Elevate your Co-op Experience with our 2025 Education Workshops
Don’t miss out on our exciting lineup of education workshops designed especially for you!
whether you’re a seasoned co-op member or just moved into your co-op, our education workshops are tailored to equip you with valuable insights and knowledge.
Discover a range of engaging topics, from financial management and governance to community building and sustainable living. gain expertise from sector professionals and field experts, and take away practical tips to empower your co-op experience.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities to strengthen your foundation in co-op knowledge and contribute even more meaningfully to the success of your co-operative. Mark your calendars and register today! Let’s embark on a journey of continuous learning and growth.
We look forward to seeing you at one—or more—of these workshops!
What Makes a Good Board? – May 1
The best workshop for a newly elected board: packed full with the basic knowledge all housing co-op directors need as well as tools for how to work effectively to ensure good governance, sound management and principled leadership.
A co-op’s success or failure as a business and as a community depends on a good effective board.
A good board understands:
- its legal obligations;
- how the co-op’s governing documents guide decision-making and actions
- its role and the role of the general membership, staff, and committees—in governing and managing the co-op;
- and more!
Register here
Conflict in Co-ops – May 8
Conflict is a natural part of living in a community, and understanding how to navigate it effectively is crucial for maintaining a harmonious environment.
In this workshop, we’ll dive into the complexities of conflict within co-ops, focusing on when it’s appropriate to involve the co-op in a dispute and when members should work towards resolution on their own. Participants will also learn about the common obstacles that hinder successful conflict resolution, including communication breakdowns and differing perspectives.
Register here
What Makes a Good Director? – May 15
Good directors make a good board. With a focus on the duty of care and the duty of loyalty this basic primer focuses on how each individual director ensures the board’s success.
Good directors need to know what they can do as individuals to ensure a board’s success. We’ve all heard about a director’s fiduciary duty and the duty of care. But how do these important concepts translate into the daily demand for good governance and principled leadership in our co-ops? What does “acting in the best interest of the co-op” really mean? How must a director and the board handle situations of conflict of interest?
Register here
Engaging Co-op Members – Jun 5
The democratic structure of a housing co-op is dependent on member engagement. But what exactly is the role of the general membership? What parts do they play in making sure that the co-op is well governed and soundly managed? Let’s get beyond ‘participation’ and create a foundation for real member involvement.
We’ll talk about the specific roles for members in:
- governing their co-op
- setting the co-op’s overall direction
- helping their co-op run smoothly
- keeping the co-op in good repair.
We’ll talk about how members can play a role in helping their co-op prepare for a sound future. And we’ll review the tools to help co-op members keep informed and engaged.
Register here.
Gender Diversity & Inclusion – Jun 19
To celebrate June as Pride Month, we’re holding this FREE workshop to recognize, value, and celebrate the diversity within our housing co-op community.
Join Anya Phillip (they/them) for an interactive online session exploring gender and the many ways people express and experience it. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding of gender diversity and talk about practical ways to create welcoming, respectful spaces for everyone.
Register here
Additional Information
Be sure to check back regularly for new workshops being added to the list.
Schedule
- Workshops take place weekday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PST.
Online Registration
- Member rates are $45/person or $200 for six registrations from one co-op or organization.
- Non-member rates are $90/person.
*Reminder: Registrations and cancellations must be in by 3 PM on the day of the workshop. Don’t miss out!*
If you have any questions, please contact Debbie at dvankuyk@chf.bc.ca.