That Woodsworth Co-op be an active partner and participant in the co-op housing sector and the broader Canadian co-operative movement.
FlNDlNGS
65% of all members report having participated in past co-op housing lobby efforts organized by the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT).
57% of all members report having donated food during the CHFT Foodshare drive last October.
25% of all members report having taken a CHFT course or seminar, or attended a CHFT~ event. For members who have held elected office at Woodsworth, the figure is 49%; and for past and current Board members, the figure is 72%.
In responding to the list of 10 issues/causes that Woodsworth might take a position on and provide donations to the “co-operative movement” choice ranked at the top in both cases. (See report on Objective 11 for further details.)
13% of all members report being a member of another co-op and 29% report being a member of a credit union.
lMPLlCATlONS
The study shows that Woodsworth and its membership appear to be reasonably active in and supportive of the housing co-op sector and the broader co-op movement. Significant numbers of members appear to be participating in political lobby campaigns and special projects such as the food drive. However, the participation in CHFT courses and seminars could bµe higher and Woodsworth may wish to consider how to formalize closer relationships with other co-op organizations where mutual support or business relationships would be useful.
The process for appointing CHFT and CHF delegates and how these representatives report back to the membership was not studied – but should be in the future.
RECOMMENDED ACTlONS
1. Board and committee members are strongly urged to take appropriate courses offered by CHFT.
2. Staff should publicize to members all CHFT courses and Woodsworth’s reimbursement policy.
3. Up to 15 minutes of each members’ meeting should be allocated to presentations about other co-op organizations, projects, information about other local co-ops should also be included in the events. revised members’ handbook.
4. The Board should set a policy regarding the selection of delegates to co-op organizations and events, and that includes how these delegates√ are expected to report back to members.