The Scottish Co-operative Party Development Day

Purpose

Given the emergence of interest in political debate and campaigning during and after the Scottish Independence Referendum, The Scottish Co-operative Party, decided to reflect on its role within the co-operative movement within Scotland and how best could it facilitate a fairer, more co-operative Scotland.  Whilst it is recognised that most participants in the development day will be Scottish Co-operative Party members, it is designed to appeal to a broader representation of the co-operative movement in Scotland.  It is hoped that this broader constituency can help formulate a way forward for co-operative and democratic principles in Scotland and in what way and in what organisational form the Scottish Co-operative Party can play a role.

Design Principles (These are to help us design a workshop format that participants want)

• Fair, co-operative and democratic
• Facilitate rather than guide discussion
• Let all voices be heard
• Look to the future whilst building on the past
• Be open to all views with no pre-conceived positions

Objectives

To find ideas for the following:

• How to make the co-operative movement the democratic alternative in Scotland
• How to make the movement more diverse
• How should co-operation have political influence in Scotland
• Is there a role for the Co-op Party within the movement in Scotland and if so, what should that be

The Event – 7^th February 2015 (10.30 – 16.00) Glasgow Caledonian University

Aim: To explore the future role of the Co-operative Party in Scotland

10:00   Arrival, check-in and coffee

10:30   Welcome and introductions

 11:00   Brief encounters  (Who is here and making connections)

11:30    Coffee

11:20    What is our experience of Co-operation

13:30   Lunch (Soup and sandwiches provided)

14:15    What do we want from the co-operative movement in the future

15:00   Offers and what next

16:00   Close