Education and Resources
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Model Occupancy By-law for Ontario co-ops (2017)
This by-law sets out the rights and responsibilities of occupying a housing co-op unit (2017). CHF Canada recommends that all Ontario housing co-ops update their Occupancy by-law first, followed by their Organizational by-law. Use this model and the Guide to take you through the steps.
Your co-op’s board of directors
Know what to look for to make sure your co‑op's board of directors is on track.
Model Organizational By-law for Ontario co-ops
This by-law sets out the rules about how an Ontario housing co‑op is organized and run. We recommend that all Ontario housing co-ops update their Organizational by-law after updating their Occupancy by-law. (2015)
Getting governance right
Learn about good governance and principled leadership in your housing co-operative (2010).
Co-operative housing: More than a home
Watch this short video about how co‑op housing transforms neighbourhoods and improves people's lives (English with French subtitles).
What makes a good board tipsheet
Review this short tipsheet to help you remember the key pointers to good governance and principled leadership.
Monthly Featured Resource
August Featured Resource: LGBT2SQ Inclusive Co-op CommunitiesUpdated May 2018
This brochure shares some tips on how you can help your co‑op become a more inclusive community. Learn what LGBT2SQ stands for and how to support equal rights for LGBT2SQ communities by becoming an ally to ensure your co‑op is a safe space for everyone.
July Featured Resource: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable development is development – environmental, social or economic – that meets the needs of today while making sure that the needs of others are not compromised in the future. This resource explains how the United Nations’ seventeen sustainable development goals can be achieved by housing co-ops as they follow the International Co-operative Alliance’s Co-ops for 2030 campaign.
Pledge to make a change by reducing poverty or protecting the environment at your housing co-op. (2018)
June Featured Resource: Bringing information back to your co-op
Do you want to bring great AGM workshop materials and resources back to your co‑op? Here are a few ways to get started: Check out this Tip Sheet to help you focus your ideas and communicate effectively. Make sure to pick up 1-page summaries from your workshop leaders, which will give you a concise snapshot of what you’ve covered.
May Featured Resource: A quality co-op employer charter
Being an employer is an important responsibility!
Co-op staff depend on the board to offer a professional work environment and stable employment conditions that support the sound management of our co-op.
Encourage your co-op board to adopt this charter and commit to providing an enriching and professional experience for co-op managers.
April Featured Resource: Young member engagement strategy
Share this practical guide with your co op and to learn about the important first steps in engaging the future leaders of our sector (2013).
March Featured Resource: Checklist for succession planning and leadership renewal
Spring will spring this month! As new things start to grow, this is a good time to take a look at how your co-op plans for its Board elections. Use this checklist to make sure your co-op encourages new growth in its leadership.
Tips & Tricks
An evolving collection of themed links from around the Web: Make the most of meetings!
Energize your monthly board meetings
Check out these creative strategies for making board meetings productive and fun!More
Agenda planning
Prepare an effective agenda and use your board’s time wisely.More
What is active listening?
Improve your communication with others by using this secret: active listening!More
10 Tips for Being an Effective Board Member
Share this short reminder of what it means to be a good director.More
A Recipe for Good Board Meetings
Use these ingredients to cook up a delicious meeting.More
How to develop ground rules in a group
These tips will help members agree on some ground rules before starting their meetings.More