YEAR OF BELONGING
AWARDS
Join us in celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry of our co-operative housing communities!
At CHF BC, we believe that everyone deserves to feel that they can be their authentic selves, and that housing co-ops should be communities that foster a sense of belonging. This year we’re shining a spotlight on diversity and inclusion like never before. We’re excited to launch a special initiative to spotlight housing co-ops that embrace and celebrate the rich mosaic of lived experiences within our midst.
Celebrate Belonging!
Prepare to be celebrated and inspire change like never before!
We invite our members, to showcase how your co-op celebrates diversity by hosting an event for a cultural community day, celebration, or observance. Whether it’s a cultural celebration, an awareness campaign, or an observance of an important occasion, we want to hear about it! Share your stories, your photos, and your passion for fostering a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Let’s come together to honor the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that make our co-operative housing communities truly special. Join us in making a difference and celebrating diversity in the most meaningful way possible—by building a community where everyone belongs.
If you have any questions about the award, please contact us at members@chf.bc.ca or 604-879-5111 (toll-free 1-866-879-5111).
How It Works
Get ready to celebrate our Year of Belonging with your housing co-op members!
Follow these steps to be eligible for an award:
- Choose a cultural celebration or observance to honour with your housing co-op members.
- Plan an inclusive activity for your co-op between March 1 and May 15, 2024.
- Document your activity with photos, videos, podcasts, slides, notes, or another form of record.
- Submit your event details via our online form, including a description, participants, and key highlights.
- CHF BC staff will review all submissions and select award recipients. We may reach out for more details about your activity if needed.
- Award recipients will be announced during our 2024 Spring Forum on May 26, 2024.
If you have any questions about the award process, please contact us at members@chf.bc.ca or 604-879-5111 (toll-free 1-866-879-5111).
Award Criteria
We're on the lookout for vibrant co-op-led initiatives that embrace and empower diverse voices within your community.
We are looking for events and activities that:
- Embrace and honor underrepresented communities or cultures.
- Welcome and involve every member and staff member of your housing co-op.
- Educate and enlighten your members on key principles of diversity and inclusion.
- Advocate for equity within your co-op, and extend that impact to the wider community.
- Cultivate leadership among marginalized groups within your co-op.
- Serve as an inspiration for other housing co-ops to promote belonging among their members!
Let’s celebrate diversity together and pave the way for a more inclusive future!
Award Package
Get ready to be celebrated, recognized, and empowered like never before!
The Year of Belonging Award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a symbol of your co-op’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging within your community. As a recipient of an inaugural award, your housing co-operative will receive:
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$1,000 to fuel diversity and belonging in your co-op.
- A custom-made wood plaque crafted by the artisans at Wood Shop Co-operative. The award showcases your co-op’s commitment to diversity and inclusion to members, staff, visitors, and the broader community.
- Two complimentary registrations to our highly anticipated 2024 Spring Forum on May 26, 2024. You will be honored alongside fellow housing co-op inclusion trailblazers. You will also meet like-minded co-op members who are passionate about creating inclusive housing co-operatives.
- Exclusive recognition on our website, in our eNews, and across our social media platforms. This will amplify your co-op’s dedication to fostering a sense of belonging, and inspire other co-ops to follow in your footsteps.
Celebrations & Observances
Thank you for considering hosting a special activity for a cultural community celebrations or observances!
Here is a list of winter and spring events to choose from.
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April |
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May |
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If you have another celebration or observance in mind that is not listed here, please contact us at members@chf.bc.ca to let us know. We are excited to support you in hosting a meaningful and inclusive event for your community!
Activity Ideas
There are numerous types of activities your co-op could host. Here is a list of activity ideas to get your creative gears turning.
We are looking for co-op led activities that celebrate—and educate—your co-op members about diversity and belonging. By diversity and belonging we mean respect for, and appreciation of, our differences, including; ethnicity, gender identity and expression, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, education, and ability. Here are some ideas to consider.
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These are just suggestions, if your co-op has an idea not on this list, we encourage you to pursue it!
How to Apply
It's easy – just fill out our online form and hit submit!
To be considered for a Year of Belonging Award, simply submit your activity using our online application form by May 16, 2024.
Your submission should include:
- What you did: Describe the activity your co-op organized to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
- Who did it: Specify who organized and participated in the activity within your co-op.
- Things you learned: Share any insights or lessons your co-op and it’s member learned from your activity.
- How your co-op benefitted: Explain the positive impact these initiatives had on your co-op and its members.
- Documentation: Include photos, videos, audio description, slide presentation, or other documentation that showcase your activity.
Co-ops can submit multiple activities, but only one award will be granted per housing co-operative.