CO-OPERATIVE SPOTLIGHT NEWSLETTER FOR MARCH 11, 2020

SURVEY: MORE THAN HALF OF ALL CANADIANS HAVE A CONNECTION TO CO-OP VALUES

Co operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) has released a study entitled “The Co-operative Difference: Democracy in an Age of Uncertainty”.

Some highlights:

30% of Canadians adults are co-op members representing 9 million people.
57%, of Canadians have a deep connection to the same values as the co-operative and mutual sector but 66% of this group are not currently members.
Nearly 80% of Canadians consider that the co-operative principles are appealing characteristics for a business.
Nearly half of Canadians say Canada would be better with more co-ops.
95% of Canadians agree the world would be a better place if people collaborated more with each other.

CMC, in collaboration with David Coletto and Abacus Data, conducted a national public opinion research study late in 2019. Five thousand Canadian adults including 1,463 self-identified co-op members responded to the survey, which explored public attitudes about the economic system, broader public concerns, and what role co-operatives could play in alleviating those concerns. The survey also sought to profile co-operative members in Canada.

The resulting report identifies a number of next steps including transforming the potential of co-operatives into clear key messages to position the co-op model as a response to the uncertainty Canadians feel.

For more information download the survey FactSheet and the Final Report.

DAYS REMAIN TO APPLY AS STAFF FOR CO-OP CAMP

Friday, March 13th is the deadline to apply to become Co-op Camp Staff.

We’re seeking up to 50 co-op sector or credit union system employees, elected officials and Co-op Camp alumni aged 17 years of age or up to volunteer to staff one of the camps this summer.

Each session is staffed by six to ten individuals who act as counsellors, coaches and mentors.

Our Staff training workshop in late May will provide you with all the resources and information you need for your camp. Plus, each camp is supported by a program assistant and co-ordinator.

The final day to apply is March 13, 2020. FAQ and application forms are on the Staff pages of the SCA website.

CREDIT UNION IMPACT REPORT

CCUA, the Canadian Credit Union Association, has released its 2019-2020 Community and Economic Impact report, which includes a series of easy to read infographics and bullet points.

The social, economic and community impact of Canada’s 239 credit unions and caissses populaires is succinctly and colourfully presented - from their support of rural communities and farmers, to the $6.5 billion they add to Canada’s economy, to being leaders in corporate social responsibility. The report is HERE.

CHECK OUT THE SCA BLOG!

The SCA team continues to add new content to our blog. This month:

Tracey Quiring explains the eight things you should do before coming to Co-op Camp as Staff. Tip number seven is all about hot water. Read her full article HERE.
Victoria Morris provides co-op leaders - as well as co-op members - with actions and useful ideas they can each take to increase member engagement. How many have you tried? Click HERE to read.

Previous blog posts include developing a co-operative member engagement strategy, and helping shy kids feel comfortable at Co-op Camp.

FCL USES STRONG FINANCIAL YEAR TO INVEST IN CO-OPS, COMMUNITIES

Nearly 300 delegates representing 168 local co-operative associations from across Western Canada took part in Federated Co-operatives Limited’s 91st Annual Meeting on March 2.

They reviewed FCL’s second-best financial year ever. FCL recorded revenues of $9.2 billion, down four percent from the previous year, and realized earnings of $959 million. $649 was returned to local co-ops and their communities in Western Canada.

FCL’s 2019 annual report, financials and more highlights can be viewed at www.fcl.crs/annual-report.

CO-OP CAMP BEGINS IN LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS

The first session of Co-op Camp begins July 7. Registration is now open, and camps are beginning to fill.

Dates, eligibility, prices and lots of other Information about our camps are posted on our website. Begin by looking at http://sask.coop/youth/co-op-camp/camp-dates.

We're looking for co-ops, credit unions, tribal councils and community organizations to sponsor one or more young people to attend.

The theme this year is Make Meaningful Memories. New graphics and posters are available so you can start to promote Co-op Camp right away. View all our promotional tools and sponsor resources HERE.

If you haven’t received your Co-op Camp 2020 information package, please contact Tracey Quiring, Program Officer, Tracey.Quiring@sask.coop or 306-343-3583

The first days of camp will be here before you know it - start recruiting now!

PS: Tag @CoopCampRocks in your social media posts whenever you mention Co-op Camp. It'll help us easily find your posts so we can amplify your messages through our own networks!

CONCENTRA BANK AMONG THE RECIPIENTS OF THE “BEST MANAGED” AWARDS

Congratulations to four organizations with strong ties to the Canadian co-operative and credit union sectors. These companies have earned the “Best Managed” designation seven years or more and been awarded Platinum Status: Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, Concentra Bank, Connect First Credit Union, and Servus Credit Union.

Each company has been evaluated using a scorecard that includes categories like strategy, execution, culture, finances, corporate responsibility and more. Read the full list HERE.

CO-OPS, CREDIT UNIONS MAKE SK TOP EMPLOYERS LIST

Congratulations to these three organizations for once again appearing on the list of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers: Access Communications Co-operative Ltd., Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group Limited and Synergy Credit Union Ltd.

This designation, using the same eight criteria as the national competition, recognizes the Saskatchewan employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. Read the complete winners list HERE.

COMING SOON: MARK YOUR CALENDARS

We want you to be part of these three SCA events, so we’re giving you lots of advance notice. Details for each will be released soon:

1.   APRIL 1, 2020 - Nomination open for the 2020 Co-op Merit Awards.
2.   JUNE 25, 2020 – Co-op Classic Golf Tournament.
3.   OCTOBER 14, 2020 – 2020 Saskatchewan Co-op Conference.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Sunday, March 8 was International Women’s Day, a time to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

How did you celebrate?

Check out our Twitter feed for the many messages we gathered and passed on from other sector organizations.

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Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) is the apex organization for the province’s 900 co-operatives and credit unions. SCA is incorporated as a community service co-operative and is owned by its members, many of which are co-op federations or associations.

On behalf of the Saskatchewan co-operative community, SCA works to support and promote the co-operative model for community and economic development.

Copyright © 2020 Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, All rights reserved.

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