Rochdale Pioneers Society

The Rochdale Pioneers Society was founded in 1844 in Rochdale, England, by a group of 28 individuals who aimed to provide affordable, high-quality goods to their community. They established one of the first successful cooperatives, emphasizing democratic control and equitable profit-sharing among members. This model inspired the modern cooperative movement, promoting values like mutual aid and social responsibility. Members contributed to the cooperative, shared in its profits, and helped shape a fairer economic system. The Rochdale Pioneers' principles, known as the Rochdale Principles, continue to guide cooperatives worldwide today.