The Four Strategic Areas
The Ontario Co-operative Association provides innovative programs and services to support its membership, and to strengthen and promote the Ontario co-operative sector. These programs and services are organized according to On Co-op's four strategic areas.
Lifelong Co-operative Learning
Sowing the seeds of co-op education and participation, and teaching future co-op leaders.
On Co‑op is passionately committed to the development and enrichment of co‑operative leaders and the sharing of co‑op knowledge. The association creates and delivers programs and learning resources, including:
- Co‑operative Management Certificate Program
- Co‑operative Young Leaders Program
- Co‑operative Internship & Experience Program
- High school and post-secondary curriculum and resources
- Affordable and practical online learning activities
Government Relations
Forging and strengthening relationships between the co-op sector and all levels of government.
On Co-op is a co-operative. Through its membership, the association represents 85 percent of the English-speaking co-ops and credit unions in Ontario. On Co‑op’s initiatives build and strengthen government relationships, while championing new programs and regulations that support the growth of co‑ops, by:
- Facilitating provincial roundtables and discussions on challenges and opportunities facing Ontario’s co‑op sector.
- Advocating for recognition and support within government and the private sector.
Co-operative Development
Helping all Ontario co-operatives get going ... and growing.
On Co‑op provides for the creation, funding and development of Ontario co-operatives and credit unions. Emerging, new and established co-ops benefit through:
- Technical assistance and a 411/911 co-op phone help line
- Board, staff and member training
- Mentoring programs
- Referral network
Communications and Member Relations
Enhancing understanding of co-ops, and providing networking opportunities within the sector.
On Co‑op facilitates information sharing and creates opportunities for co‑operatives to network, exchange ideas and collaborate.
- On Co-op delivers topical information for and about Ontario’s co‑operatives, sector stakeholders and champions through its electronic newsletters, website, social media networks, brochures and magazines.
- Workshops, sector-specific events andco-op assemblies such as the annual Co-operative Conference and Gala are organized by On Co-op to provide professional development, education and networking opportunities.
- Media releases, co‑op guides and face-to-face meetings raise awareness of co‑operatives across the province, and highlight issues, challenges and successes.
- Events such as the annual Queen’s Park Reception enable sector leaders to network with MPPs, cabinet ministers and public policy makers.
