Spirit Awards
The Co‑operative Spirit Recognition Awards program was established in 1999 to recognize the enormous contributions made by Ontario co‑operatives to the economic and social well-being of our province. 2011 marks the 13th anniversary of the Spirit Awards, when 11 co-operators will be recognized for their achievements!
Spirit Awards are presented annually during a special dinner and awards ceremony held during the provincial Co-operative Conference and Gala. On Co-op publicizes recipients of the Spirit Recognition Awards through local media, sector media, Gala announcements, On Co-op's web site, and the newsletters of member and partner organizations. Award recipients are recognized on stage during an evening banquet and awards ceremony, and a video is shown of them before they make a short speech from the stage. All award videos are also uploaded to the On Co-op Spirit Award Hall of Fame YouTube channel (see link at right).
THE CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT RECOGNITION AWARDS:
- recognize best practices and innovations with the co‑op and credit union movement.
- highlight the importance of youth in the co‑op sector; and encourage co‑operators to mentor and support young co‑operative leaders.
- acknowledge the significant contributions of Ontario co‑operators, including those who sustain our heritage.
- foster involvement in On Co‑op, and celebrate the contributions of those who have helped On Co‑op and its members grow.
PAST RECIPIENTS
As of October 2011, 110 Spirit Awards have been awarded. All Award recipients enter the Co-operative Spirit Recognition Awards Award Recipient Hall of Fame. To see current and past Award Recipients, click on the 'In this Section' link at right.
- You can see and hear our awards recipients at our Spirit Awards channel on Youtube. See the link at the bottom of this page.
NOMINATIONS WILL OPEN SOON FOR 2012 AWARDS
Members of the Ontario co-operative sector (including credit unions, caisse populaires and sector stakeholders) are welcome to nominate distinguished co-operative organizations or individuals for a Spirit Award. Nominees must be members of the Ontario Co-operative Association (or members of an association/federation which is a member of On Co-op). Nominations for the 2012 Spirit Awards will being March 1, 2012, and close June 1, 2012. Details will be posted soon.
Download the nomination form from the document links at right (WHEN AVAILABLE).
A Judging Panel will review the applications based on a criteria evaluation matrix.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Co-operative Social Responsibility
Recognizes those within the co-operative sector or credit union system who have demonstrated socially responsible business practices, and leadership in the implementation and promotion of sustainable social, economic, and/or environmental principles
Distinguished Co‑operator Spirit Award
Recognizes and honours those who have made notable contributions to the success of co‑operatives and/or credit unions across Ontario, or who have contributed to the heritage and evolution of Ontario co-ops/credit unions.
Co‑operative Youth Leader Spirit Award
Identifies young people (30 years of age or younger) who have made significant contributions to, or within, Ontario co‑operatives and/or credit unions
Co‑operative Youth Mentor Spirit Award
Recognizes the commitment and achievements of individuals or
organizations in mentoring youth and supporting their successes as young co‑operative leaders
Co‑operative Innovator Spirit Award
Recognizes and honours the recent contribution to a community through co‑operative or credit union initiatives
New Co‑operative of Distinction
Recognizes and honours a new co‑op, less than five years in business or still in the formative stages, which has made significant social or economic contributions to the community
Special Recognition
To recognize the co-operative achievements of organizations or individuals which may not fit the other Spirit Award categories. Examples -
- Co-ops or credit unions which have overcome challenges or difficulties
- Leadership in provincial, national or international arenas
- Excellence in other fields
Outstanding Contribution to the Ontario Co‑operative Association
The Board of Directors, at its discretion, may choose to recognize an individual who has contributed to the success of On Co‑op and its members
The complete set of Spirit Awards criteria and procedures, which goes into greater detail on each category, can be found at the top right of this page.
For more information on the 2011 Spirit Awards, click on the 2011 Conference and Gala link to the right.
