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How it works

How Does a Co-op Work?

A Co-op works if its members work!
Members (people who live in the Co-op) run the Co-op.  Some members choose to be on the Social Committee to help members get to know each other.  Other members want to make sure that the Co-op is clean and well cared for so they join the Maintenance Committee.  Others decide they can bring something to the Finance Committee which proposes the yearly budget and plans the long-term financing of the Co-op.  Some members are attracted to working on the grounds-upkeep, visiting and shopping for older members, helping with childcare etc.

There is no end to the ways members can run the co-op and make it a safe and happy place to call home.

The following is a list of the committees our co-op presently has available.  Please check the committees you would be interested in volunteering for.  You can choose more than one if you wish.

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES

ANNUAL INSPECTIONS MEMBERSHIP
BOARD MOVE IN/MOVE OUT
DELIVERY PETS
FINANCE POLICY
GARDENING SOCIAL/EVENTS
LIBRARY TELEPHONE
MAINTENANCE OTHER

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE ALSO VOLUNTEERS!
The members also elect, from among themselves, a Board of Directors. The Board makes sure things run smoothly and according to the by-laws which the members approve. The Board calls regular members’ meetings 4 times a year. These inform the members about the work of the Board and give them a say in how the Co-op runs. As a member, you are expected to attend these meetings.

Co-ops usually have staff that attends to the daily business of the Co-op.

The Co-op follows some basic principles:

  • Open membership
  • Democratic control
  • Limited interest on shares
  • Non-profit operation
  • Co-operative education
  • Co-operation with other co-operatives

The Co-op is a legal corporation. Provincial government laws govern it.
THE PRINCIPLE OF AFFIRMATION

Because of their profile in the Co-op and their position of leadership, directors are in a unique position to help develop an atmosphere of affirmation within the Co-op community.

AFFIRMATION means acting upon a belief in the goodness and capability of every individual Co-op member.

AFFIRMATION means recognizing that we all grow best in a positive environment and that we all need motivating, encouragement and cheerful reassurance of how well we are doing if we are to develop in our fullest potential.

AFFIRMATION is the open and non-manipulative expression of appreciation for what we do and what we are capable of doing.