In this E-News

• There is still time to register for Operationalizing Co-op Identity short course
• 5 spots left for Credit Union Leadership Program CanadaDE 2022
• Apply by May 31 for Master's, Graduate Diploma and Certificate programs
• Webinar recording - Isthmus Engineering: Case Study on Worker Co-op Governance
• New case study research on COMEBO Industries and Agropur Dairy Cooperative
• Contribute to disaster recovery efforts for Ukrainian co-ops and members

Online, Part-time Co-operative Management Programs

Applications are open until May 31 (or until full) for the Master’s, Graduate Diploma and Certificate programs in co-operative and credit union management. Designed for working professionals in co-operatives, credit unions and mutuals, our online, part-time programs span 3 years, 16 months and 10 months in duration. Excel in co-operative management, increase impact for your members, elevate your organization and connect with a global network of leading practitioners, educators and scholars in the co-operative economy. Bursaries are available.

Webinar Recording - Isthmus Engineering: A Case Study on Worker Co-op Governance

Isthmus Engineering is described as a "verdant example" of a "highly democratic" worker co-operative in a technical field. On March 1, we hosted a webinar showcasing case study research on their participatory democratic governance with presentations from member/owner Ole Olson and researcher/author Margaret Lund.

Watch the webinar recording.

Read the webinar transcript (thanks to Grassroots Economic Organizing).

Read the case study.

Case Study:

COMEBO Industries

By Margaret Lund & Pierre Liret

‘The 2019 award to COMEBO Industries of the annual “Coup de coeur des initiatives inspirantes” prize (“our favorite inspiring initiatives”) by the national association of French worker-owned cooperatives (Confédération Générale de SCOP) was both a welcome surprise and recognition long overdue. The award was in recognition of COMEBO’s creative implementation of “mini-SCOPs” (small autonomous factory units within the cooperative), as well as their commitment to cooperative education and training, and an effective working relationship with the co-op’s labour union local. It marked the culmination of 50 years of effort and experimentation by the cooperative to show that a more creative, democratic and participatory structure of work is possible, even in the tradition-bound manufacturing sector.’ Read it here.

Case Study:

Agropur Dairy Cooperative

By Claude-André Guillotte

'This case study on Agropur Dairy Cooperative (Agropur) aims to shed light on the governance of this large dairy processing cooperative. More specifically, the Agropur case study proposes original applications of cooperative values, principles, and practices in a large cooperative operating in a globalized and competitive context. This story is told by discussing the Cooperative and its history, considering the deep commitment to a cooperative ethos within Agropur and with its stakeholders, and understanding the relationships between Agropur, its members, and the regulated Canadian dairy industry context.’ Read it here.

Find other reports and case studies here.

Disaster Recovery Initiatives for Ukraine's Co-operatives and Members

Looking for ways to show your solidarity with Ukraine’s co-operatives and members?

The Cooperative Development Foundation in partnership with NCBA-CLUSA and National Co+op Grocers launched a Disaster Recovery Fund to provide Ukrainian co-operatives with immediate and ongoing aid. Donate today.

The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada is also collecting funds on behalf of several partner co-operatives and women's co-operative initiatives in particular. You are invited to donate today.

Elevating the performance and impact of co-operative enterprises through customized business education and research.

International Centre for Co-operative Management | managementstudies.coop

cme@smu.ca | @CoopMgmt

The International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary's University is located in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded and never surrendered territory of the Mi'kmaq. The Mi'kmaq have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. It is covered by the 18th century Peace and Friendship Treaties. We are Treaty People.