Theme: Worker Co-ops Build a Better World
Democracy, Diversity, and Justice
November 18th – 20th, 2025
Edmonton, AB
CWCF Conference 2025
The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF) is excited to host the CWCF 2025 Conference: Worker Co-ops Build a Better World: Democracy, Diversity, and Justice, an inspiring gathering of worker co-op members, developers, researchers, and community supporters. This year’s Conference will not only focus on strengthening the worker co-op movement but will also be a special occasion to celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), a global recognition of the impact and potential of the cooperative model.
This call seeks to identify individuals, co-operatives or organizations which can provide information, insight or tools to help strengthen worker co-operatives and the co-op sector.
Why Present
As a presenter, you will gain valuable experience while you provide topical support for CWCF members and guests.
Presenters will receive free registration for the day on which their presentation is scheduled.
We also offer honorariums for presenters.
Topics and Format
CWCF conferences include plenary presentations, panel presentations, and small breakout workshops that are usually interactive.
Although not an exhaustive list, we have identified some suggested topics as follows:
• Peer-to-Peer Reviews (sometimes called 360-degree reviews)
• Mental Health & Wellness in the workplace and in everyday life. Creating a positive culture around “it’s okay to not be okay”. Mental Health First Aid, Nurturing the Body, Mind & Spirit
• Worker co-op compensation and measurements for worker labour contributions (work and governance)
• Participatory governance and collaboration
• Recruiting and integrating diverse members
• Member engagement
• History of co-ops and what co-ops are enabling communities around the world to achieve. Increasing the sense of being proud to be a part of this movement.
• Communications-focused workshop on harmonizing messaging about worker co-ops, and addressing common misconceptions/FAQ
• Relationship building with stakeholders (members and customers)
• Workshop highlighting co-operation among co-operatives or movement building
• Mentorship for the next generation of co-op developers
• Marketing your co-op values
• Conflict management
• Technology in worker co-operatives
• Managing in uncertain economic times
Selection Criteria
• Relevance to Conference theme and/or fit within desired topics
• Relevance and appeal to worker co-operators
• Clarity and completeness of the proposal (what you will be presenting and how)
• The degree to which the presentation is based on current worker co-op experiences
• The degree to which the presentation topic and key points reflect a diversity of perspectives and a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion (JEDDI)
• The degree to which the presentation is engaging and participatory for an in-person audience
• Useable takeaways for worker co-ops that members can implement or use with their co-op.
Make your submission before June 15th, 2025.
Notes
• You will be notified in mid to late July if you are chosen to present.
• Once accepted you will be asked to register by October 1, 2025
Contact
To get more information please email Kaye Grant at Communications [at] canadianworker [dot] coop.