A Cascade of Cooperation: Building Community Power in a Time of Change

CCMA (Consumer Cooperative Management Association) is the national annual conference for food cooperative directors, management, staff, and sector allies. The CCMA conference is organized by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives with assistance from a planning committee comprised of co-op managers and board members, representatives from cooperative associations, development organizations, financial partners and other various allies.

Local Hosts: University of Washington Center for Cooperatives, in partnership with Central Co-op and Washington’s co-op community

We are in a moment of transition—one that calls for creativity and collaboration. Economic shifts, social change, and environmental challenges invite us to imagine new ways of working together. A Cascade of Cooperation celebrates how cooperatives, grounded in democratic ownership, spark positive change and strengthen communities through the ripple effects of collective action.

When cooperatives join forces, their impact grows—supporting resilient food systems, keeping wealth rooted locally, and advancing community well-being. As relationships deepen and leadership is shared, communities gain the ability to keep resources close to home, amplify diverse voices, and create solutions informed by lived experience.

CCMA 2026 invites food co-op leaders to come together to explore how cooperation creates lasting, cascading impact. Through learning, connection, and collaboration, we’ll share strategies for turning shared values into collective power—so that in times of change, communities don’t just adapt, they thrive.

More Information: Consumer Cooperative Management Association – Presented by the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives – UW–Madison