What do we do when the year is over? There
is nothing more natural than look at the path
treaded, and make a balance of the period that
has just passed, thinking of where we still want
to get. And, what can we say about 2012, then
– the International Year of the Cooperatives?
This was, without any doubt, a landmark
for all cooperative’s members, regardless
their origin. For us, Brazilians, remains the
sensation of duty fulflled, too – restating our
love for cooperativeness, bringing awareness to
government and society about the important role
played by our cooperatives.
For sure, 2012 was party time, celebration! But
we have also taken the opportunity to “beat the
drums”, making noise and showing our “face”.
Throughout twelve months of the year, coo-
peratives’ members from all over Brazil gathered
to show how our movement has contributed for
the construction of a better country and world.
We managed to pass our message, saying that
through cooperativeness, we can reach the so
dreamed sustainability. And, we have really
fulflled our role. Through group work, based
on transparency, and, mostly, on trust, we have
fought for our economic independence, and,
thus, conquered also our space in the society.
And, it all happened without forgetting, of
course, to defend environment preservation.
Thus, together and touched by the enterprising
spirit that characterizes cooperatives’ members,
we have been confrmed as a sustainable
business model. And, for that, we strongly invest
in professionalized management, aware of
market movements. With these differentials, we
have contributed, also, to change the scenario
of the communities where we are present –
generating development, and taking more
quality of life and happiness to people. This is
our great purpose.
Cooperativeness has the face of the Brazilian
people, who are hungry for representation,
who have gone out on the streets manifesting
their wish to live in a country of equality and
inclusion. This is why we fght daily for a better
Brazil. And, we had to share how we have made
it, making dreams come true, and changing the
reality of many Brazilians.
These are some examples. We have gathered
366 stories that tell how cooperatives build a
better world – one for each day of 2012 – and
we present it to you in this special publication
– to celebrate the International Year of the
Cooperatives.
Good reading!
For a better world
366 examples of cooperation
Márcio Lopes de Freitas
President of OCB System