The National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) was formed by credit union pioneers who believed that the task of co-op development lies primarily in the hands of the private sector. These leaders believed in self-help and in the idea that people in poverty need to create opportunities for themselves to improve their economic well being. The co-op sector leaders were aware that in order to succeed they cannot rely on government alone. Instead, co-ops have to be driven and patronized by their members and it is only through co-op education that this level of member patronage and responsibility can be established.