Posts Tagged ‘Interns’
Hi everyone, my name is Melanie Desjardins and I am completing my 6 month CIEP internship at The Ontario Co-operative Association (On Co-op) as their Communications Intern. So far it has been an excellent experience! I have had the opportunity to test my skills at many different tasks, including: updating our company website regularly, maintaining the company database and E directory, writing news releases and creating an RFP for the creation of our new website. I have also been lucky enough to be apart of On Co-op’s Marketing Committee. Through this I have met other professionals in the communications field and in the various co-op sectors. My hope for the outcome of this internship is to network with those in the industry, learn more about this diverse sector and gain more experience in the communications field.
About On Co-op
On Co-op’s mission is to lead, cultivate and connect Ontario’s co-operative sector. We help develop, unite and promote co-operatives throughout the province, in addition to being the ‘hub’ of information for everything about co-ops and credit unions in Ontario. On Co-op is unique as we are not only the one organization to bring together all of the co-ops and credit unions in Ontario, but we offer each of them support through all of their business ventures. We are the common voice that offers resources in 4 strategic areas: co-operative development, government relations, membership and communications and lifelong co-operative learning. These areas each host a variety of programs that further our mission and create awareness of co-operatives in the province. It is a great place to work and an excellent environment to be a part of!
Interns at Work: Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada – Ontario Region
Posted on: August 4, 2009
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My name is Lindsay MacDougall and I am a CIEP Intern with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, Ontario region. My position is Program Assistant to the Manager of Government Relations as well as the Manager of Co-op Services.
The Ontario Region of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is the voice of co-operative housing on matters that affect Ontario
co-operatives and their members. We exist to unite, represent and serve the community of housing co-operatives and member organizations. As such, my roles have been exciting and diverse, including members meetings, member concerns, government consultations and research of relevant funding and programs within the co-op housing sector, both past and present.
CHF Canada aligned with the Ontario region and local associations adheres to a very clear mission to:
1. Advance and defend the values and principles of our members.
2. Be the voice of the co-operative housing movement before the general public and the provincial government.
3. Promote the successful operation of housing co-operatives in Ontario, particularly those using provincial programs, by offering services to meet their unique needs.
4. Defend the interests of members, singly and together, by intervening as needed with the provincial government.
5. Manage the resources of the Ontario Region for the benefit of Ontario members.
6. Express the views of the Ontario members on matters of national concern.
7. Promote the growth of the co-operative housing movement in Ontario by mobilizing our own membership and by seeking support from the provincial government.
8. Inform the general public about housing conditions in Ontario and what co-operatives can do to improve them.
9. Ally ourselves with other Ontario organizations working for social and economic justice.
10. Take part in the wider co-operative movement within Ontario and promote its growth.
As a main priority, the CHF Canada and its Ontario Region continue to build strength and partnerships through adherence to the seven principles of international co-operation. Some examples of those principles in practice within the co-op housing sector include:
Principle #5: Education, Training and Information
Housing co-ops offer education and training to their members, directors and staff so that everyone can play a full role in the life of the co-op. Education ensures that we know what we are doing and understand the entire nature and benefit of our housing co-op. Ultimately good governance promotes the importance of education and training and making sure it gets included in the budget.
Principle #6: Co-operation among Co-operatives
As a federation we believe that organizing together is crucial in building a strong and healthy co-op movement, that is why we link as housing co-ops and build our movement by doing business and supporting other kinds of co-ops where it is possible. Mutual self help is a cornerstone of
co-operatives and in order to maintain our autonomy and independence we need to foster a network that can provide mutual support.
Principle #7: Concern for Community
Housing co-ops work to build strong communities inside and outside the co-op. From the beginning, co-operative values have included social responsibility and caring for others. The result of building strong communities has been the improvement in the overall quality of member’s lives and their communities.
About Me
I have recently graduated from York University with a Specialized Honours Degree in Global Political Studies. This internship has been an amazing opportunity, not only to learn about the co-operative movement but to learn from mentors that I consider longstanding, passionate and integral members of the movement. Ultimately, I wish to build a career in the co-operative housing sector, so that I may continue to expand my knowledge and contribute to the stability and growth of the co-operative sector as a whole.
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Hello! My name is Melissa Crawford and I’m a CIEP Intern in the Housing Department at Neill-Wycik Co-operative College: a student housing co-op. I am essentially a jack-of-all-trades and help out in many areas of running the co-op from member relations to administrative duties. Currently, I am working on updating the website so that it can continue to serve as a great information tool for current and future members of Neill-Wycik.
A little bit about Neill-Wycik:
The idea of Neill-Wycik came about in 1966 when a group of Ryerson students wanted a place that offered affordable student housing. Their idea took flight and within two years the 22 storey building was erected. Since then there has been an additional wing added to accommodate more students looking for the same thing.
Currently Neill-Wycik is home to just under 800 members who are students of the various colleges and universities in downtown Toronto. The co-op still holds true to its original mission of affordable downtown housing for students and encourages all members to be active in the Neill-Wycik and surrounding community.
Members participate in the running of the co-op through the Member Contribution Program where they must complete 2 hours of work each month. This can be anything from performing maintenance, starting a committee, or running social events. There are so many options for the members to choose from and it helps to keep the costs of running the co-op low.
Through the Member Contribution Program Neill-Wycik is able to give back to the community. Members can complete their hours by donating baked goods, essentials (such as socks, toothpaste, etc.), or helping with a food drive. These donations go to local charities and shelters to assist with their services.
Members also have access to a variety of facilities in the building which include: two roof-top decks equipped with BBQs, weight room, sauna, billiards room, computer lab and so much more!
Neill-Wycik is definitely where you want to live!
A little bit about Me:
Before starting my internship at Neill-Wycik I completed a BA Honours at Carleton University in History and Political Science. I then attended the Bachelor of Education program at Nipissing University and am now a certified teacher.
This internship is a great experience for me as it has helped to not only build a network of professional contacts but has also made me aware of the co-op movement and how it touches every aspect of society. This is also a learning experience for me and I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained from working in the co-op sector to my future career.
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Hello!
My name is Tamara Grominsky.
As a participant in the Co-operative Internship Experience Program (CIEP), I will complete my 6-month placement at Beechwood Co-operative Homes in Waterloo.
About Beechwood
Beechwood Co-operative Homes was formed in 1994 by people who came together to create an affordable housing community for themselves and others. The end product of their hard work is a diverse community where members feel a sense of safety, security and empowerment.
Beechwood Co-operative Homes is a 78 unit housing community with nine units specially modified to meet the needs of the visually impaired, hearing impaired, seniors and wheelchair users. We have two different types of members: those who pay market value housing charges and those who pay geared-to-income housing charges. Regardless of what they pay, all members are treated equally and receive one vote. Members contribute to the community by being on the board of directors, joining committees or using other skills to do tasks such as lawn work or gardening.
My role as assistant to the coordinator allows me to work with members on a daily basis. Essentially, I ensure the office and co-op run smoothly, whether this be through scheduling maintenance appointments, answering member questions or creating communication material to keep members up-to-date.
About Me
I recently graduated from York University in Toronto with a BA in English and Professional Writing. I hope to develop my understanding of the co-operative sector and investigate the unique relationship and use of communication among co-operatives.
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Interns after an exciting trip to the Guelph Campus Co-op.
In partnership with Service Canada – Career Skills, On Co-op facilitates the
Co-operative Internship Experience Program (CIEP). CIEP is a wage-subsidized employment and skill-building program. It provides host organizations within Ontario’s co-operative sector with Interns, while building the skills and knowledge of a new generation of leaders.
A highlight of the program is a three-day workshop that builds knowledge of the co-op sector among interns and helps establish lasting professional and personal connections.
This year’s workshop included trips to Planet Bean Coffee and Roastery run by the Sumac Worker’s Co-op, AgEnergy, and the Guelph Campus Co-op.
Keep an eye out for intern posts highlighting the organizations they work for and the work they do.
