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Inside this issue:
What Does a Healthy Co-Op Look Like?
| National Co-Op Festival | Welcome, New Members
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Cooperatively Speaking
The Latest News from PCPI
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Hello!
For many of us, flipping the calendar to August means getting ready for a new school year. Classrooms will be re-set, new boards will come together, and parents will take on new roles in the school.
New can be exciting and stressful all at once. Try to take time to enjoy the experience and make some new friends along the way.
Cooperatively yours,
Dianne Rose, M.Ed.
Editor, Cooperatively Speaking
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What Does a Healthy Co-Op Look Like?
by Carol Mitchell
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Healthy co-ops have certain characteristics that advertise good relations are at work here. Can you relate to these at your co-op?
Everyone is Included
It's never assumed that someone won't be interested, always extend the invitation to all.
Honesty Prevails
Feelings, concerns, and motivations are discussed openly.
Participation is Universal
People are encouraged to contribute in whatever way they can, there are guidelines but also some flexibility. Members are comfortable enough to participate beyond their responsibilities.
Understanding is Encouraged
Everyone tries to focus on issues, not personalities; to look at the other side; to be prepared to consider others' priorities and feelings.
Appreciation is Obvious
Group members, board members and staff recognize each other's contributions, and there is tolerance for mistakes and other methods.
Support is the Norm
Once a decision is democratically made, regardless of initial disagreement, it is supported. There is support for each other, the board, and the teachers and his/her program goals.
Resolution is Key
Conflicts are dealt with. There is a problem solving process.
Communication is Effective
Opportunities abound for communication. Productive meetings, social occasions, newsletter, bulletin boards, and opportunities for two-way communication. Links and friendships have opportunities to form.
Enjoyment is Crucial
There is time, motivation, and opportunity for enjoyment and the establishment of good member relations.
Healthy co-ops are great places to be!
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This article was first published in the January 1993 edition of
Cooperatively Speaking.
The content is still relevant 25 years later.
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| Plans are Underway for the NCBA Co-Op Festival |
The National Co-Op Festival will take place on the National Mall in Washington, DC October 6-7. Sponsored by the
National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International, the festival is a chance for cooperative businesses to meet with the public to talk about what they do, how they do it, and why cooperatives are important.
If you'll be in the DC area during the festival and would like to visit the booth or volunteer to talk about cooperative preschools with other visitors, please contact
Leta Mach.
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We'd like to offer a warm welcome to our newest member schools. We look forward to getting to know you better!
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Ashburn, Virginia
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Beaverton, Oregon
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| Share Cooperatively Speaking with Friends |
We'd like to reach as many readers as we can. PCPI welcomes parents and staff of member schools, councils, and libraries. There are lots of ways to share Cooperatively Speaking:
- Forward this message to your school or council network email list
- Send a list of email addresses for contacts at your school or council to [email protected] to have them added directly to the distribution list
- Click the Send to a Colleague button below
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