At this year’s Spring Forum, alongside key workshops and our semi-annual general meeting, we are excited to launch the Centre for Co-operative Learning – a new online platform designed to elevate our educational offerings. This platform will provide easy-to-use, self-paced educational options and resources, making learning more accessible than ever before. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of co-op education—register today!
In person or online
Opening Ceremony, Territorial Acknowledgement
TBA
Grab a coffee or water and head to the workshops
- Co-op Case Files: Navigating Legal Dilemmas: Hybrid- Communication in Co-ops: applying a lens towards neurodiversity : In-person- Cultivating Neighbourly Belonging, Insight and Connection through Circle and Dialogue Processes: In-person - Co-op Governance Reimagined: In-person- Organize it!: Online
Prize Draws and Socialize
Celebrate the inspirational achievements of our remarkable scholarship winners
Grab a coffee or water
Hear about what's happening with your federation, the co-op sector and more!
Please choose one of the below
$160.00 + GST
$90.00 + GST
Important Note for Registrants
Please be aware that sessions will not be recorded. However, presentation slides and handouts will be provided to all registrants after the event.
Only Attending Business Meeting
If you're only attending the afternoon meeting, then check this button and fill in your choices for the half-day.
Co-op Case Files: Navigating Legal Dilemmas: Hybrid
In this session, we’ll uncover semi-fictionalized case studies of legal issues faced by co-ops. Lawyers will analyze each scenario, offering expert advice on how co-ops could have approached the situation differently. Gain practical tips for avoiding legal hurdles and ensuring your co-op runs smoothly.Facilitators: Geoffrey Dabbs & Grant Haddock
Cultivating Neighbourly Belonging, Insight and Connection through Circle and Dialogue Processes: In-person
In this experiential workshop, participants will learn more about the Circle Process in their co-op setting. Neighbour relations can easily get rocky, yet a commitment to engage in Circle and other dialogue processes can help create connection and belonging where other adversarial methods may create division. Come prepared for a highly interactive and "hands on" experience of dialogue. Facilitator: Catherine Bargen
Co-op Governance Reimagined: In-person
Strong boards and engaged membership are the backbone of successful co-ops. This workshop dives into what makes boards thrive—from clarifying roles and responsibilities to fostering meaningful collaboration between board of directors and housing members. You’ll learn how to set up effective governance systems, onboard new members, and tackle tough conversations with confidence. Whether you’re a board member or housing member, this session offers practical strategies to strengthen your board’s effectiveness and alignment with your co-op.Facilitator: Frank Atnikov
Organize it! (Updated): Online
Strong boards and engaged membership are the backbone of successful co-ops. This workshop dives into what makes boards thrive—from clarifying roles and responsibilities to fostering meaningful collaboration between board of directors and housing members. You’ll learn how to set up effective governance systems, onboard new members, and tackle tough conversations with confidence. Whether you’re a board member or housing member, this session offers practical strategies to strengthen your board’s effectiveness and alignment with your co-op.Facilitator: Lindsey Murphy
Communications in co-ops: applying a lens towards neurodiversity: In person
Co-ops are built on community, but what does it mean to truly create an inclusive and neuroaffirming space? This workshop provides practical strategies to support neurodivergent members, improve communication, and foster understanding. Learn how to make meetings more accessible, navigate different communication styles, and lead with empathy—all while strengthening your co-op’s sense of belonging.Facilitators: Anya Phillips & Kate Neale - Hughes
Only Attending Morning Workshop
If you're only attending the morning sessions, then check this button and fill in your choices for the half-day.
Members Meeting
Semi-annual business meeting.
Anya Phillip is the Co-op Services and Meeting Support Services Co-ordinator of CHF BC. They hold a bacherlor's degree in Cognitive Science from the University of British Columbia and have research experience with UBC's Social Identity Lab and Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab.
She has facilitated training related to unconscious bias and accessibility, showcasing their commitment to creating inclusive and accessible spaces. Anya's expertise in coordinating meetings, combined with their passion for creating equitable spaces, make them an invaluable member of the CHF BC team.
Anya is a co-facilitator for "Communication in co-ops: applying a lens towards neurodiversity".
Catherine is Director and Co-founder of Just Outcomes Consulting. She has worked with communities to develop restorative justice programs for 25 years. Her leadership and experience includes working closely with government, nonprofits, educational institutions, Indigenous nations, victim services/anti-violence groups, and religious communities.
Catherine holds a Master’s Degree in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding in Virginia (USA), and in 2019 was honored with BC’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award.
Catherine is a cyclist, yogi, and both a dance and karaoke enthusiast. She lives with her husband and daughter in a lively cooperative housing complex in Vancouver.
Frank Atnikov has 30 plus years of experience helping organizations grow and thrive. He is also a Certified Facilitator and holds a Canadian Institute of Management designation. Frank values collaboration, inclusion, engagement and honesty.
Before launching Frank Growth Solutions, Frank worked as both a manager and business owner in Winnipeg and Regina giving him extensive hands-on organizational experience. Then about 15 years ago he transitioned to the nonprofit world where he found his values much better aligned. Now, you can find him working in community based spaces with a democratic and engaging style.
Frank is the facilitator for "Board Brilliance: Building a High-Performing Team".
Geoffrey Dabbs is one of the founding partners of Gehlen Dabbs Cash LLP. His practice focuses on litigation aspects of commercial and insolvency law, including bankruptcy and receivership, commercial tenancy disputes, security recovery and related matters. He acts for numerous housing co-operatives and related management and advisory organizations, advising on various issues, including rules and occupancy agreements and membership terminations and related litigation, as well as governance and financing.
Geoffrey will be a panelist on the Ask the Experts session.
Grant Haddock was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1992. His core areas of practice are co-operative housing law, strata property law, residential and commercial tenancy, human rights, privacy and construction law. Grant has acted for numerous housing providers and construction companies, appearing for them at all levels of court and at various tribunals. Grant has been a course leader and frequent speaker at educational conferences sponsored by industry leaders.
Grant is the facilitator for "Know Before you sign: Co-op Contracts and Agreements."
Kate Neale-Hughes is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Approved Clinical Supervisor with the BCACC with extensive experience in community-building, conflict resolution, and mental health advocacy. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive environments, Kate specializes in helping housing cooperatives build neuro-affirming, trauma-informed practices that promote emotional well-being and member collaboration. Drawing from years of work in both clinical settings and cooperative housing volunteering, Kate brings a unique blend of psychological expertise and cooperative values to guide participants in developing conflict management strategies, enhancing communication, and creating spaces where all members can thrive.
Kate's approach is grounded in empathy, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices, making their workshops not only educational but also deeply transformative for cooperative communities.
Kate is a co-facilitator for "Communication in co-ops: applying a lens towards neurodiversity".
Lindsey Murphy is a Co-op Services Coordinator with CHF BC where she provides member co-ops with advice, guidance, and resources on co-op related matters. Lindsey brings many different perspectives with her to her work with CHF BC. As a member in a housing co-op herself and former housing co-op manager, she understands the co-op experience, many benefits, and challenges that members and boards face. As an advocate for affordable, non-profit housing Lindsey has served on boards and committees committed to implementing creative and sustainable solutions to the affordable housing shortage at the federal level while organizing grassroots advocacy locally. Lindsey is a strong believer in mutual aid and co-operation between individuals and organizations to build resilient communities that come together during times of difficulty.
Lindsey is the facilitator for "From Conflict to Collaboration."
We’re making it easier for you to register for our events. You can now choose between two payment methods:
Please choose one payment method when registering.