Weavers of Dreams Founders of the Modern Co-Operative Movement

The story of the Rochdale Pioneers, and their role laying the foundations of today’s worldwide Co-operative Movement has been told before in many ways. To mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, David Thompson has chosen the approach of a true believer-a committed community developer who sees Co-operation as a means for achieving the twin goals of progress and equity."The economic and social conditions facing the working class people of Northern England during the first half of the nineteenth century…leave no doubt that Co-operation emerged, as it usually does, as a collective response to keenly felt needs. These were primarily economic needs, but to a significant extent they were also social–a desire for basic education, for political rights, and for more equitable participation of women. The Rochdale Pioneers, as Co-operative leaders after them have done throughout the world, were concerned with both economic and social forms of justice. They sought to combine the development of a strong, economic enterprise with contributions toward social and political rights."What is striking from this account, in fact, is the extent to which the British Co-operative movement of the 19th Century exercised a significant influence in the development of national policies in such areas as consumer standards, women’s rights, and popular education. The Co-operative Women’s Guild is described as “Britain’s pre-eminent women’s organization,” and its parliamentary successes were significant indeed."This International Year gives us the opportunity to use our global influence to continue to spread cooperatives to all parts of the world, and to people who are looking for something different and fairer. A people-based business model. It is a perfect time for the next edition of Weavers of Dreams to inspire and enthuse future generations."-Dame Pauline Green, President, International Co-operative Alliance, Belgium"Never before has this story of the early days of the cooperative movement been more timely, as the world today struggles with wrenching change. David Thompson brings those days alive again and shows their renewed relevance. Must reading for anyone interested in how the world can be a better place."-Charles Gould, Director General, International Co-operative Alliance, Belgium