Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every sector of the economy—and cooperatives are no exception.
Understanding and responsibly leveraging AI tools can dramatically improve cooperative operations, enhance member services, and create new pathways for growth and innovation.
This best practice introduces cooperatives to the basics of AI, key terms, and emerging strategies for cooperative-specific AI ecosystems like Principle 6’s CoopAI and CoopGPT. It also provides a practical guide to AI tools cooperatives can begin using today to boost operational efficiency and engagement.
Part 1: Introduction to AI for Cooperatives
What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence refers to machines or software systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as language processing, decision-making, visual perception, or learning from data.
Key Vocabulary:
- Machine Learning (ML): Systems that learn and improve based on experience or data without being explicitly programmed.
- Large Language Models (LLMs): AI systems trained on vast amounts of text to generate, summarize, and interpret human language (e.g., ChatGPT).
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI technology that allows computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language.
- Prompt Engineering: Crafting questions or inputs to guide AI systems to produce desired outputs.
- Automation: Using AI to perform routine tasks automatically without constant human supervision.
Why AI Matters for Cooperatives:
- Increase operational efficiency (e.g., automating reports, summarizing meeting notes)
- Expand member engagement through personalization (e.g., customized newsletters)
- Enhance strategic decision-making with better data insights
- Preserve cooperative independence by owning your data and insights
The P6 AI Ecosystem: CoopAI and CoopGPT Principle 6 is actively developing an exclusive, cooperative-owned AI ecosystem.
- CoopAI will aggregate knowledge and best practices across the cooperative sector.
- CoopGPT will be a cooperative-specific large language model (LLM) designed to serve cooperatives’ unique needs.
- Why this matters: Cooperative-owned AI means member data remains within the movement, ensuring autonomy, ethical use, and collective intelligence growth.
Part 2: Practical AI Tools for Cooperatives
Start using these tools today to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation:
| Tool Name | Purpose | Example Uses for Cooperatives | Link |
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) | Language Processing & Drafting | Draft board reports, newsletters, HR policies | Visit ChatGPT |
| Canva Magic Write | Content & Graphics Creation | Generate social media posts, flyers, marketing designs | Visit Canva |
| Otter.ai | Meeting Transcription & Summaries | Create meeting minutes, project action item lists | Visit Otter.ai |
| Grammarly | Writing Assistant | Enhance clarity and professionalism of communications | Visit Grammarly |
| DALL·E | AI Image Generation | Design visuals for events, reports, or campaigns | Visit DALL·E |
| Trello with Butler Automation | Task & Workflow Automation | Manage cooperative projects and automate recurring tasks | Visit Trello |
| Jasper AI | Marketing Content Generator | Create blog posts, campaign slogans, email marketing content | Visit Jasper |
| Microsoft 365 Copilot | Embedded AI Productivity | Draft documents, analyze spreadsheets, create presentations | Learn about Copilot |
| Notion AI | Knowledge Management & Documentation | Summarize project notes, assist in internal documentation | Visit Notion |
| Zapier | Workflow Automation | Connect apps and automate tasks without coding | Visit Zapier |
| Pictory AI | Video Generation from Text | Turn reports or articles into short videos for members | Visit Pictory |
| Beautiful.ai | Presentation Design Automation | Quickly create professional board or member meeting presentations | Visit Beautiful.ai |
Final Note
Adopting AI thoughtfully can amplify the values of cooperation: efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and empowerment.
By investing in shared AI resources like CoopAI and CoopGPT, and leveraging available tools now, cooperatives can build a future that is technologically advanced and mission-aligned.