Co-op Fortnight 2026: Co-operate and we can change the world
Today marks the beginning of Co-op Fortnight 2026, two weeks dedicated to celebrating what makes co-operatives different and the positive impact we create together.
Running from 22nd June to 5th July, this year's theme is "Co-operate and we can change the world." It's a simple but powerful message that captures the spirit of the global co-operative movement and the role each of us plays in building stronger communities.
At OurCoop, Co-op Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate not only our members and colleagues, but also something that makes us truly unique - our Family of Businesses.
One co-op, supporting life's important moments
Unlike many organisations, OurCoop supports people through some of life's most important moments.
Whether it's picking up everyday essentials from one of our food stores, giving children the best start in life through Little Pioneers, planning a dream holiday, staying connected through mobile and broadband services, powering homes with renewable energy, preparing for the future with a funeral plan, or supporting families through bereavement, our businesses work together to make a positive difference.
Each business serves a different purpose, but they are united by the same co-operative values and commitment to putting people before profit.
Individually, each of our businesses creates value for members and communities. Together, they make us stronger.
Our Family of Businesses allows us to build deeper relationships with members, provide support throughout different stages of life and create social value that extends far beyond any single service.
It's one of the reasons why being part of a co-operative is different. The choices our members make every day help support businesses that reinvest in communities, champion fairness and work for the benefit of people rather than shareholders.
A Beautiful Idea
This year's Co-op Fortnight theme is inspired by This Beautiful Idea, a poem written and performed by Tony Walsh and originally commissioned by Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival.
The poem beautifully captures the power of co-operation, community and collective action. It reminds us that co-operatives are built on a simple belief: that we achieve more when we work together than when we work alone.
[Insert link to poem film, released 22nd)
Owned by our members
Co-op Fortnight is also the perfect time to reflect on what membership means. As Co-operatives UK puts it: "When you join a co-operative, you join a global movement that's building a better world."
Their short film, Owned by our Members, showcases the diversity, values and impact of co-operatives across the UK and beyond. It highlights how co-operatives create positive change by giving people a voice, sharing value fairly and working together for common goals.
The film is a powerful reminder that membership is about more than accessing products and services. It is about belonging to something bigger – a movement built on co-operation, democracy and community ownership.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jddNpXI-Lw
Celebrating Co-op Fortnight
Throughout Co-op Fortnight we'll be sharing stories from across OurCoop, highlighting the impact of our Family of Businesses, celebrating our members and colleagues, and showcasing the many ways co-operation helps create stronger communities.
Because whether it's supporting a local community, helping a family through bereavement, giving a child the best start in life, or investing in a more sustainable future, every part of OurCoop is connected by one simple idea:
When we co-operate, we can achieve more together than we ever could alone.
Happy Co-op Fortnight 2026.