Co-operative Management Conference and CHF Canada AGM

Gerri Pennie, CoAction President accepted on behalf of CoAction, an award for thirty years of continuous membership in CHF Canada.  CoAction’s report to the CMC was well received.  It provided not only a summary of recent activities, but an overview of the services we offer as well:

CoAction Report to the 2012 CMC

From workshops and socials, to information sharing and support, this has been a very busy year for CoAction.  New people have joined our board, and our workshops have been well received by members and non-members alike.  We have welcomed several new members, and some have retired from co-op work.  CoAction currently serves a membership of fifty, slightly fewer than at the time of the last CMC.  

CMC staff networking lunch

CoAction continues to value the opportunity to work with other staff associations on common projects such as the proposed shared website.  Having the opportunity to learn about the successes and challenges of other staff associations is very important to us.

WORKSHOPS

CoAction delivered two WHMIS and CPR/First Aid training workshops this year.  These fall and spring two-day events provided certification for a total of 28 co-op staff.  

A full day focus on mental health issues was very well attended this spring.  Three sessions included: Co-ops, Mental Health and the Legal System, Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness, and Self Care.

Workshops in the planning stages are Emergency Planning, Grieving, and Long Term Disability – Applying for Coverage and Avoiding the Need.

MEMBER SERVICES

In 2011 we experienced a major increase in the use of CoAction’s legal services – twelve requests came in, when normally there are only one or two referrals in a calendar year.  So far this year there have been two.   

CoAction also provides peer support to our members.  It can be a quick email to respond to a crisis, or an ongoing offer of a sympathetic and knowledgeable ear.   

 

One of the most popular services we offer is the simple one of sending out email requests to CoAction members from those seeking contractor referrals, sample policies and by-laws, and advice on dealing with particular problems such as noisy members.  On average there are two requests per month.

Our electronic newsletter, e-To the Rooftops, is produced bi-monthly.

And we have a little fun too… CoAction hosts social evenings – informal get-togethers in neighbourhood restaurants where we can enjoy the company of other co-op staff.