Workshop Topics
Please click on a workshop title to view what the workshop offers and is about.
Board Basics
Full-Day Workshop (CB-1)
Every co-op board acts as its own cohesive unit and, while each co-op is unique, there are some basic fundamental management concepts that ensure every board member has a consistent understanding of how to manage to success.
This one-day comprehensive workshop is ideal for newly created boards and for new board members. Guided by best practices of principled leadership, participants will learn everything they need to know to immediately make a valuable contribution as a board member.
This workshop covers the following:
- introduction to co-operatives and co-op housing
- an overview of co-op principles
- providing principled leadership to your co-op
- roles and responsibilities of board members
- building a productive board-management team
- board meeting management
- navigating the decision-making process
- basic financial processes
- best practices for new member orientation
- diversity and inclusion considerations member selection
- overview of day-to-day operations of a co-op
Half Day Workshop (CB-2)
Managing Projects, Initiatives & Events at Your Co-op
The co-operative housing sector has moved beyond the traditional committee structure. Members in co-ops are able to make valuable and wide-reaching contributions through projects, initiatives and events that drive progress and result in a greater level of satisfaction and enjoyment for co-op members.
Learn the fundamentals of organizing and project planning to ensure success for your co-op’s next special events, marketing initiative or community program. Explore how you can make a lasting contribution to your co-op with this informative workshop.
This workshop covers the following:
- organizational structure of a co-operative
- rights and responsibilities of membership
- organizing initiatives that support your co-op’s strategic goals
- creating initiatives that instill pride in your co-op
- leveraging projects and events to demonstrate the co-op principles
Full Day Workshop (GV-1)
Good governance is the cornerstone of a successful co-op. When we don’t get governance right, we put everything at risk. But what does governance mean? How can Boards of Directors provide strategic and principled leadership in their co-op?
In this workshop, we won’t talk about the day-to-day work of being a board member. Instead, we’ll learn about the personal rewards and value of providing principled leadership, what governance is and how to get it right.
This workshop covers the following:
- governance vs. management in your co-op
- the good governance test
- creating organizational structures that work
- addressing the barriers to good governance
- electing good directors
- succeeding as a director and board member
- effective members’ meetings
- the role of the chair
- diversity, inclusion, harassment and bullying in the co-op setting
Full Day Workshop (GV-2)
Your co-op’s board members and managers make decisions on a daily basis that are impacted by conflict of interest and confidentiality issues. Ever more important, these considerations play out in such operational processes as member and candidate selection, eviction, tendering, etc. Ensure individuals involved in these processes know their rights, responsibilities and obligations.
This workshop covers the following:
- standards for confidentiality in a co-op setting
- negotiating the tendering process
- conflict of interest in co-op by-laws
- ethical board conduct
- addressing membership and staff inquiries
Half Day Workshop (GV-3)
Moving through important decisions in a group setting can be challenging process. Explore opportunities to approach problems with considerations for emotion, logic, history and consensus. Take the heat out of argument by cutting through to what matters to members and what generates the best outcome for all involved. You will be able to put these skills into practice immediately!
This workshop covers the following:
- navigating the decision making process
- methods of problem-solving that work
- group dynamics in democratic decision-making
- best practices for problem-solving
Half Day Workshop (GV-4)
This newly updated workshop will provide participants with more information to improve Board and GMMs. With a focus on process and best practice, you will be able to utilize this knowledge back at your co-op and see immediate results in more effective and efficient meetings.
This workshop covers the following:
- meetings that support co-operative principles
- a review role of the chair
- an overview of professional meeting protocol
- best practices for optimum time management
- setting agendas that work
- managing group dynamics in a co-op meeting setting
- effective board meeting minutes
Half Day Workshop (GV-5)
The strength of a board is comprised of its individual members. This workshop provides insight into the overarching principles of board candidacy and membership. Learn what it takes to be an effective co-op leader in this time of growth and change in the sector.
This workshop covers the following:
- an overview of co-op principles
- organizational structure of a co-op board
- keys to being an effective co-op leader
- the co-operative decision-making model
- the roles and responsibilities on a board
- an overview of the democratic election process
Half Day Workshop (GV-6)
The world seems to be speeding up. How do we keep things straight? It’s hard to know what takes priority. Managing your time has become more important than ever. Consider applying some of the best tried and true best practices for optimum time management in your busy day.
This workshop covers the following:
- principles of time management
- planning your time and energy
- strategies for effective time management
- managing timelines with projects and initiatives
Half Day Workshop (LT-1)
What will you do at the end of the current operating agreement? Over the coming 10 years, more than half of all co-ops will come to the end of their operating agreement. Communication and planning become increasingly important as your co-op moves through this process. What’s next? Explore the options and possibilities in this interactive workshops session.
This workshop covers the following:
- rights, by-laws and options for co-ops without agreements
- planning the communication process
- financial preparation for co-operative ownership
- working with your co-op federation partner
Half Day Workshop (LT-2)
The vast majority of Canadians plan to “age in place”. They would prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible before making the transition to assisted living. This population will need additional support and resources as they age. It’s time to address this growing demographic and plan for your co-op’s aging population. This informative session will equip you with the knowledge and awareness required to support the aging community in your co-op.
This workshop covers the following:
- planning for the aging co-op membership
- considerations for new member integration
- inclusion and special needs considerations for mobility
- living independently in a co-op setting
- transitioning to eldercare housing
- rights and responsibilities of the co-op board and members
- available resources and funding opportunities
Half Day Workshop (LT-3)
“What gets planned gets accomplished.” Learn to set strategic goals that make a difference in your co-op. Set “goalposts” or milestones to maintain momentum and ensure buy-in from people along the way. Explore methods and tools that work for project planning for short and long term goals in a community setting.
This workshop covers the following:
- strategic planning principles
- community-minded goal setting
- overview of project planning for short and long-term goals
Full Day Workshop (MG-1)
Co-op management is both a challenging and rewarding experience, where effective day-to-day management of operations determines the success of the co-op. A key component of having sound management is the Board’s role to manage personnel including co-op staff and external contractors.
In order to keep good staff, co-op Boards need to have a solid understanding of what makes a positive employer-employee relationship. This management workshop will equip you with the knowledge of principles and practice to help ensure the successful management of your co-op.
This workshop covers the following:
- governance vs. management in your co-op
- overview of the five “Core Management Standards”
- the interdependent roles of managers and directors
- working with the board to ensure principled leadership
- recruitment and selection of employees
- managing, motivating and evaluating staff
- the tendering process: scope of work, tendering call/award and managing the project
Full Day Workshop (MG-2)
This workshop is a must for new board members and a great review for long time members. A comprehensive introduction to the basics of the planning, forecasting and budgeting processes to ensure the viability of your co-op. Workshop attendees will find that the emphasis on real life examples will allow them to be an active and valuable participant in their very next board meeting.
This workshop covers the following:
- reading financial statements
- reducing risk through sound internal control processes and procedures
- managing arrears and vacancy loss
- setting co-op budgets
- planning and forecasting your co-op’s financial picture
- preparing for a financial audit
- your co-op’s fiduciary responsibility – rights and obligations
Half Day Workshop (MG-3)
Making the decision to evict a member is never a simple or easy one. Due diligence is key during this process. Ensure you are legally compliant and thorough while being fair to all parties involved during the process. This workshop will help ensure that paperwork and processes are in place and supported once this difficult decision has been made.
This workshop covers the following:
- overview of eviction procedure for co-ops
- making the eviction decision
- legal paperwork and process
- by-laws and legal obligations
Half Day Workshop (MG-4)
Finding good members can seem like it is the luck of the draw for your co-op. In reality, it is a process that requires some planning and a good deal of compliance. Ensure your co-op’s applicant selection process is both rigorous and fair with this informative workshop session.
This workshop covers the following:
- overview of co-op principles
- the membership interviewing process
- active listening skills
- member selection – federal program co-ops
- background checks, references and human rights legislation
- diversity and inclusion considerations in a co-op setting
- co-op membership rights and responsibilities
- best practices for new member orientation
Half Day Workshop (MG-5)
How does your co-op to attract new members? What works for you? What has worked for others? Communicating and promotion of co-op values and benefits is not as easy as it once was. Many co-ops are engaging in social media, newsletters, shared boards, etc. What will be your best practices for communicating with and marketing to your co-op audience? Walk away with new awareness and important suggestions, tips and feedback for new ways to reach your intended market.
This workshop covers the following:
- exploring best practices for communicating with members
- planning for communication to your current co-op membership
- attracting qualified applicants through promotion
- streamlining the membership selection process
- engaging digital marketing opportunities
- using social media to promote and communicate at your co-op
Half Day Workshop (MG-6)
Performing unit inspections provides a valuable opportunity to ensure safety, security and comfort for co-op residents. Taking a needs based approach, this workshop provides participants with an overview of the most effective, efficient and compliant processes for conducting various unit inspections. Save time and money with your newly acquired knowledge.
This workshop covers the following:
- conducting inspections in a co-op setting
- matching unit inspection types to the needs/requirements
- selecting qualified and skilled trades people
- reporting process for inspections
- managing safety and security during inspection
- procedures for move-in/out of units
Half Day Workshop (MG-7)
What does it take to be prepared for any emergency at your co-op? Preparation and planning is the key to managing risks in times of crisis. Reduce your co-op’s financial and legal exposure with this informative session.
This workshop covers the following:
- designing your co-op’s emergency plan
- disaster preparedness and readiness
- planning for community safety and security issues
- financial controls and financial preparation for emergency preparedness
- ensuring safety compliance in the contract tendering process
- roles and responsibilities of the board and members
Half Day Workshop (MG-8)
While conflict is a normal part of everyday life, it can be debilitating when it leads to communication breakdown. What do you do when you run out of options? And how can you avoid getting there in the first place? Explore new pathways to addressing conflict in this interactive session. Walk away with tips and hints for ways to manage conflict in your own life and to reduce the likelihood of conflict escalation in your co-op environment.
This workshop covers the following:
- understanding the origins of conflict in a co-op setting
- overview of conflict resolution process
- utilizing active listening skills in business communication
- rights and responsibilities of the board and members
- communicating difficult messages
Half Day Workshop (PD-1)
One in four Canadians will be touched by mental illness in their lifetimes. There is such a range of experiences and conditions for people dealing with mental illness in the daily lives. Participants will benefit from an overview of current issues, legislation and approaches to supporting people with mental illness.
This workshop covers the following:
- overview of mental illness in Canada
- addressing hoarding and other conditions in the co-op setting
- diversity and inclusion considerations
- ensuring safety and sensitivity
- addressing an issue: rights and responsibilities for co-ops and members
Full Day Workshop (PD-2)
True Colors: Leveraging Your Unique Personality for Effective Communication and Stress Management
True Colors is a tried and “true” self-discovery tool. This interactive workshop offers opportunities for self-reflection and to grow your awareness of how different personalities connect with the world around them. Our innate personalities impact the way we communicate in business and personal settings as well as how we react in stressful situations.
This workshop covers the following:
- overview of personality traits & behaviours in organizational settings
- understanding the impact of behavioural style on communication preferences
- leveraging conflict situations for co-op success
- navigating the democratic decision-making process
- managing stressful situations
Full Day Workshop (PD-3)
Stress-related health issues are on the rise in Canada. Why is it that some people fare better than others in stressful situations? Attend this workshop to help improve your own stress reactions and also gain some useful insight into how to communicate with those around you in stressful situations.
This workshop covers the following:
- understanding stress triggers
- identifying and managing your stress reaction
- communicating through stressful situations
- mindfulness and stress reduction
Book Today
To organize a workshop or for more information, please call the CHASEO office at (613)-327-2450 or jfournier@chaseo.coop.
Upon receipt of the request, CHASEO will confirm the workshop details and arrange for an instructor for your workshop. CHASEO will also provide your co-op with promotional materials to help ensure your workshop is a success.