In the CEO’s words: At Good Neighbors we do not have a “growth” strategy; we have a “strength” strategy. Which is to say that we are not looking to increase members by numbers but instead are trying to grow members intentionally by focusing on those who are philosophy/mission aligned and who want to participate as owners. This is because we no longer have exclusively our closed SEG group and are instead tasked with building our own common bond.
Co-op fest (Buffulo) is a great opportunity to meet others in the area who are like-minded and tell them about the credit union. My friends at Cooperation Buffalo call these people the “coop curious” – people who are open and interested in learning more about cooperatives.
We participate in the Cooperative Fellowship.
From that website:
Cooperative Changemakers: A Community Power Fellowship is an intensive 11-week training for cooperative entrepreneurs and advocates building an economy that puts people first.
Cooperative Changemakers aims to activate and empower those interested in joining and contributing to Buffalo’s growing cooperative community. The Fellowship fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of skills essential for building democratic power in our communities.
Participants have the opportunity to engage with local cooperators and develop actionable plans to bring their visions to life. The Fellowship seeks to cultivate a vibrant and engaged community of cooperative entrepreneurs and advocates, driving positive social and economic change in Buffalo.
Source: Thank you Emma Smalley, CEO, Good Neighbors Credit Union