Join the federation
Co-operatives Ireland is the national federation for co-operative, inclusive and democratic enterprise on the island of Ireland. Membership brings your organisation into a movement making the case for co-operation to Government and the public.
Our purpose
An Ireland where inclusive and democratic business models are at the heart of thriving and sustainable communities.
Co-operatives Ireland is the national federation for the co-operative movement across the island of Ireland. Worker, consumer, community, producer, housing, credit and multi-stakeholder co-operatives, alongside mutuals and other democratic enterprises, all are welcome.
The federation exists to unite, promote and advocate. We connect co-operatives of every kind into a stronger movement, raise the standing of the model as a practical route to community wealth and shared prosperity, press for an environment in which co-operatives can flourish, and develop the pathways that help new co-operatives form and established ones grow.
Advocacy is where the federation is concentrating its effort today. Ireland is approaching its first dedicated co-operative legislation in the history of the State, and the Co-operative Societies Bill is the immediate priority. Beyond it, the wider programme of work is shaped by members as the movement grows.
Why join
What membership brings
Membership
Categories of membership
Co-operatives Ireland brings together the whole of the movement: worker, consumer, community, producer, housing, credit and multi-stakeholder co-operatives, alongside mutuals, employee ownership trusts, community land trusts and other inclusive and democratic enterprises.
Membership is open in three categories. Full membership is for co-operatives and other democratic and inclusive enterprises, and carries a vote. Associate membership is open to organisations that support our purpose, and to individuals who share it; associate members take part in the federation without a vote.
Full membership is open to bodies corporate with a registered address on the island of Ireland, in two forms:
- Co-operatives registered as societies or companies that can show they abide by the first three co-operative principles: voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, and member economic participation.
- Any other democratic and inclusive enterprise or organisation that abides by the first two of those principles: voluntary and open membership, and democratic member control.
Full members hold voting rights. They receive notice of, and attend and vote at, general meetings, and may nominate people to stand for election to any office of Co-operatives Ireland. Bona fide co-operatives join as full members.
Associate membership is open to organisations that support our purpose but do not meet the criteria for full membership, and to unincorporated associations through a nominated representative. Associate members receive notice of, and may attend, general meetings, but do not vote.
Associate membership is also open to individuals who support our purpose. They receive notice of, and may attend, general meetings, but do not vote.
Every eligible co-operative is encouraged to take up full membership. Membership is not exclusive: members are welcome to belong to other federations and representative bodies as well.
A two-way relationship
What membership involves
Membership is reciprocal: it carries both rights and responsibilities. Full members hold the formal rights below; associate members share the same standing in the life of the federation, without the vote.
Your rights
- A vote at general meetings, where the federation’s direction and priorities are decided
- A voice in our policy positions through consultations and working groups
- The right to nominate candidates and to stand for election to the board
- Access to member communications, briefings and the federation’s network
- Recognition of your organisation as part of the federation for the co-operative movement
What we ask
- Commitment to the principles of the federation and of the wider co-operative movement
- Participation in general meetings and consultations, where your capacity allows
- A clear picture of your organisation’s needs and priorities, so our advocacy reflects the movement as it is
- A shared contribution to the federation’s work as the movement grows
Membership is free in 2026.
The federation is keeping the barrier to entry low as the movement grows. Any future subscription would be introduced only after consultation with members.
The process
How to become a member
Express your Interest → Introductory Call → Membership Application → Board Approval
Membership begins with an expression of interest. Complete the short form below to tell us about your organisation and the membership you are seeking, and we will be in touch to take it forward.
For organisational applicants, we then arrange an introductory call with two of the co-operative’s leaders. It gives both sides the chance to discuss what membership involves and to confirm it is the right fit before the application progresses.
The applicant then completes a membership application. The board considers it against the criteria for the relevant category of membership and confirms admission.
Our members
Featured Members
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Who can join?
Any co-operative or inclusive, democratic enterprise on the island of Ireland can apply for full membership. Supporter organisations and individuals are welcome as associate members.
Is membership free?
Yes, in 2026. Any future subscription would follow consultation with members.
What does membership give us?
A voice in a growing movement and a say in the federation’s direction. Advocacy is the immediate focus, with the Co-operative Societies Bill the priority, and the wider programme of work is shaped by members.
Can we belong to other bodies too?
Yes. Membership is not exclusive, and members are welcome to belong to other federations and representative bodies as well.