William Nelson (left), a conference presenter joins N.C. A&T’s Kingsley Ekwemalor, Ph.D., Jordan Williams, Godwin Agbenyezi, Martin Ntiamoah, and Tim Edwards as they pose for a photo at the 2024 College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota in February.
A group of N.C. A&T students participated in the College Conference on Cooperatives (CCOC), an annual conference held by National Farmers Union to educate, motivate, and inspire the next generation of leaders in cooperatives.
Over the course of this three-day conference, participants heard from experts in the field, engaged in interactive learning activities and workshops, and toured co-ops in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. The event attracts students from across the country and is beneficial to those new to co-ops as well as those with some previous co-op education.
Here are some of their reflections:
An Inspiring Mission
By Martin Ntiamoah
The College Conference on Cooperatives put a strong emphasis on how small opportunities can bring about significant advancements, whether by identifying new challenges or making the most of existing resources. An inspiring example discussed was the outdoor business REI, which began with a group of friends passionate about climbing in 1938 and has since expanded to stores nationwide.
Cooperatives can include retail stores, worker cooperatives, farms, and housing cooperatives. They help create fairness and assist those in need by working together and sharing resources. By fostering cooperation, cooperatives enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.
A highlight of the conference was the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn from experts in the field. Engaging in discussions and exchanging ideas allowed attendees to gain a deeper understanding of cooperative principles. Building relationships with individuals from different places fosters collaboration and strengthens cooperative initiatives.
Attending the College Conference on Cooperatives was a transformative experience for me. I gained valuable knowledge and formed new connections. Now, I am eager to apply what I have learned to benefit my community. I intend to explore starting new cooperatives and improving existing ones. By working together and leveraging our collective knowledge, we can create positive change for everyone.
Two Impactful Markets
By Godwin Agbenyezi
The College Conference on Cooperatives, which took place in Minneapolis from Feb. 15 to 18, proved to be an enriching experience. Before I attended the conference, my understanding of cooperatives was limited, but I learned that there are many cooperative models .
Two particularly stood out to me: the Seward Community Co- Op and Riverton Community Housing. The atmosphere of Seward’s operations was similar to a farmers’ market, yet with a broader selection of food sourced locally, thus fostering community support, The co-op also promoted sustainability by using minimal plastic packaging.
Riverton Community Housing sought to address the pressing need for affordable student housing in the heart of the city, which resonated with me. Their approach blended affordability with a sense of community, ensuring that students, particularly international ones, felt integrated into the urban fabric.
The conference was a blend of enlightenment and enjoyment, offering valuable networking opportunities with peers and faculty alike.
