes time to look at EVERYTHING.

·                  Wear a watch that doesn't beep.

·                  Participate in every activity. You won't regret it.

·                  Figure out what stuff you need to put in bins for metal detectors. Save yourself time, pack according to the security.

·                  Don't be afraid to meet people from the other states, it is great to compare accents and find common ground. Spend your time wisely especially at the Smithsonian. Decide ahead of time which museum you are most interested in seeing. Never go anywhere alone. Enjoy our nation’s capital and all the wonderful treasures you'll see and take lots of pictures to share back home and to look back on in the future.

·                  Don't underestimate the friendships you'll make, even if somebody lives far away. Two of my closest friends from YLC live half way across the country and we've stayed close. 

·                  To add to the comment above, I totally agree don't underestimate the friendships you make because I met a friend of mine who lives 5 minutes from my house and I had no idea, and we became great friends on the Youth Tour, and now we are going to room together at Morningside College and be teammates. It’s just so cool how the Youth tour brings people so close together. I still keep in close contact with all my Youth Tour buds and I'd recommend making lifelong friendships on this tour.

·                  Take as much in as you can. The experience is absolutely amazing. Meet others from across the country, because it is so interesting learning about different parts of the country. Lastly, take tons of pictures, because you will cherish them forever. My experience on Youth Tour and the YLC was nothing short of amazing.