Dear co-operator,

RE: Invitation to CoopZone Developers’ Network / Available on CoopZone site

The Board of CoopZone would like to invite you to become a member of the CoopZone Developers’ Network Co-operative (“CZDN” or “the Network”).

The Vision of the CoopZone Network is: To enhance the quality of life in Canada by promoting and supporting the growth and development of co-operatives, through mobilizing co-operative developers committed to the vision and objectives of the co-operative movement.

There are many benefits to joining the Network. CoopZone will provide co-op development projects with the list of Developers. Other benefits of membership in the Network include increased interaction with other consultants and/or professionals working with existing or new co-operatives, improved access to co-op resource materials and training, and opportunities to bid on contracts to carry out development initiatives. CoopZone also provides tele-learning opportunities on co-op development; an inventory of past sessions is available at: www.coopzone.coop/en/taxonomy/term/167/9 , and http://coopzone.coop/en/taxonomy/term/233/9 .

The key functions of the CoopZone Developers Network are to:A. Identify and develop a self-supporting group of co-op developers that is committed

to the vision and objectives of the co-op movement.B. Increase the interaction among consultants, developers and other professionals

working with existing or new co-operatives.C. Stimulate the development and sharing of co-op resource materials.D. Provide opportunities for on-going skill enhancement and training.E. Provide members of the CZDN with access to co-op development opportunities,

where applicable. F. Stimulate the development of new co-ops by linking qualified developers to co-op

development opportunities.G. Encourage new and existing co-operatives to join the appropriate co-op sector

organisations.H. Provide a common voice for co-operative developers, especially within the broader

co-operative sector.

#104, 402 – 30 Ave NE, Calgary AB T2E 2E3 tel: (403) 276-8250 / fax : (403) 338-0226www.coopzone.coop hazel@canadianworker.coop

DUESAll members pay the same fees, and all members have the right to vote.(1) Developer members - those who have completed the Skill Identification process and meet the minimum requirements as set by the CoopZone Board. (2) Allied members - those who do not fit as professional members, and have not filled out the developer skills identification, or who do not (yet) qualify as or wish to be developer members.(3) Professional Service Providers - those persons who wish to be identified by their professional designation: e.g. Lawyer, Certified General Accountant, etc. This member category uses a different application form, and eligible members may automatically join the CoopZone Legal Network.

Individuals $200 / year

Organisations 1st - Member: $200 per year

Next 2-3 Members: $100 per year (each)

Next 4-15 Members: $50 per year (each)

The maximum dues level per organization is: $1,000/year (15 or more people).

Enclosed is an information package on the Developers’ Network. This package provides you with each of the following documents:

(1) Membership Application: one for organisations, and one for individuals;(2) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

Please note that the information gathered on this application will be used for the purposes of determining membership in the Network and, if your application is accepted, the information in this application will be included on its referral database (which can be accessed at www.coopzone.coop/en/developers). The contents of the database are considered public information.

We hope to welcome you as a member of the CoopZone Developers’ Network. Should you need additional information, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,Hazel CorcoranExecutive Director of the CoopZone Developers’ Network

Encl.

N.B. If you wish to apply to the CoopZone Legal Network or as another category of Professional Service Provider, there is a distinct application form; please contact me.

Please note that the enclosed information is available in French. Veuillez noter que cette information est disponible en français. Si vous préférez recevoir la version française de cette documentation, vous n’avez qu’à la demander.

COOPZONE

CoopZone Developers’ Network Membership Application Form

ORGANISATIONAL MEMBERSPlease use this form if your ORGANISATION, not an individual, is applying.

We hereby apply for membership as a Co-operative Developer in the CoopZone Developers’ Network. We understand that individuals, not the organisation, will have their skills identified.

Organisation's Name (please print) _________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Tel: _________________________ Fax: _________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________

Website: ____________________________________

Name of designated representative ________________________________

We understand and support the purpose and functions of the CoopZone Developers’ Network (CZDN). We agree to abide by the CZDN Code of Ethical Standards and CZDN Code of Professional Standards, and to participate in the Network’s activities. As a condition of our membership in the CZDN, we agree to allow the CZDN to list our organisation name and relevant information contained in our Membership Application in its on-line directory as well to provide this information directly to prospective clients. If we are unable to take on work for which we are referred, we agree to refer the client back to the Network. We understand that members who do not uphold these standards, or standards of competency based on consistent client feedback to CoopZone, may be removed from membership, at the discretion of the CoopZone Board.

A) Commitments of the Developer

As members of the Network, we commit to uphold the Vision of the CoopZone Network by:

(1) Promoting membership for all co-operatives in the appropriate regional and/or sector co-operative associations;(2) Adhering to the Network’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct;(3) Following operational protocols set out by the Network to ensure coordination of initiatives undertaken by the Network;(4) Paying dues as set by the CoopZone membership, from time to time, to help cover the expenses of the Network

B) Commitments of CoopZone

CoopZone commits to:

(1) Develop and maintain the CoopZone web site;(2) Maintain a listing on the site of all developers in good standing, and identify their skills;(3) Provide training and networking opportunities for members;(4) Share development resources within the Network;(5) Provide the Network’s co-op developers with access to development opportunities;(6) Promote the Network to co-operative and community development organisations; and (7) Provide an opportunity for entry to the co-op development field.

Please indicate whether or not you would like to also belong to the following, at no additional dues:

( ) Worker Co-operative Developers’ Network (includes membership in the developer member class of the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation)

__________________________________________ ______________________Signature Date

___ We enclose a cheque for $____ for our annual Membership Fee in the Network.

Signature of President/CEO (or designated representative):

_____________________________________

Date ________________________

Designation of Individuals

Please have each person who will be using the designation of “Member, CoopZone Developers Network” sign below, signifying their consent to the above commitments. Attach a separate page if necessary.

Print Name Signature

_____________________________ ______________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________

___________________________________________________________

_____________________________ ______________________________

_____________________________ ______________________________

___________________________________________________________

COOPZONE

Co-op Developers’ Network Membership Application Form

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSPlease use this form if an INDIVIDUAL, not an organisation, is applying.I hereby apply for membership as a Co-operative Developer in the CoopZone Developers’ Network.

Name: _______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Tel: ____________________________ Fax: ______________________

E-mail: _____________________________________

Website: _____________________________________

I understand and support the purpose and functions of the CoopZone Developers’ Network (CZDN). I agree to abide by the CZDN Code of Ethical Standards and CZDN Code of Professional Standards, and to participate in the Network’s activities. As a condition of my membership in the CZDN, I agree to allow the CZDN to list my name and relevant information contained in this Membership Application in its on-line directory as well to provide this information directly to prospective clients. If I am unable to take on work for which I am referred, I agree to refer the client back to the Network. I understand that members who do not uphold these standards, or standards of competency based on consistent client feedback to CoopZone, may be removed from membership, at the discretion of the CoopZone Board.

A) Commitments of the DeveloperAs a member of the Network, I commit to uphold the Vision of the CoopZone Network by:(1) Promoting membership for all co-operatives in the appropriate regional and/or sector co-operative associations;(2) Adhering to the Network’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct;(3) Following operational protocols set out by the Network to ensure coordination of initiatives undertaken by the Network;(4) Paying dues as set by the CoopZone membership, from time to time, to help cover the expenses of the Network

B) Commitments of CoopZoneCoopZone commits to: (1) Develop and maintain the CoopZone web site;(2) Maintain a listing on the site of all developers in good standing, and identify their skills;(3) Provide training and networking opportunities for members;(4) Share development resources within the Network;(5) Provide the Network’s co-op developers with access to development opportunities;(6) Promote the Network to co-operative and community development organisations; and (7) Provide an opportunity for entry to the co-op development field.

___ I enclose a cheque for $200 for my annual Membership Fee in the Network.___ I hereby consent to the publication of my name with skills identification and contact information on the web site of CoopZone.

Please indicate whether or not you would like to also belong to the following, at no additional dues:

( ) Worker Co-operative Developers’ Network (includes membership in the developer member class of the Canadian Worker Co-op Federation)

Signature of applicant ________________________________________

Date _________________________

Co-op Developers’ Questionnaire(Information will be used as the basis for determining whether or not you will be identified as a full “developer

member” on the CoopZone site. If you are joining as an Allied Member or a Professional Service Provider, you need not complete this section. Please duplicate this questionnaire when more than one individual is

identifying their skills.)

Name __________________________________________________________

Please provide a 1- to 2- paragraph summary of your education, experience, knowledge, and skills as a co-op developer, which will be placed on the CoopZone web site.

You may provide a longer summary, but only 2 paragraphs will be placed directly on the web site.

I. Skills and Knowledge: A Self-Assessment

Please complete the following self-assessment of your knowledge, skills and/or experience on a scale of 0 to 6. Please be as objective as possible and err on the conservative (low) side if you are uncertain of a rating. The rating should be based upon your present knowledge. (Assume you have no access to or time to research additional materials.) It is important that the CZDN have an accurate assessment for determining the training opportunities that must be developed or information distributed. The CoopZone Developers’ Network will not pass judgment on your skills assessment; this is only a self-assessment.

0. Little or None: Knowledge is not sufficient to be applied without assistance.1. Rudimentary: Can perform some parts of this skill satisfactorily but requires some assistance and/or supervision to perform the entire skill.2. Basic: Can perform this skill satisfactorily but requires periodic assistance and/or supervision.3. Intermediate: Can perform this skill satisfactorily without assistance or supervision.4. Advanced: Can perform this skill satisfactorily with more than acceptable speed and quality.5. Expert: Can perform this skill satisfactorily with initiative and adaptability to special problem situations.6. Expert/Mentor: Can perform this skill satisfactorily and can lead others in performing it.

A. Skills Inventory

SECTION 1. Basic Requirements1.1. Professional Behaviour/Code of Ethicsa.___ Demonstrate Confidentialityb.___ Demonstrate Professionalismc.___ Demonstrate Positive Attitude

1.2. Project Management Skillsa.___ Goal settingb.___ Scheduling and critical path developmentc.___ Resource and task allocationd.___ Meeting deadlinese.___ Evaluation of projects

1.3. Communication Skillsa.___ Writtenb.___ Verbalc.___ Consensus developmentd.___ Goal development

1.4.. Interpersonal Skillsa.___ Listening skillsb.___ Exploratory questioning skillsc.___ Negotiating skillsd.___ Deal with resistance and manage conflicte.___ Interpret and apply non-verbal communicationsf.___ Interpret and apply verbal communications

1.5. Effective Client Counselinga.___ Apply interviewing techniquesb.___ Assist client to conduct a situational analysisc.___ Assist client to develop an action pland.___ Recognize personal limitations and/or the need to refer client to others for assistance

1.6. Knowledge Networksa.___ Maintain awareness of socio-economic climate/environmental scanb.___ Develop and maintain inventory of resourcesc.___ Develop and maintain network of expertise and support

d.___ Source financinge.___ Develop awareness of government and legal regulationsf.___ Develop network and brokering skillsg.___ Advocate for client

1.7. Information Technologya.___ Word Processingb.___ Spreadsheetsc.___ Electronic communicationsd.___ Internet searchinge.___ Web site development

SECTION 2. Co-operative Knowledge and Experience2.1. Co-operative Principles and Enterprise Typesa.___ Knowledge of co-operatives’ key characteristics b.___ Knowledge of co-op principles c.___ Knowledge of the forms of employee or independent contractor organisations, and

applicability to various types of co-opsd.___ Knowledge of EI regulations applied to co-operativese.___ Knowledge of other forms of business organisations (partnerships, business corporations,

etc.), and how they differ from the co-op modelf.___ Knowledge of co-op advantages relative to the alternative business modelsg.___ Knowledge of the multi-tiered structure of the Canadian co-operative movement

2.2. By-laws and Governance ProcessesPlease identify the jurisdiction(s) of your knowledge: provinces, territories, or federal level:_________________________________________________________________a.___ Knowledge of co-op lawb.___ Knowledge of bylaw draftingc.___ Knowledge of options for participatory democracyd.___ Knowledge of different roles of members, board, managemente.___ Conflict resolution skillsf.___ Role of policies and approaches for policy development

SECTION 3. Groups Development and Facilitation3.1. Group Assessment Skills (initial meetings)a.___ Identify leadershipb.___ Determine whether there is a common objectivec.___ Determine whether there is a match between each individual’s personal needs and the

group’s objectived.___ Determine whether the group can take responsibility for a projecte.___ Determine what level of understanding the group has regarding business, group process and

the social, economic, and regulatory environmentf.___ Determine what financial resources are available

3.2. Leadership and Motivation Skillsa.___ Empower individuals and groupb.___ Build individual and group confidencec.___ Help to create a positive attituded.___ Identify personal and group goalse.___ Point towards practical and realistic approaches to achieving goals

3.3. Training Skillsa.___ Knowledge of adult education principlesb.___ Facilitation skillsc.___ Practical training experienced.___ Experience in developing training materials

SECTION 4. Business Development4.1. Business Evaluation Skillsa.___ Market researchb.___ Market analysisc.___ Strategic market planningd.___ Break-even analysise.___ SWOT analysisf.___ Identifying members’ goals (and minimum financial needs, in the case of a worker co-op)g.___ Risk/benefit analysis

4.2. Business Planning Skillsa.___ Understand the uses of business plansb.___ Knowledge of the appropriate format of business plansc.___ Knowledge of the proper presentation of financial informationd.___ Knowledge of the factors which need to be considered and how calculated for cash flowe.___ Knowledge of how cash flow relates to viability and minimum required net income

4.3. Knowledge of Business Financinga.___ Knowledge of types of financing: sweat equity, common shares, debt, etc.b.___ Knowledge of sources of financingc.___ Knowledge and use of self-directed RRSP program for worker co-op financingd.___ Knowledge of government funding programse.___ Developing an offering statementf. ___ Raising capital

4.4. Accounting Knowledgea.___ Understand the need for and requirements of an accounting systemb.___ Knowledge of the GAAP as they apply to presenting co-operative financial statementsc.___ Knowledge of bookkeeping proceduresd.___ Knowledge of issues regarding worker bonuses and patronage dividendse.___ Knowledge of taxation issuesf. ___ Audit preparation

4.5. Diagnostic and Problem-Solving Skillsa.___ Demonstrate problem solving approachesb.___ Recognize stages of business development process and implicationsc.___ Perform site observation visitsd.___ Diagnose client business problemse.___ Address emerging opportunities and potential problems

Please list other skills or knowledge you think are required to be a successful co-op developer, if any.________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

B. Sectoral Expertise I am interested / experienced in the following sectors: (1-interest, 2-some knowledge and experience, 3-current experience, 4-in depth and current experience, 5-sectoral specialist)

a.___ Agricultural co-opsb.___ Consumer co-ops generallyc.___ Energy co-opsd.___ Financial co-ops and/or Credit unionse.___ Fishing co-opsf.___ Housing co-opsg.___ Native co-opsh.___ Service co-ops of any type (Health care, childcare, development co-ops)i.___ Worker co-opsj.___ Multi-stakeholder co-opsk.___ Second and third-tier co-ops (co-operative federations, associations)l.___ Other; specify: _____________________

C. Organisational TypeI am interested/experienced in working with the following types of organisations/groups: (1-interest, 2-some knowledge and experience, 3-considerable knowledge and experience, 4-expert, 5-can teach, mentor and handle complex situations)

TYPE OF CO-OP NAME(S) OF CO-OPS YOUR EXPERIENCE (developer, manager, other; please be specific)

a. Agriculturalb. Consumer c. Energy d. Financial e. Fishing f. Housing g. Nativeh. New Generationi. Servicej. Workerk. Multi-stakeholderl. 2nd & 3rd tierm. Other:________

II. Interest in Co-op Development

In a brief paragraph, give the reasons you are interested in developing co-operatives.__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

III. Experience in co-op development

How many co-operatives have you assisted in the co-op development process? Please indicate how much, and what type of, involvement you have/had in each, current status, and how successful you believe each co-op has been/was.__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

IV. Experience in other business development

How many businesses of other types have you assisted in development? Please indicate how much, and what type of, involvement you have/had in each, and how successful you believe each business has been/was.__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Please provide 3 references, particularly those relevant to your experience in co-op development, with contact information:

Please attach a copy of your résumé.

CZDN Code of Ethics*

CZDN Members are dedicated to providing competent and ethical service in the field of co-operative development and management consulting. They strive to provide professional services to their clients and are dedicated to the delivery of the highest professional standards in their activities as developers and consultants. They have the responsibility to:

• hold client affairs in the strictest of confidence;• strive continuously to improve their professional skills;• advance the professional standards of the CZDN;• uphold the honour and dignity of the CZDN;• abide by the principles laid out in the code of ethics and rules of professional conduct of CoopZone and its partners;• maintain high standards of professional conduct;• keep informed of the Code of Ethics and the profession’s common body of knowledge; and • support the Code of Ethics by reporting violations to the CZDN.

Objectivity: A member will act in the best interests of the client, providing professional services with integrity and objectivity.

Confidentiality: A member is duty-bound to keep in confidence the affairs of any colleague, client or organisation, and shall not disclose confidential information obtained in the course of professional activities. Nor shall a member, in any way, exploit information obtained in the course of their duties, to their personal advantage.

Conflict of Interest: A member shall inform a client of any interests, relationships, or circumstances which may impair or may seem to impair their professional judgment or objectivity. In cases where impartiality is seen not to exist, the member will refer the client to another member of the CZDN.

A member will not provide to any client proprietary information learned from previous clients without first obtaining the consent of the previous clients, nor knowingly, without permission, use the copyright materials and proprietary data, procedures, materials, or techniques that others have developed but not released for public use.

A member will not accept any reward from individuals or organisations for recommending the equipment, supplies, or services of such individuals or organisations, nor take personal, financial or other related advantage of information resulting from their professional relationship with clients. They will not provide material or information to others who might take advantage of clients.

Suspension or Expulsion: A member shall be liable for suspension or expulsion from the membership where that member has behaved in a manner unbecoming to the profession, as judged by the Board of CoopZone.

CZDN Code of Professional Conduct*

Members strive to provide professional services to their clients and are dedicated to the delivery of the highest professional standards in their counseling and client activities. In doing so, they adhere to a code of professional conduct to guide their clients, peers, and professional relationships.

Understanding of Client Needs: A member shall reach a mutual understanding with the client as to the objective of the assignment, the scope of the assignment, the work plan, and the costs (when applicable). The CZDN member will gain sufficient detail from a new client to gain an understanding of the perceived problem, the objectives to be achieved, the scope of assistance needed, and the possible benefits that may accrue to the client.

Objectivity: Members shall ensure that advice to clients is based on impartial consideration of all relevant facts and opinions.

Competence: A member will demonstrate a commitment to the quality of their advice, assistance, and resulting products through sufficient planning, reviews, and controls.

A member will ensure that sufficient relevant information is evaluated in developing conclusions and recommendations. Solutions should be realistic and practical, clearly understood by the clients, and capable of being implemented by the client. A member will accept only those assignments that the member has the knowledge and skills to perform. Assignments beyond the scope of the member’s expertise will be referred to Network members who are more qualified to provide assistance.

Responsibility to Other Members: A member will treat all other members with the respect and consideration due between professional colleagues. A member will endeavour to continuously raise the standards of the profession by sharing new methodologies that contribute to the understanding of better ways to manage co-operatives or to counsel them. This contribution may be through information to peers as well as the public.

Where a client seeks to hire a member and has previously worked with another member or consultant, the member to be hired will consult with the previous developer. The purpose of this is to obtain sign-off from the previous developer and to ensure that there are no outstanding amounts owing, either to the developer or to others.

A member who has been requested to review (or to critically assess) the work of another member shall inform the member before undertaking such work.

A member shall contribute back to the profession by assisting the professional development of other members.

* The Code of Ethics and the Code of Professional Development have been adapted from the codes developed by the Atlantic Institute of Small Business Counselors.