From the very beginning co-operatives and co-operators recognised the critical importance of ensuring that members understood the vision, values and aspirations of their co-operative. the Pioneers stated their vision in their 'Law first'. they were clear that the opening of their store was the first step in the economic and social emancipation of their members, as reflected in their objective:

"That as soon as is practicable this society shall proceed to arrange the powers of production, distribution, education and government or in other words to establish a self- supporting home colony of united interests, or assist with other societies in establishing such colonies."

Member education needs to be an important focus for co-operatives, and means more than simply informing co-operative members about the business and encouraging trading loyalty, albeit it must do those things as well. It must also provide avenues for members to learn about co-operative identity and values and the global co-operative family of which their co-operative is part.

Member education must also be accessible to and inclusive of all members, especially those groups of members under-represented in the co-operative's democratic structures.

For example, special arrangements may be needed to enable members with disabilities to have equal rights of access to education programmes. Analysis of members who are participating in education programmes and comparison with the diversity of a co-operative's membership will ensure that educational opportunities are open, accessible and available to all.

Member education should help members understand the rights and responsibilities of membership, including their duty to exercise their democratic rights. Member education can help secure an active and informed membership and ensure that elected representatives and leaders are ones who share their vision and aspirations for the success of their co-operative, and have the necessary skills to carry out their responsibilities.

Such programmes should lead to not only better, more committed co-operators, but also more active citizens. Active co-operators are often active in other civil society organisations too. Co-operative education aims to develop transferable skills essential for civil society, not just economic units. Co-operative member education should be concerned to ensure that members are active members of civil society and participate in the diverse civil society organisations open to them that strengthen and enrich the fabric and culture of human decency. this is why owen called his first school the "Institute for the formation of Character".

The development of technology provides new avenues for the delivery of member education, enabling innovative programmes and resources to be delivered to large numbers of members at low cost. Co-operatives, particularly those with a large and geographically distributed membership, should take advantage of technology and to help build effective member education programmes. however, the benefit of member interaction in group education and training should not be underestimated. Interaction through education builds trust among members, and trust is the currency of human co-operation.