COCHF Co-op Service Awards

Every housing co-op has a member or staff person who has given special service that is worthy of special recognition. A Co-op Service Award is recognition for an individual (or group of members) whom their co-op would like to see recognized by the larger housing co-op sector for outstanding or exemplary service or contribution to their housing co-op, the greater co-op movement, or the larger community where the contribution has enhanced the reputation of the co-op movement.

COCHF started presenting the Co-op Service Awards in 2002, as a way for housing co-ops to acknowledge positive contributions to the local sector while demonstrating the co-operative principles and values. Even though the award is presented by COCHF, these individuals have been nominated solely by their own co-op. In 2017, the federation started hosting an annual co-op service awards dinner, dedicated to acknowledging each co-op’s appreciation for their nominee’s valued contribution.

Here are some examples of "service" ...

A service was provided to the co-op or co-op sector that is exemplary of the co-op principles
Went out of their way without being asked to help others in their co-op
Helped the co-op and membership to deal with a crisis or difficult situation
Organized an activity enhancing the sense of community in the co-op
Demonstrated by example a better way to do things
Action(s) on behalf of the co-op that had a positive effect on the larger community
An activity or result on which the co-op has placed a high value