Co-op Month is celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, National Co-op Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business and build resilient, inclusive communities.

Under the theme “Cooperatives Build A Better World,” this year’s Co-op Month is also a chance to envision a cooperative future. With 2025 designated International Year of Cooperatives, now is the time to lift up the people-centered businesses at the heart of our communities and economies.

How is your co-op creating a more cooperative future? From finance to food and housing to childcare, co-ops nationwide are shaping a more equitable, innovative and sustainable world.

Cooperatives nationwide are encouraged to use this year’s theme and logo in their communication and outreach activities this October.

A BIT OF HISTORY

  • Minnesota was the first state to declare an official Co-op Month proclamation in 1948.
  • Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since 1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, a former Minnesota governor, proclaimed October Co-op Month.
  • The first national theme in 1964 was “Cooperatives: USDA Helps Build a Better America.”
  • The U.S. Government sponsored Co-op Month from 1964-70.
  • Beginning in 1971, cooperatives, statewide associations, and the National Cooperative Business Association fueled their own events and promotions.
  • In 2016, a national campaign was developed by a Cooperative Network-led committee of diverse communication professionals through the Cooperative Communicators Association.

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