Across the cooperative movement, there’s a significant group of enterprises doing powerful, values-driven work—without being connected to a federation, sector body, or national association. We call them cooperatives outside of traditional cooperative networks.
They’re innovative. They’re impactful. They live the cooperative principles every day. But without a formal link to the wider movement, they often miss out on the benefits, resources, and advocacy strength that come with being part of something bigger.
At Principle 6, we believe it’s time to close that gap.
The Opportunity
Many cooperatives remain outside traditional networks not because they don’t value cooperation, but because they:
- Don’t see a clear path into existing federations or associations
- Aren’t aware of the opportunities available to them
- Are too small, too new, or too specialized to feel included in traditional membership models
Yet these co-ops represent a tremendous untapped resource. When they connect with the broader cooperative ecosystem, they can:
- Gain peer-to-peer knowledge and problem-solving support
- Access advocacy and representation they can’t achieve alone
- Contribute to the collective intelligence of the movement
How Principle 6 Helps Federations Connect
The Principle 6 platform is built to help federations find, engage, and retain cooperatives outside traditional networks. Here’s how:
- Digital Member Benefit Statement & Cooperative Impact Statement
Even non-member co-ops can create a free Member Benefit Statement. For federations, this creates a natural entry point to start building a relationship. Over time, it can open the door to deeper engagement and eventual membership.
- Collaborative Communities
Federations can invite these co-ops into sector or regional Collaborative Communities, giving them a taste of the year-round support, resources, and knowledge-sharing available through network participation.
- Dynamic Intelligence Library
By engaging with the Library’s discussion boards and best practices, co-ops outside traditional networks can see firsthand the value of contributing to—and learning from—a shared bank of cooperative intelligence.
- Survey Tools & Benchmarking
Federations can run targeted surveys with these cooperatives, helping them see where they stand against sector benchmarks—and positioning the federation as the go-to source for insight and strategy.
Why This Matters for Both Sides
- For federations, reaching cooperatives outside traditional networks isn’t just recruitment—it’s strengthening the movement’s voice, increasing advocacy power, and deepening the pool of shared knowledge and solutions.
- For cooperatives, connection means access to resources, shared learning, and a stronger seat at the table when decisions affecting the movement are made.
When these cooperatives join the broader network, everyone benefits.
Making the First Move
Engagement starts with visibility. Federations can use Principle 6 to:
- Search for co-ops by region or sector and invite them to create a free MBS or join a Collaborative Community
- Share public Cooperative Impact Statements that inspire connection by showing the collective results of network members
- Provide low-barrier opportunities to participate in platform activities that demonstrate the value of year-round engagement
The Big Picture
A movement is only as strong as the sum of its parts. If thousands of cooperatives remain disconnected, we limit our ability to innovate, advocate, and respond to global challenges.
Principle 6 makes it easier than ever for federations to bring these cooperatives into the fold—without requiring them to commit to full membership on day one. It’s about building trust, demonstrating value, and creating pathways into the broader cooperative family.
📢 Call to Action
If you’re a federation leader, think about the cooperatives in your region or sector that aren’t yet part of your network. What would it take to connect them? Principle 6 can help you make that first move—and turn untapped potential into shared strength.
Are you a federation that’s interested in leveraging Principle 6? We would love to have a conversation! Click here to send us a message.
Because in the cooperative movement, no one should have to thrive alone.