2024 CCSC Top Co-op Issues Survey

The Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) is looking for your opinion on what you think is the most important challenge(s) facing the Canadian Co-operative Sector today. Please share your perspectives by taking this 5-minute survey via the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/2024TopCoopIssues. The survey ends on December 31, 2024.

Please note that the survey is available in English and French. You can change the language of the survey using the language button at the top righthand corner.

For the last eight years, the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (a research centre sponsored by Canadian co-operatives and the University of Saskatchewan) has asked members of the co-operative sector across Canada, “What are the top issues facing co-operatives in Canada today?” Results from last year’s survey can be found here.

Turning the Tide Bookstore Co-op Week Feature Picks

It’s Co-op Week, and we’ve partnered with Turning the Tide Bookstore on a Co-op Week Feature Picks list of books about the co-operative movement. Topics include Co-operatives and Housing, Worker Co-operatives and Economic Democracy, Global Co-operatives and Fair Trade, and Co-operatives and Community Economic Development. 

A 20% discount will be applied to almost all of these books by using coupon code COOP2024 when checking out on the Turning the Tide online store.

Read the Prairie Dog & Planet S Co-op Week Special Feature!

October 13–19 is Co-op Week, and we’re celebrating the power of co-operatives in Saskatchewan and around the world! We’ve partnered with Prairie Dog and Planet S on this digital exclusive to illuminate what co-operatives are, who they serve, and why they are such a critical part of our economy and society. Join us in exploring the potential of co-operatives and see the possibilities of how the co-operative model could be the solution to some of society’s most complex social and economic challenges.

The co-operative movement is deeply woven into the fabric of this province and has shaped the success of Saskatchewan. We are proud and honoured of the co-operative traditions in Saskatchewan and the co-operatives, both big and small, that promote and live the values of democratic control, member participation, and concern for the communities that they serve. We hope that, through this feature, you will not only come away with a stronger understanding of the co-operative movement but also share our passion and excitement for co-ops and how they can help us build a better world.

Read our 2023-24 Annual Report

Our 2023-24 Annual Report is now available to read online!

This report features messages from the Board Chair and Executive Director, reports on programming, and audited financials. We encourage anyone interested in the activities of our organization to read this report. 

Register for the 2024 Saskatchewan Co-operative Association Virtual AGM

Join us for our Virtual AGM on October 10th from 2-3pm!

There is no cost to attend the AGM. The meeting link, financials, and annual report will be sent to registrants in advance of the meeting. 

There will be two Board Positions for two-year terms available for the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. Only current SCA members who are up to date can vote.

Update: The 2024 Co-operative Merit Awards are cancelled.

Hello Everyone,

I want to let you know that we're cancelling this year's Co-operative Merit Awards. The awards have been a long-standing SCA event, however, it no longer appears to be an in-demand event for our organization and the co-operative sector. I appreciate all of those who did purchase tickets and helped us promote this year's awards. All tickets will be refunded using their original purchase methods. You should see this refund on your statement in 5-10 business days. 

As our organization continues to grow, we'll think more about how to create events that truly engage and inspire the members of the co-operative community. We will also continue to look for new ways to spotlight co-operatives in Saskatchewan. 

Dallas Tetarenko
Executive Director
Saskatchewan Co-operative Association

Now Hiring: Director of Strategic Initiatives

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Association is a dynamic and innovative organization committed to driving forward-thinking solutions to create an inclusive, sustainable, and diverse co-operative sector. We are poised for transformative growth and expansion within the province as we develop our new vision for co-operative education, engagement, and impact through new initiatives and programs. As we embark on our next phase of strategic development, we are seeking a visionary leader to join our team as the Director of Strategic Initiatives.

Position Overview

The Director of Strategic Initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this individual will lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives designed to drive growth, enhance community connection, and maximize high-impact outcomes using the co-operative framework that benefits all communities and their members throughout Saskatchewan. The successful candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and leadership skills to drive meaningful change across the organization and the province.

Key Responsibilities

• Development, coordination, and supervision of the organization’s strategic initiatives projects as designated by the Executive Director.

• Conduct comprehensive research and analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and partnerships, providing strategic insights to inform decision making.

• Initiates, develops, and maintains relationships with appropriate and relevant individuals, members, and community partners.

• Identifies and develops community programming opportunities and provides direction, support, and supervision for project staff to ensure the effective implementation and successful results of assigned projects.

• Assist in the implementation of the organization's strategic plan, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to define clear objectives, key initiatives, and performance metrics.

• Supports fundraising efforts through planned events, donor stewardship, sponsorship, and grant writing.

• Oversee the execution of key strategic initiatives from conception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, timelines, and budgets.

• Consult with the Executive Director and implement program policies and procedures in accordance with approvals and direction from the Board of Directors.

• Builds critical partnerships to support initiatives.

• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement, champion best practices, and drive the adoption of new processes and ideas to drive organizational change.

• Represents Saskatchewan Co-operative Association to participants, agencies, and governments on committees and at public events.

• Identifies opportunities for professional development and progressive learning.

• Prepares monthly reports on activities, including outputs, outcomes, and iterations of planned initiatives.

• Establish robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track the progress and impact of strategic initiatives, regularly assessing performance against established KPIs and benchmarks.

• Liaises proactively with other staff to ensure information is shared with related projects and that staff are knowledgeable about new and developing initiatives so that they can share current and accurate information with members, individuals, and other stakeholders.

• Completes other duties as requested and/or participates in other Saskatchewan Cooperative Association activities as required.

Qualifications

• A combination of formal and informal education and experience in the fields of Business Administration, Management, Social Work, or Education will be considered.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic planning, business development, or management roles, with a track record of success in driving strategic initiatives.

• Strong analytical skills and business acumen, with the ability to translate complex data, sector research, and insights into actionable strategies and recommendations.

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams and community members and leaders.

• Proven track record of leading change initiatives and driving results in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Experience in the co-operative and non-profit sectors is a benefit but not required.

Why Join Us

At the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. We believe that diversity enriches our organization, drives innovation, and enhances our ability to serve our communities effectively.

We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We embrace differences in race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and other dimensions of diversity. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and potential, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and reach their full potential. We provide ongoing training, support, and resources to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development and advancement.

Join us in our commitment to building a culture of belonging where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed in the co-operative sector. Together, we can make a positive impact and drive meaningful change within our organization and beyond.

How To Apply

Please send your cover letter and CV to Executive Director Dallas Tetarenko at dallas.tetarenko@sask.coop by September 30th, 2024.

Get your tickets for the 2024 Co-operative Merit Awards

Please join the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association on October 4, 2024, for an evening celebrating exceptional achievements in the co-operative sector at the Co-operative Merit Awards!

The awards ceremony will be an opportunity to connect with others within the co-operative movement and to recognize the incredible impact co-operatives have in Saskatchewan. The event will feature catering from Hearth, videos of each award recipient, and networking opportunities. 

Tickets are $125 each and are available for purchase via our event page. We look forward to seeing all of you and showcasing this year's amazing award recipients!

Watch the SCA’s Krystal Nieckar on CTV Morning Live

Our Director of Strategic Initiatives, Krystal Nieckar, caught up with CTV Morning Live’s Jeremy Dodge to promote our upcoming Comic Book & Graphic Novel Co-operative Day Camp! Go here to watch the segment.

The Comic Book & Graphic Novel Camp is one of the most innovative and unique day camps in the province! Over the course of a week, camp attendees will learn about the power of co-operatives through the art of creating comics and graphic novels. Led by local artists, illustrators, and writers, comic book campers will attend workshops that will teach them about story structure, page composition, pacing, materials, and creative techniques. At the end of the camp, campers will work together to create and publish a comics anthology.

We’ll be running three one-week camps for different age groups: July 2-5 (ages 12–13), July 8–12 (ages 14–15), and July 15–19 (ages 16–17). Camp attendance costs $325, which covers art supplies, snacks, and a printed copy of the comics they create. Each day will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and extended hours pick-up and drop-off are available for an additional $40. Space is limited, and we highly recommend registering early to secure a spot.

To register and learn more, visit this page.

Nominations for the 2024 Co-operative Merit Awards are now open!

We are currently accepting nominations for the 2024 Co-operative Merit Awards! This year, we have two award categories: The Co-operative Achievement Award and the Co-operative Achievement Award. Both are intended to recognize and highlight co-operative and credit union members who have made outstanding contributions to co-operative development in Saskatchewan.

Award recipients will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the Remai Modern Art Gallery in Saskatoon on October 4th, 2024. More details and registration will be available soon. 

You can make a nomination via our online form. Nominations will be open until July 31st, 2024.

The SCA welcomes Krystal Nieckar as Director of Strategic Initiatives

Join us in welcoming Krystal Nieckar as the new Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association! Krystal has worked in the nonprofit sector for 20+ years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in fostering new and innovative strategic initiatives. She is an advocate by nature and has spent her career building relationships and creating meaningful opportunities in housing, disability and employment services, and for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Saskatoon. She comes to the SCA from OUTSaskatoon, where she served as Executive Director, and the Saskatoon Trades & Skills Centre, where she was a Program Manager. 

Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Krystal grew up in a small farming community. She currently lives in Treaty 6 with her spouse and daughter, where they are renovating their century-old home.

Register for the Comic Book & Graphic Novel Co-operative Day Camp!

Join us for one of the most innovative and unique day camps in the province! Over the course of a week, camp attendees will learn about the power of co-operatives through the art of creating comics and graphic novels. Led by local artists, illustrators, and writers, comic book campers will attend workshops that will teach them about story structure, page composition, pacing, materials, and creative techniques. At the end of the camp, campers will work together to create and publish a comics anthology.

We’ll be running three one-week camps for different age groups: July 2-5 (ages 12–13), July 8–12 (ages 14–15), and July 15–19 (ages 16–17). Camp attendance costs $325, which covers art supplies, snacks, and a printed copy of the comics they create. Each day will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and extended hours pick-up and drop-off are available for an additional $40. Each class is limited to 20 participants.

For more details about the camp, visit the Comic Book & Graphic Novel Camp page here.

We'd like to highlight and thank Paved Arts, The GALLERY / art placement, 8th Street Quentin’s Comics, Amazing Stories, and Turning The Tide Bookstore for partnering with us on this exciting new initiative.

Community Feedback Survey

We're heading in exciting new directions and want your input on our future programs and initiatives! We've created a short survey (6 questions) to collect your thoughts, ideas, and opinions on where we've been and where we're going. Your feedback will be essential in helping us evaluate our organization and shaping the future of SCA.

We thank you in advance for your feedback and look forward to hearing from our co-operative community! 

Buy Camp Kindling, Co-op Camp, and Vintage SCA Merch!

We’re selling all our Camp Kindling, Co-op Camp, and vintage SCA hoodies, t-shirts, hats, patches, and license plates to raise funds for our new programs and initiatives! If you want to purchase a summer camp keepsake or own a small piece of SCA’s history, check out our new online store. 

We have a limited inventory of each item, and this merch will not be reprinted, so get yours before they're gone! Shipping and pickup options are both available. 

Thank you for supporting the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. More updates coming soon!

Statement on Camp Kindling

Hello Everyone,

My name is Dallas Tetarenko, and I am the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. We appreciate all the comments and feedback regarding our announcement that we will not offer Camp Kindling in 2024. We know that this was a surprising and devastating announcement for everyone who has been involved in our camp programming.

It was a very difficult decision for us as we know how much Camp Kindling and its legacy means to all of you. However, given our current financial position, there was no reasonable alternative to ensure the sustainability of our organization so that it could continue to provide programming and pursue initiatives that would positively impact the co-operative sector in Saskatchewan.

We will continue providing meaningful opportunities to community members in advancing our mission of creating an inclusive, diverse, and accessible co-operative sector. I assure you that Camp Kindling’s history, impact, and culture will continue in our new programming.

Sincerely,

Dallas Tetarenko, Executive Director

Camp Kindling Announcement

We are making some changes and want to inform you that we will not offer Camp Kindling for 2024. The decision is due to an economic environment beyond our control, which unfortunately makes the camp financially unsustainable in its current format. Although we are disappointed to make this announcement, we must redevelop the idea of co-operative camp to reflect the needs and interests of the youth we serve throughout Saskatchewan. We are eager to share with you in the coming months some exciting and innovative initiatives and programs that will engage youth throughout the year that will build on the history and culture of Camp Kindling.

Due to this change, we will be transitioning our Camp Kindling Facebook page into the main page for the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association. From now on, this page will feature all our SCA content, including stories about local co-operatives, updates about the co-operative movement, and much more.

We want to thank you for all the support and passion you have dedicated to Camp Kindling as volunteers, sponsors, and participants. We are excited to show you what's next. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.

Say Hello To Our New Executive Director: Dallas Tetarenko

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Association board of directors is excited to announce the appointment of Dallas Tetarenko as the new executive director of the organization.

Dallas has extensive leadership experience throughout the non-profit sector, including operational and governance capacities for provincial and national organizations. He is highly skilled in government relations, social enterprise, community engagement, program design, knowledge acquisition, and empowerment practices. He is actively involved in the co-operative sector through numerous organizations and groups, including the Saskatchewan Filmpool Co-operative, Saskatoon Farmers Market, and Steep Hill Food Co-op.  

Dallas is always drawn to ambitious and novel practices and approaches to evolve the services and programs of diverse community businesses and organizations. Creating deep and authentic relationships with community members, professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors, disciplines, and communities is the foundation of his method of fostering new ideas and initiatives.  He has worked on projects related to leadership development, community-based research, youth engagement, affordable housing, inclusive healthcare, community advocacy, food security, and urban agriculture with provincial, national and international scope.

As a dedicated community member and volunteer, Dallas sits on numerous boards and committees in arts programming, recreation, food security, disability services, and social justice. He is privileged to work with organizations such as CHEP Good Food, Saskatoon Makerspace, and Right to Skate to create accessible programs and opportunities for all community members.

“I am excited and grateful to be in the role of Executive Director with the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association and to work with the Board of Directors to engage with members to grow the services and programs of the SCA with its member organizations. Co-operatives are uniquely positioned to positively impact local economic development and equitable wealth distribution for communities. As co-operatives exist in every sector and provide any service, innovation lies in the core principles of the co-operative framework. I look forward to contributing to the legacy of the cooperative sector in Saskatchewan and collaborating on the journey with our members.”