1. Strengthen party ownership among coop leaders and members: “ all coop leaders and members as party owners and members ”

Building a strong political organization needs the involvement of every party member. Cooperators, however, need to feel a sense of ownership for the party to be engaged and motivated to help foster and develop it into a strong political organization. Coop-NATCCO will work to promote ownership sentiment and interest in the party not only among its co-op affiliates but also among the individual coop members. The party will implement internal policy reforms to mobilize membership support and build a mass membership base for the organization.

2. Institutionalize political education in coops: “ coop education committees as Coop-NATCCO political education arm ”

To mobilize support and create an engaged membership, members have to be aware and knowledgeable about the issues involved and how to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Coop-NATCCO will develop a political education program that can be integrated with coops’ regular education programs such as the PMES and ownership seminars. Other means of educating the members such as the conduct of public policy forums on specific issues and the publication of a Coop-NATCCO newsletter on a periodic basis will also be implemented. Education Committees of the coops will be Coop-NATCCO’s important partners in the political education of members at the local level.

3. Establish political policy research and advocacy within the party: “ NATCCO-CoPRIDD as Coop-NATCCO research and advocacy arm ”

Winning policy advantages depends on a thorough analysis of the issues and concerns associated with the policy proposal. Arguments and analyses have to be laid out well to be able to positively influence decision-makers. Solid knowledge on the interests and concerns of the party’s constituencies is needed to be able to bring legislative and policy support forward. At the same time, education and advocacy materials for dissemination to party members and the wider public have to be prepared. Coop-NATCCO seeks to have its own research and advocacy facility in the future. In the meantime, it will link with NATCCO-CoPRIDD to provide the needed services. The NATCCO department has existing research and publications capability.

4. Build up party workers and operating structure from the grassroots to the national level: “ coop staff as party workers and coop officers as party leaders “

The human resource of the party has to be developed. Capability of the party leadership to provide policy direction and support in institutionalizing Coop-NATCCO as a strong political party will be enhanced. Likewise, capabilities of party workers and a core cadre of supporters in the many aspects of party- building will be strengthened. Coop-NATCCO stands firmly on its democratic beliefs. The party seeks to institute reforms in its operating structure and process to develop an engaged grassroots base that will have more voice and influence in the party’s policy program and better participation in its affairs. All coop staff will also be party workers and coop officers will also be party leaders at the local level.

5. Connect with organizations that share the same values as Coop-NATCCO: “ collaboration and linkage with like-minded organizations and parties “

The party seeks to draw other organizations that share the party’s values but are not interested in party membership, into its work. Potential sources of support include non-party coop federations, unions and associations, both established and emerging, at the local and national levels; community and sectoral organizations and movements that have interests and concerns to which Coop-NATCCO can respond to; and the wider public. Coop-NATCCO also seeks to establish collaboration and linkage with international organizations and parties. The party will try to find effective ways to forge a strong relationship with the different groups in support of its party-building and cooperative development efforts.