member education forum - chf canada agm...

ANNUALGENERALMEETING

NIAGARA FALLS ON JUNE 7-10, 2017

MEMBER EDUCATION FORUM

MEMBER EDUCATION FORUM JUNE 8–9

Join us for two days of engaging and interactive learning. Come meet and connect with co-operators from across Canada and leave inspired! With so many workshop streams to choose from, we’ve definitely got you covered! Watch for the Healthy Business and Healthy Community icons, to ensure you’re on your way to sustaining the long-term viability of your co-op’s business and community.

NEW TO YOUR BOARD?

Are you new to your co-op board? Or just need a basic refresher? Watch for introductory workshops on governance, meetings and finance and leave with practical tools to take back to your co-op.

• Brilliant board meetings (A2)

• Five star members’ meetings (A3)

• Budgeting for beginners (A6)

• What makes a good director? (B2)

• Introduction to refinancing (B5)

• What makes a good board? (C2)

• Co-op finances for Monopoly players (C6)

What do you want for the future of Canada’s co-op housing movement? How can we spread the word about the co-op housing option? And grow as a movement so that more Canadians than ever can live in a co-op home?

At CHF Canada’s 2016 annual meeting, co-op housing federations from across Canada proposed a resolution to spark a national dialogue with co-op members about the future of the co-op housing movement in Canada. Last fall, over 300 members took part in an online conversation by sharing 1,030 thoughts about the future!

But there’s more to come! The 2017 AGM is another chance to dive deeper into the discussion about these ideas and learn more about the future! Among other events, the last workshop time slot on Thursday afternoon is dedicated to our sector’s future.

Look for the Vision “V” code next to the workshop descriptions and choose from more than a dozen hot topics! You’ll join other co-operators at a 90-minute session to talk about the future needs and dreams for co-op housing. The Vision sessions all run at the same time, so you’ll only get to choose one. But don’t worry the rest of the workshop program is loaded with longer more in-depth workshops covering practical topics for your co-op.

Get ready for great presentations and engaging discussions and help shape our movement’s future!

C H F C A N A D A ’ S A G M 2 0 1 7 N I A G A R A F A L L S M E M B E R E D U C A T I O N F O R U M 2

2017 MEF WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

9–11:30 A.M.

A1 Listening to your members: The satisfaction survey

A2 Brilliant board meetings

A3 Five star members’ meetings

A4 Risk management: Best practices

A5 What is the board’s role in capital repairs?

A6 Budgeting for beginners

A7 What’s next for affordable and co-op housing in Ontario?

A8 Co-ops working together!

A9 Diversity and inclusion in your co-op: Beyond the multicultural potluck

A10 Human rights and the co-op’s duty to accommodate

A11 Communication: It’s a two-way street!

A12 Building a member orientation toolkit

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

1–3 P.M.

B1 Recruiting new board members

B2 What makes a good director?

B3 Energize your monthly board meetings

B4 Marketing and vacancies

B5 Introduction to refinancing

B6 Ten things to look for in your co-op’s financial statements

B7 Laws that affect your Ontario co-op

B8 A planning session for your co-op

B9 Welcoming new Canadians

B10 Aging in place: Capacity issues and substitute decision-making

B11 Getting involved: Engaging your members in green practices

B12 Urban regeneration: Lessons for housing co-ops from Toronto and South Africa

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

3:30–5 P.M.

V1 The next generation of co-operative leaders

V2 Start with a vision…

V3 Getting your co-op excited!

V4 Co-op 2.0: Modernizing your systems

V5 Energy, the environment and greener co-ops!

V6 Investment decisions for the future

V7 Advocacy in a changing landscape

V8 Time to get off your assets!

V9 Imagine 20 years from now… better be ready!

V10 Aging in place: Is your co-op prepared?

V11 Social media and your co-op: What’s ahead?

V12 Co-op principles in a new era

V13 Top-notch customer service

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

9 A.M.–12 P.M.

C1 Building real member involvement

C2 What makes a good board?

C3 Great elections

C4 The board’s role as an employer

C5 Asset management and planning

C6 Co-op finances for Monopoly players

C7 Working with your regulator

C8 Co-op development: What’s new?

C9 Co-op housing and Aboriginal communities: Inclusion and reconciliation

C10 Mental health and your co-op community

C11 Smoking and your co-op

C12 Building better communities


MEMBER EDUCATION FORUM JUNE 8–9

HEALTHY BUSINESSES

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

G OV E R N A N C E MANAGEMENT

ENGAGING

MEMBERSBOARD MEETINGS

CO-OP

BUSINESSASSETS FINANCIAL

LAWS AND

REGULATORS

9–11:30 A.M.

A 1 A 2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A 7

Listening to your members: The

satisfaction survey

Brilliant board meetings

Five star members’ meetings

Risk management: Best practices

What is the board’s role in capital repairs?

Budgeting for beginners

What’s next for affordable and co-op housing

in Ontario?

1–3 P.M.

B 1 B 2 B 3 B 4 B 5 B 6 B7

Recruiting new board members

What makes a good director?

Energize your monthly board

meetings

Marketing and vacancies

Introduction to refinancing

Ten things to look for in your co-op’s financial

statements

Laws that affect your co-op

O U R M OV E M E N T. O U R F U T U R E . VO I C I N G O U R V I S I O N3:30–5 P.M.

V 1 V2 V 3 V4 V 5 V6 V 7

The next generation of co-operative

leaders

Start with a vision…

Getting your co-op excited

Co-op 2.0: Modernizing your systems

Energy, the environment and greener co-ops!

Investment decisions for

the future

Advocacy in a changing landscape

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

G OV E R N A N C E M A N AG E M E N T

ENGAGING

MEMBERSBOARD MEETINGS

CO-OP

BUSINESSASSETS FINANCIAL

LAWS AND

REGULATORS

9 A.M.–12 P.M.

C 1 C 2 C 3 C 4 C 5 C 6 C 7

Building real member involvement

What makes a good board?

Great elections The board’s role as an employer

Asset management and planning

Co-op finances for Monopoly players

Working with your regulator


MEMBER EDUCATION FORUM JUNE 8–9 C O N T I N U E D

HEALTHY BUSINESSES

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

THURSDAY, JUNE 8

P L A N N I N G A N D

D E V E LO P M E N TH E A LT H Y CO M M U N I T I E S

9–11:30 A.M.

A8 A9 A 1 0 A 1 1 A 1 2

Co-ops working together

Diversity and inclusion in your co-op: Beyond the

multicultural potluck

Human rights and the co-op’s duty to accommodate

Communication: It’s a two-way street!

Building a member orientation toolkit

1–3 P.M.

B 8 B 9 B 1 0 B 1 1 B 1 2

A planning session for your co-op

Welcoming new Canadians

Aging in place: Capacity and

substitute decision-making

Getting involved: Engaging your

member in green practices

Urban regeneration: Lessons for housing co-ops from Toronto

and South Africa

O U R M OV E M E N T. O U R F U T U R E . VO I C I N G O U R V I S I O N3:30–5 P.M.

V8 V9 V 1 0 V 1 1 V 1 2 V 1 3

Time to get off your assets!

Imagine 20 years from now…

better be ready!

Aging in place: Is your co-op prepared?

Social media and your co-op: What’s ahead?

Co-op principles in a new era

Top-notch customer service

FRIDAY, JUNE 9

P L A N N I N G A N D

D E V E LO P M E N TH E A LT H Y CO M M U N I T I E S

9 A.M.–12 P.M.

C 8 C 9 C 1 0 C 1 1 C 1 2

Co-op development: What’s new?

Co-op housing and Aboriginal

communities: Inclusion and reconciliation

Mental health and your co-op

community

Smoking and your co-op

Building better communities


THURSDAY, JUNE 8

9–11:30 A.M.

A1 Listening to your members: The satisfaction survey

Mary Beth Watt

Co-ops of every kind are organized to provide services to members. But how do we know if we’re doing a good job? And how can we involve our members in a discussion around what we could do better? We’ll look at CHF Canada’s Member Satisfaction Survey from beginning to end. We’ll talk about gathering information from members, how to tackle the results and share information with your members afterward! Join us to learn how to be responsive and accountable to your members’ needs.

A2 Brilliant board meetingsDoug Sider

If you have organized agendas, well-chaired meetings and good minutes, you shouldn’t need long or frequent board meetings—once per month unless there are arrears, evictions or special circumstances. We’ll review the essential elements of good board meetings like:

• effective orientation for new board members

• standard board calendars and planning

• advanced distribution of meeting packages, and

• useful management reports.

We’ll also discuss the roles and responsibilities of individual directors in ensuring a meeting’s success by acting ethically, sticking to the board’s governance role, and celebrating achievements. Join us in a discussion about how to make your monthly board meetings shine!

A3 Five star members’ meetingsBlair Hamilton

If you were asked to rate your meetings, what score would you give them? A well-prepared, well-run meeting leaves people feeling good and motivated to be involved in their co-op’s governance and community. We’ll discuss how to:

• plan the agenda and prepare for each item

• involve members in the meeting, and

• share the work.

You’ll also have a chance to put your learning into action with an interactive mock meeting. Watch and learn and you’ll come away with practical ideas on how to hold a great meeting that keeps your members coming back for more!

A4 Risk management: Best practicesWard Henderson

Risk management is becoming even more important for co-ops in order to reduce your co-op’s future insurance premiums. Many insurance claims can be prevented—we’ll show you some practical things you can do to keep your co-op safe, and tips that could help you save money in the future. We will also review the importance of following good loss prevention practices in your co-op.

This is a joint session.

A5 What is the board’s role in capital repairs?Jamie Eyers

Do you have a roof replacement, new windows, siding, flooring or other major renovations in your future? With limited funds for capital repairs, as a board you need to ensure that you spend your dollars wisely, get the work done right, on time, and on budget. We’ll talk about the board’s role in:

• hiring consultants

• the bidding and award process and,

• contract administration.

We’ll give you practical ways to get the most value from your capital budget and protect your most valuable asset—your homes.

Floral clock, Niagara-on-the-Lake


THURSDAY, JUNE 8

9–11:30 A.M. CONTINUED

A6 Budgeting for beginnersJohn Wilkinson

Members care how the co-op’s money is spent and the operating budget is your annual financial plan. You can’t operate without one. If it’s done properly, getting members to approve the budget can be a positive experience that unifies the co-op and lays a solid foundation for the next year. You’ll learn:

• about your co-op’s operating budget

• how the budgeting process works, and

• ideas for successfully getting the budget approved by your members.

A7 What’s next for affordable and co-op housing in Ontario?

Moderator: Simone Swail

The past year brought a lot of changes to the affordable housing sector in Ontario. The Province released its Update to the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy, and passed the Promoting Affordable Housing Act. The federal government completed its consultations for a National Housing Strategy, and led a significant reinvestment in affordable housing in Budget 2016. These actions created new ways to create and provide affordable housing including portable housing benefits and inclusionary zoning, and to new funding programs for retrofits in co-ops including SHIP, SHARP and SHEEP. Hear from this expert panel on what these new ideas and programs mean for co-ops, how your co-op can best prepare itself to respond to new programs when they are announced, and what may be coming next.

This is a joint session for Ontario co-ops only.

A8 Co-ops working together!Karen Brodeur

Have you ever wondered what impact size has on the operation of your co-op? Are there opportunities for your co-op to help itself and other co-ops by working together? We’ll look at examples of how housing co-operatives are finding ways to collaborate as businesses and communities, and discuss how your co-op can start working more closely with other housing co-ops.

A9 Diversity and inclusion in your co-op: Beyond the multicultural potluck

Nadia Bello

Would you like to address issues of diversity and inclusion, and increase awareness in your co-ops? You may have a lot of experience and want to share your successes, or little experience and want to know more! In a supportive and welcoming environment that models principles of diversity and inclusion, we’ll talk about:

• understanding the many facets of diversity and inclusion and how it applies to you and your coop

• how to make the case for diversity and inclusion with your members

• troubleshooting resistance and barriers to full involvement by all co-op members, and

• helpful ways to incorporate diversity and inclusion into your co-op.

A10 Human rights and the co-op’s duty to accommodate

Celia Chandler

Is your co-op aware of its human rights obligations? Does your co-op understand what duty to accommodate actually means? Join us for an opportunity to hear from a co-op legal expert as we explore practical suggestions about how co-op boards can meet their duty to accommodate co-op members.

A11 Communication: It’s a two-way street!Moira Dunphy

The word is in from experts: Communication is a two-way street and clear language gets the job done! We’ll explore writing bulletins, notices and reports, using language and design choices that send the messages that we want to send. Communication also needs to flow from the members to the co-op as well. We’ll also look at how to help members speak up at meetings and use survey tools to gather feedback— to make sure everybody is effectively heard on both sides!

A12 Building a member orientation toolkitJudy Shaw

Remember when you moved into your co-op? How did you feel? How did you learn about co-op living? For a new member, joining a housing co-op is usually a new experience. New members need key information to make good decisions and take part in the democratic and social life of the co-op. Are there different and better ways to get new members settled and engaged? Are there tools that can help? You will leave this workshop with sample materials to help you build a custom kit to welcome and orient your co-op’s new members.


THURSDAY, JUNE 8

1–3 P.M.

B1 Recruiting new board membersDenise McGahan

Does your co-op have a plan for when the current leaders retire from your co-op’s board? How does your co-op find new leaders in your community? It’s one thing to work hard to make sure the board you’re on is getting governance right, but what about the next board, and the ones after that? What can we do to make sure the directors we’ll need tomorrow are ready and willing to do the job? We’ll talk about how to put in place a solid recruitment plan, like an active nominations or elections committee that seeks out candidates, encourages new and younger members to get involved in the co-op, and offers training for interested members.

B2 What makes a good director?Angie Armstrong

Are you new to the board or considering running for election? Do you want to know what is expected of you when you are a director? In this introductory workshop, you’ll learn what goes into making a good director. We’ll cover:

• why good directors are good members first

• how you can contribute to the results your board needs

• what all directors need to know about their basic legal duties, and

• the qualities principled leaders possess to practice good governance.

B3 Energize your monthly board meetingsMary Beth Watt

Wrestling with the drudgery of board meetings? There are lots of routine things at board meetings—that’s how directors keep an eye on the results. But meeting after meeting, directors’ energy and enthusiasm can dip and even drop off completely. Come to this dynamic workshop and experience firsthand some ways to energize your board meetings and help keep them focused, productive and even fun!

B4 Marketing and vacanciesSuzanne Wright

Vacant units mean income that you’ll never get back. In tough times, co-ops that market creatively are losing less money to vacancies than those who haven’t responded to the current rental market. We’ll discuss streamlining the application process and learn about creative ways to market your co-op for today and beyond! If your co-op is struggling with vacancy loss, this workshop is for you!

B5 Introduction to refinancingJohn Wilkinson

Your board and co-op manager will have a lot of decisions to make even before your co-op applies to refinance. It’s a task not to be taken lightly and it’s your role as a board to ensure you make well-informed decisions. Join us in this introductory session, to learn the basics needed to navigate all the terminology and concepts related to mortgages, assets and refinancing—so as a board, you can better understand your financial commitments. We’ll also hear from representatives of CHF Canada’s Refinancing program to learn more about how this program could work for your co-op.

B6 Ten things to look for in your co-op’s financial statements

Judy Shaw

Have you ever looked at your financial statements and wondered what it all means? It can be difficult for co-op board members to get much out of the co-op’s financial statements. Most directors don’t have training in finance or accounting. And yet these statements are the most important indicators of your co-op’s financial health. We’ll help the non-expert co-op director get more from the financial statements without going back to school. We’ll learn about ten key things to watch for when reviewing your co-op’s finances.

B7 Laws that affect your Ontario co-opPeter Gesiarz

Is your co-op aware of its legal obligations? Are your directors and staff knowledgeable about their legislated responsibilities? Recent changes to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) highlight the need for housing co-operatives to keep up with legislation. Join us to discuss how recent and upcoming changes to AODA and OHSA affect how your co-op conducts business in Ontario and how these specific Acts relate to the Human Rights Code.

This is a joint session for Ontario co-ops only.

B8 A planning session for your co-opTracy Geddes

Co-ops that do regular planning are healthier financially and have happier members. Why? Because planning allows the board to identify priorities for the coming year and for years to come. It ensures that there are people in place and money to carry out those priorities, now and in the future. We’ll discuss balancing short-term and long-term planning needs and review the key elements of successful planning so you can go home and hold your own planning session.


THURSDAY, JUNE 8

1–3 P.M. CONTINUED

B9 Welcoming new CanadiansDawn Richardson

Every day hundreds of newcomers begin a new life in Canada. Some are refugees fleeing persecution, others come to join family, and others are seeking to make a better life for themselves. Their backgrounds and personal histories may be widely different and each one’s experience on arrival is unique. The communities across Canada into which they integrate differ too in their character and in the manner of their welcome of new members. Join in the discussion about how co-ops can work together with new Canadians to create beneficial links and lasting partnerships in our co-op communities.

B10 Aging in place: Capacity issues and substitute decision-making

Lauren Blumas

We know that co-op communities provide excellent support for members to age in place. As our population ages, co-ops will increasingly find themselves housing members with diminished or diminishing mental capacity. What is the role of the co-op in these situations? To what extent must the co-op accommodate their needs? What are the privacy considerations? Who can make decisions for an incapable member? We’ll aim to tease out these questions and provide a practical approach for co-ops to work through capacity issues as they arise.


B11 Getting involved: Engaging your members in green practices

Natalia SnajdrModerator: Cathy Volans

We all know about “thinking green” but being green is the key to ensuring an environmentally sustainable future for all of us. Sometimes it can be a challenge to get members excited and on board with green initiatives. Come and hear how Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) developed its Green Commitments program along with other tools to engage their residents in making simple greener lifestyle choices. You’ll come away with strategies and tips on how to engage members in green living.

B12 Urban regeneration: Lessons for housing co-ops from Toronto and South Africa

Mark GuslitsModerator: Barry Pinsky

With the end of operating agreements and limited remaining life span of buildings, many housing co-ops are considering redevelopment opportunities. This workshop will focus on what we can learn from experiences such as the Regent Park, the Lakeshore Hospital and Goodyear redevelopments in Toronto, and Rooftops Canada’s work on social housing and urban regeneration in South Africa.


THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 3:30–5 P.M.

V1 The next generation of co-operative leadersJeff Bessmer, Erin Hancock, Musonda YamfwaModerator: Naomi Cho

Young members ARE involved and engaged in the co-operative sector! This is good since sector renewal is critical to the future of the housing co-operative movement. Come, get inspired and hear from a panel of young co-operators that are making a difference.

V2 Start with a vision...Mary Ann Hannant

Planning for the future is one of the most important things your co-op can do. It begins with developing a mission statement and vision for the future, based on the co-op’s core values. Are you wondering where to start? Come and learn about a process to help your co-op’s members decide where they are going, why the co-op exists and what values your community stands for.

V3 Getting your co-op excited!Suzanne Wright

Are you excited by the discussions our sector is engaged in about our future and the possibilities that lie ahead? What would it take to get your members excited about more co-op housing in the future? And how can you keep the discussion going at your own co-op? We’ll lay out some practical ideas of next steps to take these ideas back to your co-op and start to engage your members in some big-picture thinking!

V4 Co-op 2.0: Modernizing your systemsSophie Taylor

We see new technological advances every day! How do we bring the ease of technology into our co-op without being techies and breaking the bank? We’ll look at some practical ways to move with the times and modernize your co-op office and board practices. You’ll learn some tips to start increasing efficiency and communication, reducing paper and dealing with the many filing cabinets full of paper!

V5 Energy, the environment and greener co-ops!David Spackman

Long-term planning is the perfect opportunity for your co-op to consider including environmentally responsible upgrades in your asset management plans. We’ll start by looking at energy efficiency and reducing costs, but we’ll also look at integrating other environmental lifestyle ideas into our co-op communities—like site planning, local transportation, recycling and food security. Join the discussion about some straightforward projects and plans for your co-op to help make it more accessible and environmentally sustainable for the future.

V6 Investment decisions for the futureDerek Ballantyne

Growing the value of capital reserves and member share capital is increasingly important for co-ops and part of building a sound financial strategy for the future. Co-ops are increasingly needing to be financially savvy and more self-sufficient, and managing non-real estate assets is a critical part of this. Making investment choices can seem complicated and daunting. In this session, we will examine investment basics, key investment concepts and review the considerations co-ops may have in making investment decisions. Whether you need an introduction to investing, or just a refresher, you will leave with a good overview of:

• managing your investments

• capital reserves

• asset classes, sector and investment types

• mutual funds and other funds

V7 Advocacy in a changing landscapeDoug Wong

The relationship between co-ops and governments is evolving. The end of operating agreements, a National Housing Strategy and a new vision for the future of our movement means new challenges and opportunities for housing co-ops. Learn the latest trends in advocacy and learn how to become a stronger co-op advocate during this interactive workshop.

C H F C A N A D A ’ S A G M 2 0 1 7 N I A G A R A F A L L S M E M B E R E D U C A T I O N F O R U M 1 0

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 3:30–5 P.M. CONTINUED

V8 Time to get off your assets!Tim Welch and Michelle German

We all agree that there is a great need for new co-op housing. While significant government funding is needed, the GTA Housing Lab has recently completed a study showing how some co-ops and non-profits nearing the end of their mortgages have the potential to refinance in order to help support the creation of new co-op homes. Come hear from the authors of the report about opportunities for your co-op to build new homes.

V9 Imagine 20 years from now... better be ready!Carl LambertModerator: Cathy Volans

Remember what did not really exist 20 years ago? Google, iPhone, ABS brakes, Bluetooth, digital cameras, flat screens, electronic tax calculators, Fitbit. So what will the future look like? Consider the impact of demographic changes: decreasing marriage rates and birth rates, increasing longevity and annual death rates due to baby boomers. Plus all the technological changes: connected homes, the sharing economy, Airbnb, driverless vehicles! Come and hear how demographic projections can explain the changes that are needed to adapt to a different population with different expectations—as we all move into the future together!

V10 Aging in place: Is your co-op prepared?Moderator: Emily Doyle

As our population ages, more and more co-op members are choosing to age in place. Aging in place can have substantial benefits for older members, their families and the wider co-op community. Join us as experts discuss how to go about retrofitting and adapting units to accommodate members that are aging in place and tips on how to prevent falls and other injuries.

V11 Social media and your co-op: What’s ahead?Vee Popat, Julie Mercier and Jaclyn McPhersonModerator: Scott Jackson

Ready or not, social media is the way of the future. If you’re wondering why your Facebook and Instagram posts aren’t getting enough likes, reactions, shares, and comments, this introductory social media marketing session is for you! Join the social marketing experts from VPDM Digital Marketing and learn the basics of social media marketing before getting an inside look into the future of Facebook advertising, Instagram advertising, and which type of content is most important to your digital strategy for the next two to three years. You’ll come away with:

• the basic principles of social media marketing

• knowledge of which social media platforms will matter in 2017

• the basics of social media strategy and a look into the future

• how to measure social media success and implement positive changes

V12 Co-op principles in a new eraCarine Nind

We’ve been talking a lot about the benefits of healthy business and healthy community—the importance of both—in the success of co-ops. We’ll explore the future health of our communities by revisiting the foundational principles of our movement—the 7 Co-op Principles. Join us as we reinvigorate wisdom of the co-op principles for a new generation of co-op members and leverage their international success in supporting both co-op businesses and co-op communities.

V13 Top-notch customer serviceSylvie Moreau and Heather SimpsonModerator: Janine McDonald

Our service as co-ops, is housing, and our success can make a huge difference in the quality of life of our members. As demographics and cultures shift, the needs of our members shift over time as well—so keeping our member service top notch can be challenging. Join us and you’ll hear firsthand how organizations like The Agency for Co-op Housing and Alterna Savings and Credit Union have a vision to develop a culture of customer service excellence for their clients and members and how your co-op can also serve your members with excellence.


FRIDAY, JUNE 9

9 A.M.–12 P.M.

C1 Building real member involvementAnjala Kulasegaram

Are we asking too much of our members? We know that our outdated model of mandated participation is more of a problem than a solution. How can members really make a difference and strike a balance between the things that matter most—planning for a strong future and building a co-op community? Join us and we’ll discuss a different way members can be involved in housing co-ops and suggest some new strategies that you can use in your co-op.

C2 What makes a good board?Mary Beth Watt

The board is responsible for overseeing the business of the co-op. Of course, there’s a lot more to the job than that. We’ll give you the critical information on what every good board needs to know about:

• what the board is responsible for achieving

• making the board-manager relationship work

• the board’s basic legal obligations

• what makes a good board meeting, and

• what it takes for a board to achieve sound management and good governance.

C3 Great electionsDawn Richardson

Electing directors for your housing co-op is the most important governance decision members make each year. We’ll discuss proven ways to get the best people elected to the board. We’ll cover the entire process: before, during and after election night. Say goodbye to boring acclamations and hello to good elections, good directors and great succession planning for your co-op!

C4 The board’s role as an employerTracy Geddes

Co-op managers are asked to carry out their work to a high professional standard. Your manager depends on a strong manager-board relationship, a professional work environment and stable employment conditions to do their job well. Being an employer is an important responsibility—be it supervising a staff person or overseeing a contractual agreement with a management company—it’s the board’s responsibility to make sure the work gets done properly and on time. We’ll look at how your board can put into practice the Quality Co-op Employer Charter and build a strong working relationship with your co-op’s management.

C5 Asset management and planningDavid Spackman

Keeping our co-op homes in good condition while remaining a financially strong and viable co-op enterprise is an ongoing challenge. Good asset management planning is key to helping your board carry out much-needed building repairs and improvements. Join us for a lively discussion as we review the elements of good asset management planning and the services that CHF Canada can provide to take the guesswork out of making your co-op everything you want it to be.

C6 Co-op finances for Monopoly playersDiane Kirke

This is not your typical finance workshop. It’s for members who aren’t interested in budgets, audits or financial planning but know they should be interested and should understand. We’ll see how co-op finances are affected when you:

• take a “chance”

• dip into the “community chest”

• pay taxes and utilities

• don’t collect “rent” or pass “go.”

Learn about what funds co-ops have and how different decisions affect these funds.

C7 Working with your regulatorModerator: Karen Brodeur

If your co-op has an operating agreement or is governed by housing legislation by any level of government, you’ll probably need to report to a regulator. In this session, you will meet three regulators: The Agency for Co-op Housing, Housing Nova Scotia and an Ontario Service Manager. You’ll hear about their mission, how they collect information and how they report to you—the co-op!


C8 Co-op development: What’s new?Moderator: Anthony Perlingieri

There’s one thing we know—co-op members want to see more co-op homes in their communities. But how do we get there? Get inspired by our panel of experts and learn about different ways that housing co-ops across Canada are embracing development and growth by creating the next generation of housing co-ops.


FRIDAY, JUNE 9

9 A.M.–12 P.M. CONTINUED

C9 Co-op housing and Aboriginal communities: Inclusion and reconciliation

Moderator: Blair Hamilton

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada tabled its findings in a report in 2015. Their report documented the terrible history and impact of Canada’s policy of cultural genocide of Aboriginal people. The residential school system for Aboriginal children was a central element of this policy. This interactive session will explore what we can do as a movement to respond in a positive way to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report. We’ll touch on the impacts of colonialism and Residential Schools and how they influence housing options for Aboriginal people. We’ll also look at identifying concrete actions we can take to support reconciliation between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal peoples through the development of respectful and healthy relationships in housing co-ops.

C10 Mental health and your co-op communityCanadian Mental Health Association representativeModerator: Mary Ann Hannant

Dealing with a co-op member living with a mental illness in a supportive and effective way can be challenging. Learn how to plan, network and engage appropriate community and mental health support services. We’ll discuss ways to best balance the needs of the housing co-op with the needs of a co-op member.

C11 Smoking and your co-opLauren Blumas and Andrew NobleModerator: Peter Gesiarz

Is smoking a concern at your co-op? We’ll discuss the health and financial reasons for reducing smoking in your housing co-op. Join our experts as we tackle questions such as:

• What are the health effects of second-hand smoke?

• How can a co-op develop a policy to reduce or eliminate smoking?

• What are the best practices for implementing a fair, effective and enforceable policy?

• How to tackle recreational and medicinal marijuana use?


C12 Building better communitiesDenise McGahan

We’ve been spreading the word that successful co-ops need a balance between being a well-run business and a strong co-operative community. But how do we achieve this balance? Join us for a lively discussion about building community and how to:

• build the relationships within the co-op between members, board, and staff

• use conflict resolution strategies to reduce conflict

• set the tone with effective leadership, and

• implement changes that result in co-op communities you’ll take pride in!

Skywheel; Journey Behind the Falls


2017 MEF WORKSHOP LEADERS

ANGIE ARMSTRONG is a workshop leader with the Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation.

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION (CMHA) is a National organization that provides mental health services.

DEREK BALLANTYNE is Chief Executive Officer of Encasa Financial Inc.

NADIA BELLO is a diversity and organization development consultant in Toronto.

JEFF BESSMER is the Executive Director of Waterloo Co-operative Residences Inc. (WCRI).

LAUREN BLUMAS is a lawyer at Iler Campbell LLP in Toronto.

KAREN BRODEUR is Program Manager, Co-operative Services (Atlantic) at CHF Canada.

CELIA CHANDLER is a lawyer at Iler Campbell LLP in Toronto, and specializes in issues primarily geared to housing providers.

NAOMI CHO is Member Services Co-ordinator at the Central Ontario Co-operative Housing Federation.

MOIRA DUNPHY is Program Manager, Communications at CHF Canada (Ontario Region).

EMILY DOYLE is Program Manager, Special Projects at CHF Canada.

JAMIE EYERS is Regional Manager, Nova Scotia at the Community Housing Management Network.

TRACY GEDDES is a co-op manager and a workshop leader with the Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation.

MICHELLE GERMAN is Senior Project Manager at the GTA Housing Action Lab.

PETER GESIARZ is Program Manager, Co-operative Services at CHF Canada (Ontario Region).

MARK GUSLITS is an architect, development consultant and former Chief Development Officer at Toronto Community Housing.

BLAIR HAMILTON is Program Manager, Manitoba at CHF Canada.

ERIN HANCOCK is Manager of Promotion and Partnership, Co-operative Management Education at Saint Mary’s University.

MARY ANN HANNANT is Member Services Advisor at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto.

WARD HENDERSON is National Loss Control Manager at The Co-operators Insurance Group Ltd.

SCOTT JACKSON is Program Manager, Communications at CHF Canada.

DIANE KIRKE is Director of Finance at Homestarts Inc.

ANJALA KULASEGARAM is a CHF Canada workshop leader.

CARL LAMBERT is Vice-President, National Property & Casualty Insurance, Business Intelligence at The Cooperators.

JANINE MCDONALD is a co-op manager and CHF Canada workshop leader.

DENISE MCGAHAN is Program Manager, Member Services (Southwestern Ontario) at CHF Canada.

JACLYN MCPHERSON is Digital Content Strategist at VPDM Marketing in St. Catharines, Ontario.

JULIE MERCIER is Social Marketing Strategist at VPDM Marketing in St. Catharines, Ontario.

SYLVIE MOREAU is Client Service Champion at the Agency for Co-operative Housing.

CARINE NIND is a co-op manager and CHF Canada workshop leader.

ANDREW NOBLE is Policy Analyst at The Non-Smokers’ Rights Association of Ontario.

ANTHONY PERLINGIERI is Manager, Co-operative Housing Development at CHF Canada.

DAWN RICHARDSON is Program Manager, Co-op Services at CHF Canada (Ontario Region).

JUDY SHAW is a co-op consultant and a CHF Canada workshop leader.

DOUG SIDER is a workshop leader with the Golden Horseshoe Co-operative Housing Federation.

HEATHER SIMPSON is Director, Community Accounts at Alterna Savings and Credit Union/Alterna Bank.

DAVID SPACKMAN is Program Manager, Co-operative and Asset Management Services at CHF Canada.

NATALIA SNAJDR is a Sustainability Facilitator at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation in Ottawa.

SIMONE SWAIL is Program Manager, Government Relations at CHF Canada (Ontario Region).


SOPHIE TAYLOR is Executive Director of Peel Halton Co-operative Housing Federation.

CATHY VOLANS is Co-ordinator, Co-operative Services (Atlantic) at CHF Canada.

MARY BETH WATT is Client Services Officer at Housing Alternatives Inc. in Saint John and a CHF Canada workshop leader.

VEE POPAT is Founder, Chief Digital Strategist at VPDM Marketing in St. Catharines, Ontario.

TIM WELCH is a Housing Consultant with Tim Welch Consulting Inc.

DOUG WONG is Program Manager, Policy and Government Relations at CHF Canada.

SUZANNE WRIGHT is Senior Property Manager at the Zock Group and a CHF Canada workshop leader in Southwestern Ontario.

JOHN WILKINSON is a co-op consultant, specializing in co-ops in difficulty and a CHF Canada workshop leader.

MUSONDA YAMFWA works in the co-op sector and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University.

Queenston Heights park


CONTACT USNATIONAL OFFICE

311–225 Metcalfe StreetOttawa, ON K2P 1P9Tel: 613.230.2201Fax: 613.230.2231Toll-free: 1.800.465.2752

MANITOBA OFFICE

Box 124 30–360 Main Street, Unit 13BWinnipeg, MB R3C 3Z8 Tel: 204.947.5411Toll-Free: 1.888.591.3301

ONTARIO REGION

313–720 Spadina AvenueToronto, ON M5S 2T9Tel: 416.366.1711Fax: 416.366.3876Toll-free: 1.800.268.2537

VANCOUVER OFFICE

220–1651 Commercial DriveVancouver, BC V5L 3Y3Tel: 604.879.4116Fax: 604.879.4186Toll-free: 1.877.533.2667

NOVA SCOTIA OFFICE

Suite 300, Tower 1202 Brownlow AvenueDartmouth, NS B3B 1T5Tel: 902.423.7119Fax: 902.423.7058Toll-free: 1.866.213.2667

www.chfcanada.coop chfcanada


member education forum - chf canada agm...

Documents