The USCCWG traveled to Cuba in July 2014 to learn more about the Cuban cooperative movement, the current economic situation in Cuba and the role that cooperatives are playing in economic reform. Cuba's first cooperatives were formed in the 1930s, the vast majority of which were agricultural in nature. Recently, Cuba has supported the development of non-ag co-ops, and while many co-ops being formed today are former state-run enterprises, one-fifth have been organized by groups of interested individuals rather than the State. This is a significant shift in that it sheds light on the future direction of the Cuban economy.

During a press conference held on March 10, NCBA CLUSA publically announced the existence of the USCCWG and reported on their key findings and next steps for U.S.-Cuban cooperative engagement.

According to the Cuba Research Trip Report, "one of the key challenges for Cuba has been its efforts to reform its centralized economy in a way that allows for growth but does not dismantle certain social benefits such as education, health and social programs." The report also notes that the economic reform attempts have been "slow and fraught with inefficiencies, lack of access to capital and investment, and continued significant state control over these 'non-state' enterprises."

This is where U.S. credit unions can be of great help with the growth and development of financial cooperatives in Cuba. Patrick La Pine, president and CEO of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, spoke at the press event about the assistance that credit unions, especially those in southern Florida can provide in the areas of training, lobbying for appropriate laws and regulations, and efficient lines of communication to state officials. This support will be greatly needed by groups forming financial cooperatives for the first time in Cuba. U.S. credit unions already provide this partnership and support for many financial cooperatives in Central America and the Caribbean. "There will be a need for safe and reliable financial services, and the co-op model is strong. We're excited to help Cuban credit unions get started," he said.

Many references were made to the similarities of the growth of the credit union movement in Poland as the country transitioned into a democratic state in the 1990s. Today, Poland has one of the strongest credit union movements in Europe.

Eric Leenson, president, Sol Economics–a firm that builds strong links between socially responsible enterprises throughout the Americas–said they are looking at this partnership as an experiment for the entire global cooperative community. "If we can show how co-ops can work as part of a new private sector to improve transitioning or struggling economies, this work with Cuba will be an example for the world," agreed Martin Lowery, EVP, external affairs of NRECA and steering committee member of the USCCWG.

NCBA CLUSA president and CEO Michael Beall summarized the group's most important work will be creating a greater linkage with our cooperative counterparts in Cuba, especially as urban and non-ag co-ops grow, and showing them how co-ops in the U.S. are governed and regulated by our laws. The outlook is very positive for co-ops and their role in the Cuban economy. There's more learning to do but this is an excellent starting point and we see definite opportunity for all sectors of co-ops in Cuba, he said.

Holly Fearing is board chair, Willy Street Grocery Cooperative and digital media strategist, CUNA Mutual Group. She can be reached at 608-665-6418 or [email protected].