Nomination info – Woodsworth Housing Co-operative

Election 2025: Spotlight on CHFC

The Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada (CHFC) is made up of housing co-ops, as well as the organizations that support them, from across Canada.

CHFC holds an Annual General Meeting and Conference in a different city every year. Woodsworth always sends a Delegate and Alternate to represent us.

TESTIMONIAL from Woodsworth’s all-around do-gooder, Courtland Elliott:

I have been going to CHFC AGMs since the late 80s. I originally went as a board member because our Delegate had to drop out, and I had no idea of what to expect. Turns out it was pretty much what we used to call a Love Fest back in the day, possibly because a lot of the attendees were actually old school hippies, and social activists! In the intervening 40 years, I have come to understand that Woodsworth is a very valuable member of this community. Not an AGM goes by without some other co-op benefiting from our collective wisdom, both on how we have handled issues in the past, as well as how we are structured and functioning.

That we have had a Weekly for almost 50 years continuously is more than astounding to people in other co-ops across the country and, across the world! Did you know that a lot of co-ops only have a board? And that some co-ops do not even have an office? We have a LOT to offer!

As the Delegate or Alternate, there is a certain amount of homework that’s required, which is mostly determining what workshops would best serve Woodsworth. What has worked out is for the Delegate and the Alternate to publish what the workshops are to see if there is any general clamour from the membership for the workshop material. This past year, we did not receive anything in the way of suggestions of which workshops to take.

This being said, nothing is perfect. This past season, I missed out on one workshop because I couldn’t find it, and another one really did not seem to be what I expected — it was on finance stuff and there was nothing new to be glean from it. However, I did pick up a lot of information that is being useful for the safety and security committee, some of which has already been presented in the Weekly. I want to encourage people to consider getting involved. It often seems to be the same faces, but each time that I have gone to the conference, it has been with a new person that I was able to introduce to some of the old hands and we meet new folk.

Full disclosure, because of connections made at this last AGM, I have been asked to Chair the AGM of a co-op in Georgetown — that came completely out of the blue, and I am honoured and flattered to have been asked. All the training that I have had at these conferences and elsewhere should put me in good stead for doing this.
So consider running for the CHFC positions, and you will see me on that ballot as well!

Elections 2025: Spotlight on SLNA

SPOTLIGHT ON SLNA:

Woodsworth is not only a proud member of the international cooperative movement, and part of the thriving co-op housing sector in Canada. Located in the historic St. Lawrence Neighbourhood, which includes the original ten blocks of the old Town of York, it is also a member of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association. The SLNA represents housing properties and other organizations in this downtown area.

TESTIMONIAL from Woodsworth’s conscience, the infatigable Ronny Yaron:

I have enjoyed and still do enjoy being one of 3 delegates for Woodsworth Co-op to the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association (SLNA). The SLNA monthly meetings have been on Zoom since the pandemic. It is convenient, as we can shut off our video while we make and eat dinner. In the years when the monthly meetings were in person in OWN Co-op, we could get to know the delegates from the other member buildings in the neighbourhood. On Zoom, it is much more difficult to get to know the delegates.

The neighbourhood boundaries extend from Yonge St. to Parliament St. and from Queen St. to the GO tracks. Since we’re part of two wards and ridings, we have two municipal, provincial and federal politicians, which can be quite confusing. Each month the meetings feature several speakers about new developments in the area, the waterfront, the heritage conservation district, Metrolinx, news from our city councillors and MPPS, our waste reduction group, Jamii and other guest presentations about relevant issues. Personally I find these reports very interesting and that is why I continue to want to be a delegate and attend most meetings. Though there are three of us from our co-op, not all three need to attend the meetings. The SLNA website contains a lot of information and minutes of the meetings.

Election 2025: Spotlight on EDI (EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION)

SPOTLIGHT ON EDI (EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION):

Better Decisions — Diversity Strengthens our Co-op Community

In a democracy, such as Woodsworth, it isn’t necessary that everyone always agree; in fact, it’s unrealistic and detrimental to our well-being. It is natural that we all have our own different perspectives and opinions. But it’s important to recognize that these differences are actually our strength. Better decisions are made when a wide variety of perspectives are considered. Working through different perspectives leads to more creative and innovative solutions, and also better “buy-in” among the membership. Ensuring that everyone takes part, builds a stronger co-op and a stronger
community. A more fair one too.

Needless to say, Woodsworth needs ALL its members; it needs them to participate on the board, in committees and in community life. The EDI Committee was recently formed to help members who have not felt as included in co-op life, to be welcomed into it more fully.

TESTIMONIAL from Woodsworth’s bravest member (and most cheerful), the current EDI chair, Krystyne Akinniyi:

WE WANT YOU!! No experience, that’s ok. You want to learn about others, support, and be willing to listen and share. Please come out and join us! Our name changed from DEI to our Canadian version EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion). A little bit about our committee; we are from different cultures and races. We have experienced discrimination personally and professionally. We come from different areas of education and experience. As such, we have managed to be a cohesive group. Everyone participates with ideas, listening, and sharing and understanding.

However, we would love to have more members. What I have learned: not all people experience discrimination directly, but have witnessed it. It can be challenging to find the most effective way of developing a program to provide a safe space for all who are interested in making all members feel welcome and valued. Being involved in this group has helped me to express my experiences and goals. Learn about other people’s experiences and perspectives. A list of benefits for your community, and for you both personally and professionally (resumes, college/university programs): enrich your community relationships, create connections, be welcoming to all members & their visitors, see the changes we can make collectively, strengthen communication skills, discover new perspectives, build confidence, empathy and patience. If you have a trail-blazing personality, or you just want to learn and understand, please feel free to join us.

2025 Woodsworth Elections: WHAT MAKES A GOOD CANDIDATE?

2025 Woodsworth Elections: WHAT MAKES A GOOD CANDIDATE?
Elections Committee (nominate@woodsworthcoop.ca)

Nominations for November’s co-op elections are now open.

A reminder that Woodsworth can’t function properly if members don’t step up at election time to fill the open positions, especially on the Board of Directors.

Here are a few qualities that we believe make a good candidate to run in each of our elections:

• You care about your home.
• You have a willingness to learn.
• You understand the importance of cooperation, achieving compromise, and working constructively with other members for the benefit of Woodsworth.
• You are respectful and reliable.
• You follow the rules outlined in the co-op bylaws and policies.
• You respect decisions that are the result of properly constituted votes.

Board of Directors:

CHF Canada says this about co-op governance — “A strong Board of Directors is key to a healthy co-op. Board governance is the cornerstone of success for housing co-ops. When we don’t get governance right, we put everything else at risk.”

TESTIMONIAL from long-time co-op powerhouse Jane Rubel:

Thanks, Elections Committee, for getting volunteers to share their experiences in The Weekly. I’ve worked on many committees over the years, and I have to say my favourites have been The Landscape Committee and The Board.

Two wildly different experiences. Landscape is, hands down for me, the most positive committee to be on. Complete strangers will stop and compliment you, and the whole co-op can see your efforts. It doesn’t matter if your hands have never touched earth before, either – absolute beginners are welcome.

But being on The Board is, by far, the most rewarding. You and six other members work together to do the best that you can for the co-op for a couple of years. It’s the group with the most responsibility, arguably the most difficulties to deal with, but it is also the very best way to get involved in the co-op. Learn how this place runs, see your own efforts contribute to the welfare of almost 500 people and work with our employees, the office and maintenance staff. From the inside, where decisions are made.

And you are one of the people making those decisions. (But don’t forget – you are a volunteer group, and not expected to have all the answers; just do your best!) You become one of a select group (literally) of people with core co-op knowledge. You’ll see this place with new eyes – I really recommend it! And it’s a nice thing to put on a resumé, to be a voluntary board member of a successful co-op…

Elections 2025 – nomination forms

2025 elections: DIRECTORY and EDITORIAL committee chairs

This week’s spotlight on Directory and Editorial committees chairs.

2025 Woodsworth Elections
Nomination Period: Mon Sept 8 – Fri Nov 7
Advance Voting: Fri Nov 21 – Thurs Nov 27
AGM & Elections: Thurs Nov 27

Open Positions in 2025:

Board of Directors — 3 positions
Conflict Mediation Committee — 3 positions
Membership Committee — 3 positions
CHFC delegates — 2 positions
SLNA representative — 1 position
Directory Chair — 1 position
Editorial Chair –1 position
EDI Chair — 1 position

Nomination Forms:

Nomination Forms are located in the photocopy room. They can also be downloaded from the Woodsworth website, found under the headline “Forms.” There are two forms, and they outline different eligibility requirements: one for the Board of Directors and another for all other positions.

Please fill one out and leave it in the gray Elections Mailbox in the photocopy room.

Note that electronic signatures are not accepted, so please only submit a paper copy.

Candidates will need to write a short “bio” and submit a photo of themselves. These will be used in the voting package which will be handed out in November.

DIRECTORY CHAIR:

The Member Directory is published in booklet form annually. It includes a list of all co-op members, directors, committee contacts, and the names of block reps. The Directory Chair is responsible for putting the booklet together and arranging its printing and distribution.

TESTIMONIAL from one of Woodsworth’s heavy-hitters, Jill Macdonald:

Woodsworth is an intentional community and relies upon a current directory of its residents to encourage that essential co-operative community spirit and facilitate democratic functioning. The directory provides the following information: Member’s name, unit #, telephone number; Same for members of the Board, Committee Chairs and other members holding recognized positions within the Co-op, as well as Management / Maintenance. And, if desired, other information such as member email addresses, names of long-term guests & children over 16, a map of the co-op, emergency and other useful contact numbers may be included.

I’ve been the Chair for many years and am no longer able to do it, but I am able to teach the next Chair. It’s not difficult, the co-op provides a budget and it’s produced off-site, so all that’s required is collection of information, data input and a bit of artwork and everyone will be so grateful to you! I hope you will contribute to this essential part of co-op life.

– Jill Macdonald

EDITORIAL CHAIR:

The co-op newsletter (The Weekly) is published every week and its purpose is to provide news and items of interest and importance to Woodsworth members. It also includes notices, announcements of meetings and events, letters from members, and news and information from the neighbourhood. The Chair of the editorial committee provides leadership to the roster of newsletter editors.

TESTIMONIALS from two members from Windmill Line Co-op which does not have a newsletter like ours. They were recently introduced to our Weekly when taking part in an exchange with neighbourhood co-ops, and here are their thoughts:

The Woodsworth Weekly was a revelation to me! It provides a forum for deep, genuine conversation among members about issues that really matter. Effective, civil communication is vital to democracy — in co-ops and elsewhere. Your Weekly is so much more constructive than gossip in the laundry room (although that will probably never vanish). Keep up the great work!
– Barbara Czarnecki, Windmill Line Co-op

Several months ago, I had the privilege of reading your WEEKLY, and I was immediately captivated. What struck me the most was the open forum it provides for members to express themselves freely and authentically. It not only fosters a democratic space for dialogue but also encourages the vibrant exchange of ideas, hobbies, interests, and cherished memories, all while sprinkling in moments of joy and fun. The stunning photography contributed by your members was particularly inspiring, showcasing the talent within your community and the beauty of shared experiences. Furthermore, your Elections Newsletter was a masterclass in clarity and engagement. It presented the electoral process and the critical importance of participation in a straightforward, factual manner that everyone could appreciate.

Thank you for your dedication to creating such an enriching platform; it must truly make a difference!
Warm regards,
– Camille Hines, Windmill Line Co-op