And the fall 2012 contest winners are….

The fifth  My Co-op Rocks Video + Photo Contest  concluded on November 30th, 2012 with big winners from across the country. From a rendition of a song from the Little Mermaid to a geological ode, entrants in the fifth My Co-op Rocks video + photo contest shared their undying enthusiasm for co-ops and celebrated the conclusion of the International Year of Cooperatives in style.

The My Co-op Rocks Video + Photo Contest, a nationwide competition, challenged co‑op fans to fire up their cameras and unleash their creativity to share all the reasons their co‑ops rock. The fall 2012 contest, the second this year, attracted videos and photos from across the country celebrating how co-ops of all types help build a better world.

We’re thrilled that the My Co-op Rocks Video + Photo Contest has offered such a positive platform for people to connect and share their enthusiasm for co-ops. The originality of the entries never ceases to amaze us.

Participants submitted their entries between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, while voting continued through Nov. 30. The public selected winners in “Video” and “Photo” categories.. Prizes were awarded to the top three entries in each category. First place winners received a $1,500 co-op gift card or donation to an eligible non-profit, second place winners received a $750 co-op gift card or donation to an eligible non-profit, and third place winners received a $250 co-op gift card or donation to an eligible non-profit. For more details and to view all entries, visit www.MyCoopRocks.coop. Congratulations to the Fall 2012 winners!

 Video Category Winners

1. Cooperative Living Organization—is a touching display of how the Cooperative Living Organization at the University of Florida positively influences its residents.
   Entrant & Co-op: Cooperative Living Organization, Gainesville, FL 
2. My Co-op’s Rocks—is an original acoustic ode to the nutritious geology found within food co-ops.
   Entrant & Co-op: Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market, Wilmington, NC
3. The Little Merc-Maid—is a throwback to a Walt Disney classic highlighting The Merc’s utopian benefits.
   Entrant & Co-op: The Merc Co-op, Lawrence, KS

 Photo Category Winners

1. Growing Together, Cooperatively—shows a joyous, confident clan of kids surrounded by leafy greens.
   Entrant & Co-op: Takoma Park Cooperative Nursery School, Takoma Park, MD
2. Sharing and Caring Since 1941—is a snapshot of preschoolers’ hands and feet interwoven in a communal circle reflecting the interconnectedness and interdependence of a very small co-op community.
   Entrant & Co-op: Silver Spring Nursery School, Silver Spring, MD
3. Growing Future Cooperators—a vintage photo and quote highlight the preschool's mission to offer generous giving to something larger than self-interest in a child's early development.
   Entrant: Leta Mach
   Co-op: Parent Cooperative Preschool International, Washington, D.C.