A campaign to encourage young people to set up co-ops as alternative workplaces has reached half its fundraising target.
Launched by co-operative agency Altgen and the International Organisation of Industrial and Service Co-operatives (CICOPA), We Own It aims to show young people that co-operatives are a way to own and manage enterprises democratically.
The campaign will see CICOPA publish a story on young co-operators each month. It will also produce a study on youth co-operative entrepreneurship, including trends among young people in establishing and being part of worker, social and producers’ co-ops.
The website also features dedicated sections and resources on how to start a co-operative, with case studies of co-ops set up by young people.
So far, the fundraising campaign has raised €32,400 from 22 organisations and individuals, including the Mondragon Corporation in Spain, the Co-operators in Canada and Ecosviluppo in Italy, alongside co-ops in Argentina, Italy, the UK and South Korea. CICOPA has set a fundraising target of €70,000.
Supporters can contribute through donations or by becoming partners and helping to promote and create contents for the campaign. They can also become a sponsor by making a minimum donation of €5,000.
Donors and sponsors have their names and logos features on the campaign’s website.
