International Year of Cooperatives: What are the opportunities for Hunger Mountain Co-op? 

The United Nations has proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” According to a UN announcement, the theme emphasizes the enduring worldwide influence of cooperatives, noting that the cooperative model offers a vital solution to many global issues. It also highlights the important contribution cooperatives make in pushing forward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 

The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) has announced: 

The official launch of the IYC2025 will take place in New Delhi, India, during the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly, scheduled for November 25–30, 2024, in the presence of global leaders seeking to inspire co-operators worldwide. This will be followed by a year-long celebration of co-operatives’ impact on society, “reflecting on achievements, and what actions come next to strengthen the co-operative movement and improve lives for everyone.” 

We have a wide diversity of members, with many international connections. Please let me know if you would like members to know about international cooperatives that you are involved with in some way, or if you have suggestions for Hunger Mountain Co-op to be in cooperation with cooperatives abroad. Maybe we can use this newsletter, the community room space, or other means to learn more about international co-ops in the coming year. 

Hunger Mountain Co-op is part of the ICA through our membership in National Co+op Grocers (NCG) and the National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA). For those members who also are members of an electric co-op like Washington Electric Cooperative, your co-op is probably a member through the National Rural Electric Co-operative Association (NRECA). 

Successful Candidate Forum on October 25 

Even though it is an uncontested election to next year’s council, a total of 35 people attended (in person or viewing online) last Friday’s forum for candidates. Four of the five candidates were there to present their views of the Co-op, with past Council President Scott Hess moderating. Thanks to all the staff who made it possible, and to the candidates and Scott for showing up for a lively and informative discussion of the Co-op’s past, present, and future.  

Thanks also to ORCA for running the livestream. View the recording. 

Voting begins at the Annual Meeting (don’t forget to register, whether you’re going in person or attending online) on November 7 and runs through November 26 at 8 pm.  

Wrap-Up 

It’s the time of year when corn mazes are popular, at least for some people. For me—they creep me out. I feel like I’m being stalked. And the walls have ears! 

Don’t like the jokes? Aw, shucks! 

—Carl Etnier, Council President

Do you have any questions or comments about the council? Do you know any jokes even faintly related to food and/or co-ops? Please email them to me!