Sharing My Life: Building the Co-operative Movement (Harold E. Chapman and the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan)
There is nothing more evocative than the first-person voice in the telling of history’s stories. Harold Chapman’s memoirs about the progressive legacy of co-operatives in Saskatchewan lend the subject an air of authority. His accounts of the people who dedicated their lives to the development of co-operatives in the province makes this history personal, helping the reader to feel connected to the principles and practice of co-operation. The biggest lesson Chapman teaches us is the importance of education in achieving and maintaining co- operatives. This is especially true for agricultural co-operatives, as farmers have to learn to surrender at least some of their individualism in order to reap the rewards of economic enterprise through co-operation. -Joan Champ, Executive Director Western Development MuseumBorn in Saskatoon, grew up on farms near Saskatoon and Meskanaw, Saskatchewan. After being out of school for five years, he returned, completing grades 11 and 12 at the Ethelton High School. He has a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan and as MSc in Co-operative Extension Education from the University of Wisconsin. He worked for the Department of Co-operation and Co-operative Development as an Extension Specialist and Director (including three years on leave with the Royal Commission on Agriculture and Rural Life); eighteen years with the Co-operative College of Canada as Principal and Program Director; and nine years with Federated Co-operatives Limited with responsibility for member and elected official development. He was active as a member and on the board of the Canadian Association for Adult Education. Harold’s concern was with providing effective learning experiences for adults who were members, directors, managers and staff of co-operatives and other community organizations. He was a founding member and past president of the Association of Cooperative Educators and has served on numerous boards and committees in the communities in which he has lived. Harold has contributed chapters to two books: The Contemporary Director, a handbook for elected officials of co-operatives, credit unions and other organizations, and Dignity and Growth: Citizen Participation in Social Change.
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