Our last Year of Co-ops Social Media Takeover is Wednesday, October 29

As we wind down National Co-op Month this week, we're also wrapping up our monthly Year of Cooperatives Social Media Takeovers.

Since May, you've joined us in reaching audiences on social media who are unfamiliar with the cooperative business model, inviting them on a guided journey that brings us to the close of Co-op Month in October.

Last month, we amplified how co-ops build lasting value and drive positive change in their communities. From affordable housing and job creation to fostering democracy and helping small businesses compete, co-ops generate long-term benefits.

This month, we're lifting up the economic and social impact co-ops have in their communities. Our October carousel post shows how cooperatives are closing access gaps, growing local economies, empowering people and creating resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities:

• AccessCo-ops close access and affordability gaps to universal needs. Electric co-ops power 92% of America's persistent poverty counties. Now, they're working to close the digital divide in rural America.
• Community enrichment and engagementRooted in their communities, co-ops prioritize local economic reinvestment. On average, food co-ops purchase from 175 local farmers and producers-more than 4 times as many as conventional grocery stores
• Democratic governance and empowermentCo-ops demonstrate what democracy looks like in action. Members of co-ops are more likely to participate in co-op governance, be civically engaged and vote in local and national elections.
• Fairness and inclusion for all52% of credit union CEOS are women-10 times higher than the rate of female CEOs at banks
• Growth and innovationRappahannock Electric Co-op's Vividly Brighter program is bringing sustainable transportation options to rural Virginia. By 2036, Rappahannock will support EV charging for 31,500 vehicles across its 22-county service area.
• Stability and resilienceCo-ops help members navigate economic uncertainty and weather natural disasters, future-proofing their communities. Housing co-ops provide permanently affordable housing for more than 1.5 million Americans.
• Sustainable developmentCo-ops invest in sustainable development as a core part of their missions. Certified organic products make up 38% of total sales at food co-ops, compared to 2.5% at conventional grocery stores

We'll post at noon EDT and invite you to like, comment, repost or create your own posts using this month's graphics and messaging prompts. Be sure to include the hashtags #CoopsYear and #BuildABetterWorld in your posts-and don't forget to tag us @NCBACLUSA so we can like and share your posts!

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