CO-OPERATIVE SPOTLIGHT NEWSLETTER
FOR APRIL 7, 2021
SCA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
On April 1st, Saskatchewan Co-operative Association welcomed these 24 credit unions as members, with more joining in the coming weeks!
Affinity Credit Union
Bengough Credit Union
Biggar and District Credit Union
Bruno Savings and Credit Union
Churchbridge Credit Union
Conexus Credit Union
Cornerstone Credit Union
Crossroads Credit Union
Diamond North Credit Union
Dodsland and District Credit Union
Earl Grey Credit Union
Edam Credit Union
Foam Lake Credit Union
Innovation Credit Union
Kerrobert Credit Union
Luseland Credit Union
Radius Credit Union
Rockglen-Killdeer Credit Union
Sandhills Credit Union
St. Gregor Credit Union
Synergy Credit Union
Turtleford Credit Union
Unity Credit Union
Weyburn Credit Union
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association provides value to member organizations, which includes access to programs for youth, co-op elected officials and management. SCA facilitates a common table where members from all co-op sectors can work together on strategic initiatives at a regional and provincial level. SCA members are connected nationally through our membership in Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, and globally through the International Co-operative Association.
SCA is the essence of Co-operative Principle Six in action: co-operation among co-operatives. By working together, we can do more, learn more, and create a bigger impact than we can working alone.
Membership in SCA is available to all co-operatives, credit unions, federations of co-operatives, stakeholders and other organizations that can use the services and support the objectives of SCA. Want to learn more about membership in the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association? Click HERE or EMAIL Victoria Morris, executive director.
MAKING MAGIC IN 2021 THROUGH SCYP DAY CAMPS
The Co-op Camp Magic will be happening this summer!!
There are still opportunities for co-ops and credit unions to host a stop on our Co-op Camp travelling road show this summer. Things are beginning to fill up, however, so contact us as soon as you can to book your organization's spot.
For the price of sending three participants to camp in a regular year, your organization can sponsor at least 12 participants this year. They'll learn about co-operative values and have a fantastic time while doing so!
The response so far from our co-operative friends has been incredible in regards to sponsoring day camps in Saskatchewan communities this summer. We are excited to pack as many stops in as we can this summer and we want to include your co-operative or credit union in our plans.
To learn more about Co-op Camp 2021, or to sponsor a day camp call 306-343-3583 or EMAIL Tracey Quiring, SCA's program officer.
All SHA regulations are being followed. We are going to have a safe and healthy time this summer building our co-op knowledge!
RECOGNIZE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AN
INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION
The Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards honour individuals and organizations that have made an outstanding contribution to co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan. Here is your opportunity to recognize a board or staff member, volunteer, youth leader, or the contributions of a local co-operative or credit union.
The Merit Awards were deferred in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2020 recipients will be selected and honoured in conjunction with 2021 recipients this Fall. Nominations for the 2021 Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards will open soon -- so begin to think of the people and co-operatives that have made a difference.
The application process and other details will be posted in our next newsletter. If you want a head start, read up on the AWARDS and our inspiring PAST RECIPIENTS.
A ROADMAP TO DIVERSIFYING CO-OP BOARDS
The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) has released a new research paper by Jen Budney that provides a rough guide to how co-operatives and credit unions can start to diversify their boards. It further examines the state of diversity in large Canadian co-operatives, the difference between genuine diversity and tokenism, and why diversity should matter to all co-ops.
A 2020 survey by the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives revealed that Canada’s large, well-established co-operatives tend to have rather homogeneous boards in terms of gender and race. The aim of this paper is to help co-operatives and credit unions become more broadly inclusive, enabling them to better uphold the co-operative values and principles and bring greater benefits to local communities as well as society as a whole.
SASK CO-OP LEADERS: CMC SEEKS YOUR INPUT FOR ITS NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE REVIEW TABLE
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is looking for knowledgeable leaders within the co-operative sector to participate at its National Legislative Leadership Review Table.
This national table, one of two CMC is creating, will review and advocate for changes in our legislative framework regulating co-ops and insolvencies, as well as address legislative inadequacies in protecting members’ rights.
THE CO-OPERATORS RECOGNIZED FOR
EXECUTIVE GENDER DIVERSITY
The Co-operators has been recognized in a Globe & Mail Report on Business survey on gender diversity in corporate Canada. After evaluating hundreds of firms, RoB identified 71 with significant numbers of female executives, with 44% of the leadership roles held by women, on average. 46% of the executives at The Co-operators are women. Learn MORE.
THE AGENCY FOR CO-OP HOUSING POSTS RESOURCES ON CARING FOR HOUSING CO-OP BUILDINGS
Maintaining a housing co-op takes planning, follow-through and money. The payoff is that a well-kept co-op is a place where people want to live. Check out the RESOURCES compiled by The Agency for Co-operative Housing on building maintenance, capital planning, curb appeal and more.
GROWING CANADA’S CO-OPERATIVES ECONOMY
ONLINE FORUM ON APRIL 28th
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is hosting a national online forum on how co-operatives can grow Canada’s co-op economy. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 2:00-3:30pm (EDT) via Zoom. There is no charge to participate.
Participants will have the opportunity to share challenges and opportunities while learning from the experience of others. The forum is moderated by John Kay and Sylvie Naud and features simultaneous interpretation to English and French.
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Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) is the apex organization for the province’s 850 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.
The Co-op Camp Magic will be happening this summer!!
The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) has released a new research paper by Jen Budney that provides a rough guide to how co-operatives and credit unions can start to diversify their boards. It further examines the state of diversity in large Canadian co-operatives, the difference between genuine diversity and tokenism, and why diversity should matter to all co-ops.
Maintaining a housing co-op takes planning, follow-through and money. The payoff is that a well-kept co-op is a place where people want to live. Check out the 
Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) is hosting a national online forum on how co-operatives can grow Canada’s co-op economy. The event will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 2:00-3:30pm (EDT) via Zoom. There is no charge to participate. 
