Active Resilient Communities (ARC) is ready to engage your co-op!
1 September 2023
We are excited to start offering this program to member housing co-ops across B.C. The Active Resilient Communities (ARC) program is designed to help housing co-op communities come together, develop a clear vision for their future and explore what is needed to make this vision a reality.
What is ARC??
CHF BC’s Active Resilient Communities program provides a series of facilitated conversations and support to help co-ops develop a grounded vision for the future and an action plan to reach that vision. It is a fee-for-service program.
How does it work?
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What’s unique about the program?
Flexibility: This program has been designed to be flexible for a whole range of co-ops and circumstances. ARC offers a variety of options: virtual sessions, in-person meetings or a combination (hybrid events).
Community Collaboration: ARC uses a variety of methods to ensure the community is involved with the program and able to collaborate with each other. These include workshops, drop-in sessions, and online activities. We use digital engagement tools like Kahoot, Miro and SurveyMonkey for members to collaborate and share their opinions. We also offer a website and a phone line to provide information and accept input from members.
Exclusive access: Participating co-op’s get their own webpage on the ARC website. This provides members exclusive access to the conversations, ideas, surveys, and photos related to their co-op and its journey with ARC.
Member Survey: The first stage of the ARC program is a “Community Check-in.” This includes a survey to understand member concerns, interests, and readiness for ARC. The survey helps the board understand the needs of the co-op community and can guide the directors to plan future actions.
Focused Conversations: Based on the challenges and interests identified by members, the ARC team will bring in subject-matter experts for facilitated conversations with community members. These conversations support members in developing informed action plans.
Optional Refresher: ARC also offers an optional refresher for co-ops. This allows you to check-in on how the members are feeling about the outcomes of the ARC program It also allows you to determine if any additional support is needed.
My co-op is interested. What’s next?
If you want to learn more about the program or get a quote, please visit the ARC website. You can also contact the ARC team at 604-343-2352 or arc@chf.bc.ca. We can set up an introductory meeting with the board to discuss next steps. Any CHF BC member co-op can sign up for this service. We’ve started accepting applications from housing co-ops across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island!