Outside the confines of competitive activities, the competitive mindset, and the competitively structured institutions so endemic to modern mainstream culture, there exists a parallel universe of cooperation. This is a joyful place dedicated to joint purpose. Here, conviviality and compassion set the tone. Break through the looking glass of competition—and all the negative emotions and ideas that often accompany it—and enter the Cooperative Zone. You’ll feel at home. Here is Community.
What is the nearest portal to this alternative realm? Look to food co-ops, childcare co-ops, certain online communities, community radio, churches, and volunteer groups, among other settings where resources and ideas are shared. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you feel you’re helping and being helped by other people while contributing to something larger than the immediate self-interests of those involved. You’ll notice lots of sharing and listening in cooperative spaces. Diversity and tolerance are in evidence for, in this world, people avoid judging one another as better or worse. Here, amidst relaxed smiles, eye contact, and pleasant conversation, you detect a sense of solidarity. You are not alone but are among kindred spirits who reject the stressful, oppressive, endlessly striving, and competitive milieu of social structures that pit one person against another in an infinite zero-sum game. Feeling alone and despairing of the rat race? Take a trip to your local food co-op. You just may have your faith in the innate goodness mankind restored while you gather some fair-trade, organic apples and freshly baked bread.
Of Co-ops and Collectives: Ode to the Universe of We Not Me
Who Buys Cooperative Games?
I get a lot of notes from parents and teachers who play cooperative games with their kids. Enough for me to feel like I understand these people and their motivations. These parents and teachers are a special breed. Cooperative games are not traditional and they are not popularized by advertising. As yet, no major commercial game publisher is pushing them. Cooperative games are not the default choice for children’s entertainment in our competitive culture. Instead of emphasizing winning, triumph, and being the best, these games promote peaceful play. Who cares about that?
Here’s what I see: Adults who seek cooperative games want to raise their children to know a gentle way of living. And in learning gentleness, it is hoped that the kids will understand the joys and benefits of being peaceful, respectful, and generous as opposed to aggressive and self-seeking. In growing up with an understanding of peace and collaboration, the kids should acquire the wisdom to choose healthy egalitarian relationships, and eventually, to work effectively with others in their occupations. I also get the sense that cooperative-game-loving adults want to cultivate gentleness in their children to promote more peace in the world at large. Are you one of these adults?
On the other hand, some of the parents and teachers who buy cooperative games aren’t quite so idealistic or reflective in their thinking. They have kids who don’t get along on their hands and they are desperate for solutions! Cooperative games lead to fun not frustration, and getting along together rather than fighting. So many adults are attracted to cooperative games simply because they are at wits’ end dealing with sibling rivalry and competitive classrooms. Maybe you’re here because you need to help with playtime madness, emotional meltdowns, and mean-spirited students. Is this you? If so, welcome! I believe we can help you.
Either way, whether it’s through idealism or frustration with traditional competitive activities, adults buy cooperative games for kids to teach them gentle ways so the kids might go on to create peace in their own lives and well beyond.
Report From the Ridge: Cooperative Games Workshop
I attended a cooperative games workshop last Saturday. It was a gift to the local community from some experiential educators who live and work in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mostly home schoolers, camp counselors, community leaders, and classroom teachers attended. The facilitators, Tom and Debra Weistar, have played cooperative games with kids for 20 years. They’ve co-authored a classic book on the subject, Win-Win Games, Cooperative Activities For All Ages. This practical and clearly written book is available at cooperativegames.com. You can see some video from the workshop on my facebook page if you are interested: facebook.com/cooperativegames
We played LOTS of games. Tag games, circle games, name games, and more. Here’s an amazing game that focuses on group problem-solving. You have to try this one to believe it!
Down to Earth
A group of 4-10 players or so stands in a circle. Each player extends their right hand, holding the index finger outstretched and the other fingers tucked in a “shooting” position. The index finger has to remain parallel to the ground and is about chest height. Someone rests a hula-hoop on the outstretched fingers. The group’s task is to lower the hoop to the ground with all fingers remaining in contact with the hoop.
This task is much harder than you’d think! The group will have to work together to come up with a strategy and execute it. It took our group about 20 minutes to stop unintentionally levitating the hoop and chasing it all over the hillside.
After a full day of cooperative merry making, I left the workshop knowing that I’d had a workout, made new friends, learned a few things about myself, and most of all had a blast playing in the woods. I hope you have the chance to participate in some cooperative games soon too!
Collaborating for Coral Restoration
Ahh . . . the beauty of art, the power of collaboration, and the knowledge gleaned from science all coming together for coral reef restoration! Check out this UNIQUE project from Colleen Flanigan (TED fellow/performance artist/activist.) http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/958753974/living-sea-sculpture-contemporary-art-as-coral-ref
Alfie Kohn, CooperativeGames.com, and Animal Town
Wow! We are alluded to in the classic bestseller “No Contest, The Case Against Competition” by Allfie Kohn. That’s a great honor! The Afterword to the 20th Anniversary Edition of No Contest explains that cooperative games are a bright spot in the current landscape. Then Kohn mentions Animal Town as a source. We are Animal Town’s direct decendent . . . Animal Town was founded by visionary Ken Kolsbun, then changed to Child and Nature, now owned and operated by us (Suzanne Lyons & family) as CooperativeGames.com. Thank You Alfie Kohn! As always, Thank You Ken and Jann Kolsbun!
Wildcraft is here!
Wildcraft! the herbal adventure cooperative game is here . . . I’m doing a special introductory price of $24.95 until Christmas. I had a great time today with the ladies of the neighborhood making wreaths. We had collected grape vines, pine, toyon berries, madrone berries. We drank chai and ate vegetarian chili. It all made me appreciate about our beautiful and useful wild native plants and the joys of working together. Yeah cooperative play! Yay native plants!
Whales and Save the Whales–Both Endangered!
The Japanese whaling fleet is headed to the Southern Ocean right now. They plan to kill over 1000 whales, including endangered fin whales. Where’s President Obama? He said he’d uphold the international moratorium on commercial whaling. So far, nothin’. I don’t mean to commercialize this issue, but I’ll remind you of our classic cooperative game Save the Whales. It’s a rarity, sold only on our site at this time . . . there are only few dozen left. . . the game is elaborate and very expensive to republish. Alas, the Save the Whales game is endangered itself! If you’re into the whaling issue, I recommend buying a copy of this amazing game. It’s fun, beautiful, inspiring–I will only sell two to a customer so we can spread the joy of this game as far as possible before we are out of the supply. I haven’t increased the price; still just $36.00 even though I could make more $ by advertising what a collector’s item this game is. The important thing is to spread the enjoyment of cooperative games, thereby promoting an understanding of cooperation–AND HELPING SAVE THE WHALES!!!
Japanese Commercial Whaling Fleet On Its Way to Antarctic
The Japanese whaling fleet is on its way to the Antarctic Ocean as you read this (December 8 2010). They plan to slaughter over 1000 whales for commercial purposes, including 50 endangered fin whales. President Obama made this campaign promise: “As president, I will ensure that the U.S. provides leadership in enforcing wildlife protection agreements, including the international moratorium on commercial whaling. As the commercial whaling season begins, it’s a good time to remember that this issue is nowhere near resolved, and President Obama needs to know people care. Whales are dying, marine wildlife is being decimated . . . be aware of it . . . hold a candle . . . do what you can, if you can . . . remember the gentle leviathans of the deep in your thoughts, prayers, and actions . . .
Sea Shepherd and Save the Whales
Amazing experience! Because we’re the source of classic boardgame Save the Whales, we were privileged to be invited to a benefit for Sea Shepherd, the world’s largest marine mammal conservation society. It was a great night in the Hollywood Hills, with awesome vegan food and cocktails a plenty. Never met so many people in one place willing to put themselves on the line to protect whales from commercial exploitation. PASSION in action-wow! Saving the whales (and the oceans and ourselves) is serious business but the quest can be as fun as it is important–Sea Shepherd (& Save the Whales) show that!
Family Game Night
Has your family forgotten about family game night? You remember: pop corn, hot chocolate, and gathering at the kitchen table over a rousing board game. It’s not too late to get back into the game groove. Shop our fine selection of COOPERATIVE board games and everyone wins! www.cooperativegames.com
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