OCDC brings together organizations committed to building a more prosperous world through cooperatives. Its mission is to champion, advocate and promote effective international cooperative development.

OCDC's members are: ACDI/VOCA, AAC/MIS, CHF International, Communications Cooperative International, Land O'Lakes International Development, National Cooperative Business Association, NRECA and the World Council of Credit Unions.

Cooperative Solutions

"The U.N.'s International Year of Cooperatives in 2012 is a major opportunity to raise the visibility of cooperatives on a global scale," said Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Cooperative Alliance. Speaking at OCDC's cooperative development conference May 20, Green challenged attendees to make cooperative development initiatives global and "to deliver programs, not just projects."

The one-day event brought nearly 100 invited guests together to learn from hands-on experiences and to formulate recommendations for overcoming challenges and expanding cooperatives as development tools.

For complete coverage , session videos and presentations, go to www.coooperativechallenges21.org. For an overview, download the conference news release.

Reports, web site provide cooperative development tools

The Overseas Cooperative Development Council has released two ground-breaking reports that focus on measuring the success of cooperatives and creating the legal environment they require to flourish.

Measuring cooperative success

Measuring Cooperative Success is the result of a joint project launched by OCDC members in 2007 called Measurements for Tracking Indicators of Cooperative Success or METRICS.  It identifies four essential indicators: sound business practices, strong membership participation, the support of cooperative apex organizations and a facilitating economic environment. Read more.

Toolkit for cooperative legal reform

Creating CLARITY is a sequel to Enabling Cooperative Development: Principles for Legal Reform. The report provides two unique tools for addressing legal reform:  the Rapid Cooperative Assessment Tool and the CLARITY Scorecard Process.  In addition, Creating CLARITY showcases legal reform projects in several countries. Read more.

CLARITY Web site: one-stop resource

Both CLARITY reports, the analytical tools and much more can be found on the new Web site, www.clarity.coop.  The site is the home of OCDC’s Cooperative Law and Regulation Initiative, whose main goal is to help developing countries create a legal and regulatory environment that enables cooperative businesses to flourish.

OCDC Notes

U.N. declares 2012 International Year of Cooperatives
This honor recognizes the contributions of cooperatives to global economic development and the impact of that work in reducing poverty and creating new opportunities. Read more.

Leonard selected to chair OCDC board
Carl Leonard of ACDI/VOCA has been selected to chair the board of OCDC. Leonard has served on the board since 2004. Read more.

Cooperative Law and Regulation Initiative
OCDC and its members identified a roadblock to successful cooperative businesses: ineffective laws and regulations. CLARITY is an ongoing initiative to establish a legal framework for co-ops worldwide.

Cooperatives can stimulate transformational development in developing countries through three pathways - economic, democratic and social. OCDC’s Pathways report underscores effectiveness of the cooperative business model.

FAIR TRADE—OCDC members support and encourage fair trade practices worldwide. Learn more about this tool for enhancing economic returns.