by Hazel Corcoran, CWCF Executive Director With the theme of “Meeting Worker Co-op Challenges of 2019”, over 50 co-operators gathered for the Worker Co-op Summit in Quebec City on June 17 (photos are available here). It was a rare and special opportunity for members of worker co-ops belonging to the Quebec Forestry Co-op Federation, Quebec Paramedic Co-op Federation, Réseau COOP and CWCF to be able to meet and learn from each other. Guest speakers included US FWC Executive Director Esteban Kelly by live video conference; Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) Executive Director André Beaudry; Conseil de la coopération et de la mutualité (CQCM) Executive Director Gaston Bédard; and (on pre-recorded video), Noam Chomsky. The main themes explored via panels were worker co-op governance; the motivations to join a worker co-op; and federation services, with guest speakers covering other topics. To kick off the day, the three Quebec Federations (Forestry, Paramedics,…
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Leading Effective Meetings Webinar
Have you ever wondered why meetings can some times wander off in all directions? Why discussions on important issues can just keep going in circles and never seem to get resolved? This webinar, which takes place from noon – 1 p.m. EDT June 5 and June 11, will give you some insights into how we think and process information, then present some models that can be used to keep discussions on track and arrive at decisions that can be supported by the whole group. In first one hour sessions we will: Have a discussion on human cognitive processes and how they affect our conversations and decision making,Introduce a tool for planning focused questions to plan the conversations and have an opportunity to practice the model between sessions. In the second session we will: Discuss the use of the focus question planning tool which was practiced between sessions,Introduce and practice the…
CWCF’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan
PDF version Vision To be a growing, cohesive network of democratically controlled worker co-ops that provide a high quality of worklife, and support the development of healthy, just and sustainable local economies, based on co-operative values and principles. Mission To work in solidarity with our members to achieve our Vision of a Co-operative Economy; To support the development of new worker co-ops; To strengthen the Federation, to animate the worker co-operative movement; and To represent and promote the Canadian worker co-op movement in Canada and internationally. Strategic Priorities Engage and strengthen current members (Worker Co-ops &Regional Federations) Build Solidarity Economy[i] Build Awareness and Scale-up Worker Co-operatives Goals Grow and strengthen worker co-operatives Develop and strengthen the worker co-operative eco-system Increase the capacity and resources available to CWCF Key Activities Engage worker co-op members in a variety of ways; in-person,social media, Loomio, and conferences Improve the Technical Assistance Program including…
CWCF Arts and Cultural Granting Program Seeking Submissions
The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation’s past president Mark Goldblatt died of an apparent heart attack in 2015, a great loss to the Canadian co-op community. Thanks to Mark’s bequest, however, his legacy lives on in the form of small grants, up to $1000, to help pay for arts and cultural projects to promote co-operatives, (preferably worker co-operatives). The project must be youth-generated (individual or a group/organization) and take place within Canada during the year following the application deadline (between May 1 to April 30). Eligible projects include visual art, music, a video, theatre, a cultural event, etc. Go to http://canadianworker.coop/co-op-world-music-project/ for examples of projects involving video and music, especially projects 3 and 4, which were created by youth. The deadline for application is March 22nd each year, and the successful applicant will be notified by April 30. CWCF will publicly share the project description, and eventually the project. If you or…
Mondragon Seminar of the Praxis Peace Institute
Read CWCF Executive Director Hazel Corcoran’s report on the Mondragon Seminar here.
Co-op Enterprises: A Model That Works For Everything
A different way to build for the future in today’s economy will be on the table October 15 when the Ottawa Co-op Network hosts a free and open panel discussion at Ottawa City Hall. The Learning Event, scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start, will explore a business model that provides an advantageous alternative to the conventional corporate structure. Reflecting “The Co-op Advantage” theme of International Co-op Week (Oct. 12-17), the audience will hear and engage with the proposition that now is the best time ever to build on the co-op advantage. Click below for more information. Goldblatt press release