By Lacey Chyz
Lacey Chyz is the founder of Self Help and Solidarity, an empowerment agency that educates people about the power of cooperation, and facilitates opportunities for sustainable community economic development.
- The Connections and Networking
Every conference boasts about networking opportunities, but nothing compares to cooperation among cooperatives! This fundamental co-op principle seems to act as a magnet that pulls a diverse selection of problem solvers and justice seekers together to learn from and support each other.
As a national, bilingual federation of worker co-ops from all sectors, CWCF’s team and Board are committed to facilitating quality networking opportunities online and in-person. CWCF seems to consistently curate a dynamic crowd that more thoroughly reflects what the workforce across Canada looks like, in a way that many national associations have yet to achieve at their conferences.
Maybe this perspective is thanks to the sponsors, and the virtual format that’s offered every other year, which makes the conference incredibly accessible to folks from a cross-section of socio-economic positions to participate.
If you have it in your budget or can find support to attend a training or professional development opportunity in 2025 – make it the CWCF Worker Co-op Conference in Edmonton. As someone local to the land currently known as Alberta, I would love to host you and introduce you to more new connections!
- The Presenters and Panelists
Informed. Inspired. Empowered. Intrigued. Motivated. Every bit of this year’s conference left me feeling better and better about the real changes that must be and can be made inside our co-ops, and outside in our communities.
There’s something so soothing to the soul about hearing the stories of other people’s triumphs and tribulations, and trial and error. In the day-to-day, steadfast passion and determination sometimes has me teetering on the line between fulfillment and burnout.
CWCF seems to find conference speakers who are educational and inspirational, people who are exceptional storytellers and sincere supporters of the movement we’re all part of. The panelists, presenters and session facilitators open so many windows and doors for attendees to see the possibilities that are out there, and then they hand us tools we can borrow and tell us how we can contact them if we need anything else.
- The Quality of the Questions and Answers
If you’re a curious and inquisitive person, you will love the co-op principle of education, training and information and the events and programs CWCF runs.
As a CWCF conference attendee, you will get many opportunities to ask questions to a suite of subject matter experts. This doesn’t just mean the presenters and panelists; this includes other attendees.
The questions and comments I heard from fellow conference goers were equally as interesting, insightful and valuable as what the speakers were sharing.
- The tangible takeaways your co-op needs
The CWCF Conference is uplifting and empowering. In the two weeks since the conference, I have already brought several ideas back to three of the co-op boards I serve on.
For example: One co-op is now considering re-structuring our board to have two co-treasurers, instead of having one person solely responsible. This can help volunteer directors be less intimidated to take on that important role. This simple change never would have occurred to me on my own; it was practical advice we could act on almost immediately.
- The experience and perspectives you bring
The conference is great because of the people who are a part of it.
Show up. Share your story. You would be surprised how interesting and awe-inspiring you really are. Every interaction with every person left me wanting more – and I’m an introvert!
Co-ops and communities are strengthened when people with diverse, lived experiences are safe to share their perspectives and probing questions.
CWCF is currently recruiting volunteers for the 2025 Conference Planning Committee. Please get in touch with Chloe Williams, exec-assist@canadianworker.coop, if you would like to be involved!
Post-script: CWCF’s next Conference will take place in Edmonton, Alberta on November, 18 – 20, 2025. One of the days will be focused on the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives 2025 and will include international participation. Mark your calendars now!