Invitation to Join

You are invited to join an exciting and highly innovative endeavour that will significantly improve your organization's effectiveness and service capability: a new province-wide Co-op serving the needs of the non-profit community service sector.

The overall goals of the Co-op are to save money for its members by maximizing their purchasing power, and to undertake joint projects with suppliers, government and other strategic partners on their behalf.

The Co-op is in its early stage of development and now is the time to get in on the ground floor. As an active member, your organization will help the Co-op select its priorities. Join now to ensure that we are positioned with respect to your needs. A membership application form is included in this package.

What is the Co-op's mandate?

Initial focus groups have indicated a need for a Co-op to:

The mandate of the Co-op will ultimately be determined by its members.

How will your organization benefit?

Your organization will save money through joint purchasing in these and other areas: financial services, training materials, consultation, hardware and software, fax machines, cell phone airtime, accreditation processes. You'll benefit from business leadership training programs and consultation; from new opportunities to work with the government based on a sector-wide relationship; and from the leadership the Co-op will provide in new and innovative business systems.

How is the Co-op governed?

Members elect a representative board of directors. Each member has one vote on all issues and for elections at general meetings. The board meets regularly and will be responsible for policy and direction. Committees will be appointed by the board to take on specific responsibilities or tasks. A small staff may be required to run the Co-op day-to-day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's been done so far?

Organizing

The idea for a co-operative association came out of a series of discussions among non-profit community service organizations' executive directors. Two focus groups followed which confirmed the need for a co-op and set the direction. During May and June 1998 information was distributed at various provincial meetings and through several existing organizations, inviting any qualified organization to join in the development of the Co-op. At a general meeting in late June, a steering committee was appointed. The steering committee initiated the incorporation process under the Co-operative Associations Act of BC. Incorporation was completed, "Co-op rules" are in place, and the inaugural meeting elected the first Board of Directors.

Business Planning

The Directors have adopted a short-term business plan to guide its work and to focus the efforts on the most cost effective and value-added requirements of its members and potential members.

Communicating

Co-op up-dates have been issued periodically over since August 1998, distributed widely in the sector and a business feasibility study completed. An office has also been set up with one of the members as the landlord.

Business Development

The Business Plan is being carried out, starting with several priority products and services arising out of the business feasibility study. In 1999 the priorities include: retail food products and household items (applicable mainly to residential programs), financial and banking services, insurance products and hardware and software. In addition, the Co-op has initiated a Reference Group on Information Systems and sector-wide consideration of SectorNet, a long-term information system development strategy.

Who is involved so far?

In the development stage over 230 non-profit organizations expressed interest in the co-op. By late March 1999, thirty-six organizations have joined and many more are prepared to join as the Co-op deploys products that meet their needs.

The Co-op's Identity

The Co-op is an association of non-profit community service agencies in British Columbia. It develops and implements group purchasing and contracting arrangements and innovative business processes that add value to its members. The Co-op's goal of serving the non-profit sector makes it a uniquely value-driven organization.

The Co-op's Core Lines of Business
The Co-op serves its members through co-operative business relationships:

Benefits to Your Organization

Purchasing Power

Accumulated purchasing power can add value to your services. This could extend to financial services, transportation costs, training materials, hardware and software, communication, expenditures on food, etc.

Best Practices

Your organization may have developed some 'best business practices'. Other organizations have done so as well. Bringing all those best practices will help community service organizations to be more effective.

Information Systems

Your organization will likely face increasing costs on information systems, databases and data processing requirements. The Co-op will support implementation of new and co-operative arrangements of these services wherever it makes sense.

Risk Management

Your organization may be managing more risk and doing more complicated business with the provincial government. Requirements for accountability, quality and service standards increase. The Co-op can work with government, piloting and testing new technologies and processes on members' behalf.

Leadership

Board and executive leadership is critical to keep your organization strong. The Co-op can support practical business leadership training and consultation that meets your needs as a non-profit organization.

New Solutions

Your organization will be providing new solutions to critical issues in the community. The Co-op membership will facilitate innovative delivery systems - across agencies and across communities.

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