That the co-op foster closer community ties among its members provide a supportive environment for people of all ages, and maintain a cooperative community approach to conflict resolution.
FiNDlNGS
1. The Social Committee has made a number of efforts to work with children and teens. The children’s Christmas parties have been successful, but two teens’ Christmas parties were not well-attended.
2. Woodsworth seniors meet every Thursday in the Penthouse for tea, talk and bridge. The Old York Club for seniors also meets once a month in the Penthouse.
3. The one-bedroom units at Woodsworth are the only ones that are wheelchair accessible. Where possible, wheelchair accessibility has been improved around the co-op.
4. 42% of all members report they have had a difficult situation or problem with a neighbour, and 65% report it was solved. Of those facing a problem, 42% involved the Grievance Committee to find a solution. Of those, 63% report the Grievance Committee handled the issue in a fair manner.
5. Compared to when they first moved in, 44% of all members feel the level of community spirit at the co-op is worse. 31% feel it is the same.
6. 61% of all members (and 74% of all parents) believe the co-op is a good place to bring up children.
7. 65% of all members (and 82% of single parents) believe the co-op is a good place to be for single parents.
8. 68% of all members (and 95% of seniors) believe the co-op is a good place to be for seniors.
9. 59% of all members believe the co-op is a good place for residents with a physical disability; and 46% a good place for newly arrived immigrants.
1O. 91% of all members stated Woodsworth is very friendly or friendly as a neighbourhood. Good feelings about neighbours, the neighbourhood and community were also the positive features of the co-op most frequently cited by members.
11. ln the survey, members were asked to identify problems at the co-op. While a variety of problems were cited, some of those most frequently noted were: non-participation and a lack of community spirit by some members, and problems with teens in the park and related noise, as well as vandalism.
lMPLlCATlONS
In general, it appears that members feel we have a good sense of community at Woodsworth, even though people say community spirit has decreased in recent years. In particular, it is good to see that parents, single parents and seniors all feel even more positively than the general membership about their place at Woodsworth
ln problem areas, the teen/park problems seem to be a major concern and must be the focus of more attention by the Board and membership. In regard to internal difficulties among co-op members, it does appear that our grievance procedures are helpful in many instances.
RECOMMENDED ACTlONS
1. The Membership Committee should develop and implement a program to help young people become more active participants in the co-op movement.
2. The revised members’ handbook should also list those under 18 along with the parent or guardian in the members’ list.