Celebrated by cooperatives nationwide during the month of October, National Co-op Month is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of a trusted, proven way to do business and build communities. Under the theme “Build Back for Impact,” this year’s Co-op Month is also a chance to leverage our shared cooperative identity in the face of some of the biggest challenges we face: a global pandemic, climate emergency and systemic racism. As we build back an economy that works for everyone, our biggest impact comes from embracing the values and principles that make us truly unique.

Shared Capital is proud to serve co-ops and to be one ourselves. We’re owned and run by our members and when we have patronage it goes to our borrowers.

Cooperatives nationwide are encouraged to use this year’s theme and logo in their communication and outreach activities this October.

Co-op Month Fun Facts:

• Minnesota was the first state to declare an official Co-op Month proclamation in 1948.
• Co-op Month has been a nationally recognized celebration since 1964, when U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman, a former Minnesota governor, proclaimed October Co-op Month.
• The first national Co-op Month theme, in 1964, was “Cooperatives: USDA Helps Build a Better America.”
• The U.S. Government sponsored Co-op Month from 1964-1970.
• Every October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture releases its annual Co-op Month proclamation.