Good elections, good directors - NEW mini-workshop
If a hot election contest is the sign of a healthy democracy, why do so many co-ops have trouble getting enough members to run for the board? Join us for a look at proven ways to get the best people elected to the board - every time. We'll cover the entire process: before, during and after election night. Say goodbye to boring acclamations and hello to good elections and good directors.

Our interactive format will give you a chance to talk about these important issues and share your own experiences. So come prepared for a lively look at board elections.

Ask us to deliver one or both of these brand new mini-workshops at your co-op. Directors' legal duties
(Available as a portable workshop)

What makes a good board?
The board is responsible for managing the business of the co-op. It sounds simple, but we know what a big role the board plays in a co-op's success or failure as a business and as a community.

A good board understands:

· what it needs to achieve to be successful
· its legal obligations
· its role, and the role of members, in the co-op's governance and management
· the most common mistakes and how to avoid them
· what it will take to become a 2020 Co-op with a sustainable future.

If you need a map for the Road to 2020, this workshop is for you. This three-hour workshop can be combined with What makes a good director? for a full-day Board of directors workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

What makes a good director?
Good directors are the cornerstone of good governance. Let's explore:

· why good directors are first good members
· how you can contribute to the results your board needs
· working together as directors
· what you need to get the job done right
· legal duties of directors
· how to be a principled leader

This three-hour workshop can be combined with What makes a good board? for a full-day Board of directors workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

2020 co-ops and long-term financial planning
How much does your co-op know about its financial future? Do you know how changes in your operating costs, the housing market and capital repairs will affect your co-op? And what are your options for future refinancing?

To become a 2020 Co-op, you'll need to have a long-term financial plan that forecasts reserves and operating results, cash flows and financing requirements. This workshop will review CHF Canada's new long-term financial planning tools: one for federal Section 95 co-ops and another for ILM co-ops.
This is for co-ops whose federal operating agreements will end more than five years from now.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Becoming a 2020 co-op
CHF Canada's web-based guide to the eight standards for a 2020 Co-op is a rich resource for co-ops on the Road to 2020. We'll use the 2020 Vision website, to:

. review the eight standards for a 2020 Co-op
. clarify what you will need to do to achieve them
. explain how CHF Canada will know that you're ready to be certified as a 2020 Co-op, and
. show you the newest resources available to help you get there.

While we're at it, we'll explore how you can tackle the challenges that lie ahead for housing co-ops after the end of your government operating agreement and what the key ingredients for success will be in 2020 and beyond. You'll leave with a guide to the 2020 standards and a clearer idea of what you'll need to do to meet them.

Don't miss this chance to find out what's new in the 2020 Vision program. Three hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Beyond participation - building a foundation for real member involvement NEW
Have you heard about the end of participation? A couple of years ago, we asked you if our traditional model of member participation has really given us the cost-effective, well-managed, well-governed housing co-ops we expected. And instead of roasting us for asking the question, many of you said that our traditional view of participation is more of a problem than a solution!

Well, now it's time to take the next step and talk about the best way for members to get involved in their co-ops. How can members really make a difference in the things that matter most, like planning for a strong future and building a co-op community? More like a town hall than a workshop, this lively, interactive session will challenge you to explore these questions and more.

So join us as we invite housing co-ops to ask themselves, "What are we doing for the rest of our lives?"
(Available as a portable workshop)

Chairing good meetings
This workshop looks at the key elements essential to good chairing, for both large and small meetings. Emphasis will be placed on the role and responsibilities of the chairperson and committee members. Participants will learn how to use tools like the agenda, minutes, meeting agreements and simple rules of order to keep meetings productive and foster a respectful and courteous meeting environment. Three-hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Co-op housing basics NEW
This workshop will give you and your members - both new and experienced - a chance to revisit what it means to live in a co-op.

We'll cover:
· why a housing co-op is unique
· the elements of good governance and sound management
· the roles of the board, members, committees and staff
· the basic legal framework that governs your co-op.

This guide to co-op living is just what you need to update your co-op's orientation for new members. Three hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Dealing with conflict in co-ops NEW
Conflict will always be part of living in a community. But it doesn't have to be negative. To build strong communities in our co-ops, we need to understand conflict and how to deal with it positively. This hands-on workshop will include presentations, exercises, role-playing and group discussion. We'll talk about:

· why and how different types of conflict occur
· what king of conflict the co-op needs to do deal with
· how to depersonalize conflict
· the board's role in handling conflict
· how to prevent conflict.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Designing a planning session for your co-op NEW
Co-ops that plan are stronger, more viable and have happier members. Why? Because planning will help your board of directors to:

. identify priorities for the coming year and for the longer term
. focus on key governance and management outcomes
. make sure there are people and resources in place to achieve the co-op's goals
. be pro-active, not reactive
. encourage more member involvement.

We'll review the key elements of successful planning and get you ready to hold your own planning session. You will go home with all of the practical planning tools you need to make a difference in your co-op's sound management and good governance. If you're ready to stop putting out brush fires and start planning for a successful future, this workshop is for you. Three-hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Effective meetings
In a well-run co-op, meetings run smoothly. They're a place where things get done instead of done to you. Good meetings produce sound decisions and are a positive experience for members. Bad meetings don't get the work done and undermine morale. We'll talk about how to prepare for and run meetings that meet your co-op's needs by focusing on the results you should expect.

It's every member's job to make meetings as good as they can be. Whether it's a meeting of the board, committee or members, we'll learn about the keys to productive meetings:

· preparing and organizing the agenda
· chairing capably
· taking minutes correctly
· managing difficult situations
· making meaningful decisions.

Before you know it, you'll have people leaving your meetings on time, feeling good and wanting to come back for more! Three hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Governance and 2020 Vision
Co-op directors are responsible for creating a foundation of good governance and principled leadership in their co-op communities. But what exactly does that mean? Where do you start and how do you know when you've succeeded?

CHF Canada has produced a new 14-minute video on co-op governance called "Getting governance right -- the video" that tries to answer these questions.

We'll watch the video together. Then we'll take those lessons and apply them to the challenge of good governance in our own co-ops.

Do you often wonder what directors and members can do to build community and make their co-ops better places to live? Join us for this lively, interactive session on governance and find out.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Leadership renewal NEW
Effective leaders have a clear vision. Most importantly they inspire others to share a common purpose and realize their vision together.

But how do you find new leaders? And what can individual co-ops and the co-op housing movement do to help new leaders develop their full leadership potential?

Organizations that invest in leadership renewal will survive and prosper. Join us for a discussion about how we can make our co-ops more successful by developing more successful leaders.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Leadership that earns involvement
We all prefer activities we find rewarding - it's human nature. And it's no different in co-ops. If our experience in a co-op community is rewarding, we want to stay involved. Creating that kind of experience for our members may be the biggest challenge we face as leaders.

Communities have to earn involvement before they get it consistently. It all starts with us. The good news is that we can do it. And if we do it really well, we may have to knock out a wall in our meeting rooms just to hold all the keen members!

Come to this workshop if you want to explore how to:

. grow our leadership capacities and skills
. create a culture of member involvement and attract people to it
. apply new strategies and skills to the challenge of member involvement.
Three hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Mapping the road ahead: using the 2020 compass in your co-op NEW
CHF Canada has launched 2020 Vision, a far-reaching project to help housing co-ops ready themselves for the future. The first step is deciding the kind of future we want. To help co-ops with that challenge, CHF Canada has created a new tool: the 2020 Compass. The 2020 Compass will help every co-op create its own mission statement and vision for the future that reflects the values of its members.

Come to this workshop if you want to learn about the 2020 Compass and how you can put it to work to map the road ahead for your co-op. Three-hour workshop.

Member complaints: handling them effectively
Member complaints are a fact of life in housing co-ops. Unless there's a good process in place, boards, committees and staff can spend a lot of time dealing with complaints without actually resolving the problem. This can lead to more conflict and unhappy members.

This workshop will show you how to take the guesswork out of dealing with complaints. We'll talk about:

· why and how different types of member complaints arise
· how you can respond effectively
· how to decrease the number of complaints
· changes you can make in your co-op to help members live more co-operatively.

We'll take time to work on practical strategies for handling common complaints.

Full-day workshop.

(Available as a portable workshop)

Policies that work
Good policies improve everyone's quality of life and play a big role in the smooth management of your co-op--from parking to painting to arrears collection. Bad policies make everyone miserable. Having no policies is a recipe for chaos.

This workshop will show you how to use CHF BC's Co-op Policy Manual to:

· make changes to your co-op's policies
· develop new policies that really work
· match your policies to your Rules and Occupancy Agreement
· build member support and buy-in throughout this process.

This workshop will give you the tools to improve your governance and management with good policies.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Take the good governance test NEW
It's time for your good governance check-up, and the doctors are in. But at this clinic, you do the diagnosis.

Take our brand new good governace test and find out:

· where you co-op is in great shape
· where you could use a tune-up, and
· where something might be broken and need fixing.

In the process, you'll share ideas and experience with others on:

· how members, directors and managers can practise and support good governance in housing co-ops
· the most common mistakes that weaken good governance
· best practices that promote good governance.

We'll show you how to take the test home with you and use it to strengthen governance in your own co-op.

Tools for good governance
A
Good elections, good directors - NEW mini-workshop
If a hot election contest is the sign of a healthy democracy, why do so many co-ops have trouble getting enough members to run for the board? Join us for a look at proven ways to get the best people elected to the board -every time. We'll cover the entire process: before, during and after election night. Say goodbye to boring acclamations and hello to good elections and good directors.

B
Directors' legal duties - NEW mini-workshop
Members elect directors to do their best to govern and manage the co-op well. But being a director is more than a popularity contest - directors have legal duties that come with the job. Join us as we explore the two key legal duties of directors: the duty of care, and the duty of loyalty (or fiduciary duty). We'll explain just what these duties are and look at examples of what they mean in a housing co-op.

Our interactive format will give you a chance to talk about these important issues and share your own experiences. So come prepared for a lively look at board elections and directors' legal duties.

Sign up for these brand new mini-workshops.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Asset management -- It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! NEW
We hear a lot about asset management these days, but what does it really mean? Join us for a discussion about:

· how to develop maintenance strategies that will make certain all the parts of your co-op homes last as long as they should
· how to get a Building Condition Assessment and make a Capital Plan to replace items when they wear out
· how a Capital Reserve Fund forecast and financial plan can help you figure out how to pay for it all.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Funding green retrofits
Like meetings and taxes, rising energy costs are a certainty for co-ops and co-op members. But there are several new and exciting options for co-ops looking to finance energy-efficiency renovations, reduce long-term operating costs, and help members with utility bills.

Our panel of experts will outline opportunities for grants (including the provincial LEAP program and new BC Hydro initiative) and options for self-financing such as loans and capital reserves. We will also profile several ongoing co-op renovations. You will leave this session knowing where to go for help and financing for green renovations in your co-op.

Panel: John Waldo, COHO Repair Services
Courtenay Barnett and Liz Kelly, eaga Canada
Maureen Cureton, Vancity
Britt Karlstrom, City Green Solutions
Quentin Wright, The Agency for Co-operative Housing

Getting co-op maintenance right
Is your co-op in good shape? Do you have a plan to make your homes last as long as possible? Does your co-op have good "curb appeal"? If you were looking for a place to live today, would you move into your housing co-op?

For co-ops with good maintenance programs, the answers are "yes". They know that putting off regular maintenance will create serious problems and expensive solutions down the road.

You will learn how to organize your co-op your co-op maintenance program to handle:

. meeting the core maintenance standards
· annual unit and property inspections
· move-in/move-out inspections, with proper follow-up
· routine and preventive maintenance
· effective emergency response
· major replacements, and
· getting needed repairs done, on time and on budget.
Full-day workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Getting financial management right
The key to getting management right is good financial management--without it you can't accomplish any of the other management requirements like keeping the co-op full and in good repair, meeting your legal requirements, and supporting it all on a foundation of good governance.

And the key to good financial management is understanding the results you should be looking for and knowing how to get them.

The board's job is to make sure the finances are well-managed by qualified people. We'll show you, step by step, how to:
· adopt a workable budget each year
· collect housing charges--all of them, on time, every time
· protect your assets with good financial controls and insurance
· make sure your bills are paid in full, on time
· ensure that your books and financial records are kept up to date
· understand and use your financial statements to make good decisions and get good results
· put sound capital and investment plans in place
· support everything with good policies and procedures.
Full-day workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)
Sep 25, 2010   Available

Maintenance policies that work
What are the results we aim for in maintenance? We'll review the core maintenance management standards and some of the tools you can use to reach them. Good tools such as policies, procedures, and forms play a critical role in co-op maintenance--from unit inspections to preventive maintenance to emergency repairs.

We'll show you how to use CHF BC's Co-op Policy Manual to:
· make changes to your co-op's maintenance policies
· develop new policies and procedures that really work to keep your co-op safe and looking good
· clarify who's responsible for what in co-op maintenance.

This workshop will demonstrate how clear maintenance policies and procedures, consistently applied, are key to your maintenance management system. You will leave with a clear sense of direction and many useful tools to take back to your co-op. Three-hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Maintenance-savvy members NEW
Your property and buildings are the co-op's most important asset. Is your co-op doing what's needed to maintain that asset, keep it looking good and make sure you won't have serious repair problems in the future? Sure, you need skilled professionals to get great maintenance results. But that doesn't mean there's not a role for members in keeping your co-op in good repair.

We'll focus on areas of maintenance where members can play an important role to:
· detect items that need repair before problems get serious and more costly
· identify preventive and routine repair needs
· educate members on how to recognize and report problems
· make sure the move-out and move-in process runs smoothly and successfully.

We'll provide a model for unit turnover, from the time a member gives notice until a new member has moved into an attractive unit in good repair. This includes unit inspection and assessment of the departing member's responsibility, maintenance follow-up, and sample forms and procedures -- all designed to make sure your co-op has a unit ready in good shape and on time, without any vacancy loss.

With photos and examples, and a CD with samples to take home, you'll leave this workshop ready to make your members much savvier about maintenance.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Managing capital projects NEW
Do you have roof replacement, new windows, siding, flooring or other major renovations in your future? Funds for capital repairs are limited and when we spend those dollars we want the work done right, on time, and on budget.

In this workshop we'll talk about:

· identifying the scope of work
· preparing documents and specifications
· hiring consultants
· the bidding and award process
· contract administration

Let us help you get the most value from your capital budget.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Membership and marketing: the new reality
Has your co-op updated its membership process lately? Or are you still doing things the way you always have? Changing circumstances are forcing many co-ops to market themselves more effectively. Others are streamlining the member selection process to avoid vacancy loss and reduce demands on busy volunteers. What's the best way to attract new members who'll be a good fit for your community? Find out what's working for other co-ops and share what's working for you. Three-hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Move-in and move-out unit inspections: hands-on practice
You provide access to a few units and our workshop leader will guide your inspection team through a hands-on inspection. This covers move-in and move-out inspections only. Three-hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Preparing a co-op budget
The budget is your financial plan for the year. You can't operate without one. If it's done properly, preparing a budget and getting members to approve it can be a positive experience that unifies the co-op and lays a solid foundation for your financial performance during the year.

Members do care how their money is spent. Come to this workshop if you want to:

· learn a step-by-step procedure for developing a co-op operating budget
· practise techniques for gathering information and applying it to your financial situation
· share ideas for getting the budget approved by members
· understand how to read financial statements
· learn how to use the budget as a tool for financial control and member education after it's approved.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Show me the money! Keeping arrears down to zero   
Full payment, on time, every time isn't a dream. Let us show you how to make it your co-op's reality.
We'll talk about:

· the policies and procedures you need to create a culture of timely payment
· quick follow-up when a member has not paid in full
· use of payment agreements
· the board's role in dealing effectively with arrears, and
· when termination of occupancy is a necessary last resort.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Sustainable gardening and landscaping NEW
This interactive panel discussion will take your sustainability goals outdoors and show you how to get your hands dirty, grow your own food, and make the most of your co-op's gardening potential.

Meet speakers like Andrea Bellamy, author of the soon-to-be-published Urban Edibles: How to grow organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, and grains in small spaces, and David Tracey, an ecological landscape designer with a passion for tree care, community gardens and increasing access to healthy, affordable food. You'll find out how to grow a garden anywhere, create garden plans, and find ways to get the whole co-op community involved. There will be plenty of time for your questions and discussion following the presentations.

Understanding financial statements
Have you ever looked at your financial statements and wondered what they mean? We'll help you to read and use your co-op's financial statements more effectively. They're critical management tools for your co-op, so you should know how to use them for that purpose.

We'll review the statement of operations (income statement), the statement of financial position (balance sheet), and other necessary reports, and talk about:

. what financial reports you should get every month and why you need them
. what the statements can tell you and why you need to know
. what to look for on the statements, and
. how to use them to make good financial decisions for your co-op. Three hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)

Ask the lawyers
Do you have questions about rules, policies, terminations, human rights, contracts...? This popular session is back, and it's always sold out. Spend the afternoon with lawyers Geoffrey Dabbs and Grant Haddock. They have many years of experience and interesting stories to tell about co-op legal matters.

You choose the topics. You'll have a chance to send us your questions in advance, but you can bring them with you too. Let's see if you can stump the lawyers this time!

Directors' legal duties - NEW mini-workshop
Members elect directors to do their best to govern and manage the co-op well. But being a director is more than a popularity contest - directors have legal duties that come with the job. Join us as we explore the two key legal duties of directors: the duty of care, and the duty of loyalty (or fiduciary duty). We'll explain just what these duties are and look at examples of what they mean in a housing co-op.

Our interactive format will give you a chance to talk about these important issues and share your own experiences. So come prepared for a lively look at directors' legal duties.

Ask us to deliver one or both of these brand new mini-workshops at your co-op. Good elections, good directors
(Available as a portable workshop)

Membership terminations
Evicting a member from your co-op is unpleasant enough. Don't make it worse by ignoring the proper legal steps. We will review what the Co-op Act and your Rules have to say about membership terminations. We'll also explain the difference between termination of membership and termination of the occupancy agreement.

Come to this workshop if you want to know:
· the legal steps involved in terminating membership and occupancy
· how to avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes
· how to decide which termination procedure to use
· what you can do to balance community and individual rights. Three-hour workshop. Maximum of two members per co-op.

Privacy primer for housing co-ops - PIPA
How can you protect members' right to privacy while running your housing co-op effectively? What is the role of the co-op privacy officer? (Hint: s/he does not have access to confidential information!) What type of information is considered confidential? When should the board hold in camera meetings and who can read the minutes? Who has access to your personal information in the co-op? What can a co-op do if a director breaches confidentiality?

This practical workshop will help your co-op comply with BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). After many years of experience with PIPA, we'll share some common problems and their solutions. Three hour workshop.
(Available as a portable workshop)