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SACHA

Confidentiality, Privacy & New Technology

Submitted by Belle Auld on behalf of the Education Committee

Confidentiality, Privacy & New Technology workshop presented by Blair Hamilton, Canada Housing Federation (CHF) Canada

I attended a Southern Alberta Co-op Housing Association (SACHA) workshop about confidentiality and privacy especially as it relates to the new technologies co-ops are using these days.  Here are some brief notes. 

Confidentiality:

  • There are three types of confidential info:
    -business info – e.g. HR
    -board discussions and votes
    -private info about members

  • Personal/private info includes any identifying info about a specific person

  • Directors are bound by confidentiality while on the board and after leaving the board 

Privacy and new technology:

  • Coop meetings should not be recorded without
    -a) a good reason (minute taking is a good reason)  and 
    -b) consent of those involved 

  • Minutes record decisions, not debates 

  • Taking photos at co-op events should have an opt-out notice

Resources:

More detailed notes that might be of interest to Board members are with the office.

Notes from the SACHA Education Event – Nov 23, 2019

Submitted by Belle Auld

From  “Everything You Need to Know About Your Coop Finances”:

First Calgary – advantages to banking with First Calgary for Coop members: 

  • All money (except common shares and mutual funds) are insured, not just $600,000 (the banks’ maximum)

  • They offer a No Fee for Me chequing account

  • You can get better interest rates on term deposits as a Coop member

  • You can get discounted home insurance – via Cumis

  • If you purchase common shares (which are not insured) they are currently paying 4% (rate not guaranteed)

  • You qualify for a free Qtrade online investment/trading account

  • All ATM transactions are free via all credit unions in Canada. There are more credit union ATMs in Canada than any other bank

  • Printed cheques are free!!  (I paid $1 per cheque last time I ordered cheques)

  • Make sure you identify yourself as a SACHA member – for some benefits you may need to show proof of SACHA membership and residency at Sunnyhill

  • They have community grants

News from the SACHA AGM

Submitted by Andrea Bergen

There were 2 exciting announcements made at the SACHA AGM that pertain to Sunnyhill:

1)      Telus has been brought on as a bulk purchase partner to SACHA. The deal with SHAW is dead.

a.       50% off each month on any Optic TV and internet product

Telus sign up flyer-1.jpg

2)      SACHA has a remaining balance from the money that they had fundraised for the 2 Co-ops that were affected by the flood in 2013. It was decided that the money would be split between the 2 Co-ops. Sunnyhill received a cheque for $6,215.50. The Board is considering options to bring to membership.

Flood fund money-1.jpg

SACHA FALL EDUCATION EVENT

Submitted  by Herta Fidler

The SACHA Fall Education event held November 18 was a great success judging from the number of people attending. Attending from Sunnyhill Co-op were David Broadhead, Herta Fidler and Jacky Durrie. The following are minutes of the workshops attended by Dave and Herta.

Workshop - Aging in Place

Presentation by the Kerby Centre

The Kerby Centre offers many services including consultation about the availability of housing that meet individual needs.  Other services offered include volunteer lawyers, help with guardianship, help with filing taxes, and shelter for abused seniors.

Presentation by the Calgary Aging In Place (CAIP) – A Co-op Organization

This organization offers help to members who wish to construct secondary suites (Granny Suites). Other help includes finding services such as plumbers, housekeepers, property managers, and contractors etc. all of whom are members of and have been vetted by CAIP. At present CAIP has helped with seven applications for this type of housing. All have been approved by the city.

Presentation by the HMC Lawyer

A presentation of the legal implication for a Co-op when a member has physical difficulties staying in their unit or presents a safety concern was presented. First and foremost Human Rights (rights of the individual versus rights of the group) is the essential underpinning in any intervention. It is the responsibility of a Co-op to provide aids (i.e. handrails, ramps) within its financial ability, to help members remain in their units. However a co-op is liable for any injuries caused by such installations.

When a member becomes a danger to themselves and/or others a co-op needs to take steps to assess the situation. The fire department can intervene in cases of fire hazards or hoarding, police can be called upon to take the individual to hospital under the mental health act and the Alberta mental health response team can also help assess a situation.

Workshop - Co-op Finances

A thorough review of ‘Everything You Need To Know About Your Co-op’s Finances’ was presented. The most important highlights for the sake of this report are what to look for.

INCOME STATEMENT: Look for large budget variances, unusual trends, unexpected items, negative numbers, declining maintenance, large vacancies and projected surplus or loss.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Look for changes in balance sheet accounts, accounts receivable (members’ arrears), accounts payable, cash flow (reserve funding, share funding, idle cash), and accumulated surplus/deficit.

SACHA Board of Directors' Workshop

Submitted by Andrea Bergen

Board of Directors’ Workshop
Getting Management and Governance Right

Saturday, February 10th
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sunnyhill Housing Co-op to host at
Calgary Curling Club
720, 3 Street SW

This workshop focuses on the board's role in management and governance. It is a great way
to introduce board members to their position or to inform potential candidates of what is
involved. It can also be a refresher course for those who have been around for a while. It will
provide some practical ideas to help boards, members and staff work effectively together.

It is an excellent opportunity for members who currently serve on committees and members
who want to become involved to learn more about how the board functions. It is a secure
stepping stone for future involvement on the board.


As well, the core management standards will be reviewed in this workshop and we will talk
about how your co-op can get the desired results from:

  • Good Governance
  •  Sound Management
  • Building an Open and Healthy Community
  • Maintenance
  • Financial Literacy
  • Marketing
  • Legal Obligations

COST: $100.00 for members,  $200.00 non-members
(Snacks and beverages will be supplied, please provide for your own lunch)
We require a minimum number of ten people to hold the workshop. Workshop fees are not refundable unless the workshop has to be cancelled due to insufficient registrations. If the person registered cannot attend their workshop, they or their co-op should find someone else to attend in their place.

See the SACHA website for details

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