In joining the Ontario Co-operative Association, you are supporting the values and growth of the co-operative movement. Through On Co-op, our membership receives professional development, works together to network and share best practices, develops the next generation of co-op leaders, promotes the benefits of co-ops and credit unions, and supports co-operative development.

As a Member, Supporter or Friend of On Co-op, you will have special access to resources on co-op development, educational and resource materials, and sources of co-op funding and will benefit from discounted business services and partnerships. Most importantly, your support of the Association benefits all co-operatives in the province - investing in the development of current and future co-op organizations, infrastructure, leaders, employees and members.

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Any co-operative, credit union, caisse populaire or co-op sector federation which operates in Ontario may join On Co-op as a Member, Supporter or Friend. You may also join On Co-op if you are ...

• an organization that does business with, or supports the work of, the co-operative or credit union sectors, or co-operative's education - even if you are not a co-operative yourself.
• an individual with ties to, or an interest in, the  co-op movement, including CYL graduates, CIEP interns, current or past co-op employees, credit union or co-op Directors, or even co-op  members.
• a group which is in the process of organizing and developing your co-operative. Developing co-ops are encouraged to join the Association so that your group has access to co-op  development funds, discounted products and services, opportunities meet with and learn from others in the co-op movement, and chances to collaborate with other co-ops in your sector.
• a national, provincial, regional or community-based co-op or co-op federation.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP

Download the Member Categories and Benefits summary document from the Membership Benefits page to learn more.

Voting

Members: Organizations which join as Voting Members may exercise all of their democratic rights, and have access to all of On Co-op's programs, services and discount plans. They make and pass resolutions at members' meetings and may vote and discuss on the business of the Association. Voting Members may elect representatives to the Board of Directors, and may submit candidates to run for On Co-op's Board.  We encourage all co-operatives operating in Ontario, as well as federations, national, provincial, regional and community-based co-ops to join at this level.

Non-Voting

Organizations may also join On Co-op as Supporters or Friends. They may make attend all On Co-op events, workshops and functions, and utilize On Co-ops programs, services and most of the Association's benefit packages - some of which are outlined below. Supporters and Friends may attend members' meetings, but cannot vote or submit candidates for election to the Board of Directors.

Supporters: Any organization, including co-ops, professional associates, co-op developers, educators, researchers, funders, sector suppliers or co-op champions may join as a Supporter. Supporters have limited membership benefits in some areas, most notably participation in the democratic process at members' meetings.

Friends: Individuals, or co-ops in the development stage (or just newly formed), often join as Friends of On Co-op. An organization may join On Co-op as a “Friend-organization” for up to two years, subject to approval from the Board of Directors. After that period of time, they must move to Supporter or Membership categories - does not apply to "Friend-individual" category. Friends have limited membership benefits in some areas.

 

MEMBERSHIP OBLIGATIONS – VOTING MEMBERS, SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS

• Facilitate communication of On Co-op’s activities and affairs throughout your organization, federations and networks, including branches, related organizations and members/member organizations.
• Review and comment on program results and program plans.Contribute expertise and resources to support On Co-op’s mission, as you are able, or find appropriate.
• Support the mission and values of the Ontario Co-operative Association.
• Pay annual membership dues. 

VOTING MEMBERS

In addition to the above -

• Designate a senior leader within your organization to attend On Co-op membership and other meetings and participate in democratic decision-making.
• Elect a Board in accordance with the By-laws.
• Approve By-laws of the Ontario Co-operative Association.
• Appoint the Auditor.
• Approve a dues structure.
• Ensure sound management of the Ontario Co-operative Association and assist in setting the strategic direction.
• Review and comment on annual budget for the Ontario Co-operative Association.

 

• To apply for membership, visit our Membership Application page.

 

On Co-op operates on a one member, one vote principle.