We thank Monique F Leroux and the Cooperative Summit for their considerable support of the Youth Committee of the International Cooperative Alliance and this toolkit. Without their financial contributions, this toolkit and other initiatives of the Youth Committee would likely not have been possible. We hope this support and all that we were able to accomplish with it will serve as an example to all those in the Cooperative Movement what youth can do if they are given the resources they need. Thank you for your solidarity!
During my different mandates as Chair of the Board of the International Cooperative Alliance or as President and Chief Executive Officer of Desjardins Group, I was delighted to discover how much young cooperators have a vibrant passion and a drive for success. What standed out the most is their willingness to do things differently. It truly seems like the cooperation values and principles were made for them.
The entire movement needs to support them in reaching their goals and becoming the next generation of leaders. They surely will have at heart to ensure a social and economic development that is more human, respectful and fair. Our contribution is to create opportunities for them to learn, grow and stand out.
This is exactly what we did when we elaborated the Young leaders program for the three editions of the International Summit of Cooperatives. And with the remaining funds of the Summit, we had an even bigger opportunity to create a durable impact by supporting among other projects the Cooperative Spring: A Coop Youth Toolkit made by the ICA Global Youth Network.
On the road towards reaching your dream you will face many challenges, but when you have just the right amount of ambition, boldness and action you will certainly thrive. May this toolkit be one more string to your bow.
Monique F. Leroux
Former Chair of the Board of the International Cooperative Alliance
