OCTOBER 2009

October is Co-op Month!

International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) Biennial Conference
The Changing Face of Mutuality
October 1 - 3, 2009
Toronto, Canada

The ICMIF 2009 Conference agenda explores how mutual and cooperative insurers are addressing the largest economic turbulence in recent times and looking forward to embrace future opportunities.

In the wake of a global financial crisis, mutual and cooperative insurers must work through the challenges imposed by a deepening economic downturn. Diminishing customer confidence, tighter scrutiny by regulators and fiercer political debate will promote a shift of power, placing the interests of individuals before the interests of capital. In the past, market failure has led to the emergence of customer-owned businesses being ideally positioned to restore stability and trust. ICMIF members must be poised to come to the fore, identify and grasp the opportunities of the present, and with appropriate strategies to develop, promote and protect their business and their members for the future.

National CLT Conference: Growing Sustainably from the Roots Up
October 27-30, 2009
Athens, GA

The keynote speaker is Shirley Sherrod, the director of field operations for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives in Georgia. Download the conference brochure for more information.

CooperationWorks! Professional Development Training
October 26 - 30, 2009
Madison, Wisconsin

NOVEMBER 2009

NASCO Institute 2009

2009 Cooperative Education and Training Institute
In Our Backyards: Defending the Environmental Commons
November 6 - 8, 2009
University of Michigan Union
530 S. State St.
Ann Arbor, MI

Each November, over 400 participants from all over the United States, Canada and beyond converge in Ann Arbor, Michigan to share ideas, learn new skills, and look at issues affecting the cooperative movement worldwide.

At the 2009 NASCO Institute, we will build on last year's analysis of cooperatives and land rights to explore the the current and future roles of cooperatives in environmental justice work at the local, regional, and global level. We will rethink how we produce, transport, and consume; share everyday tools for just sustainability in cooperative practices; and create cooperative solutions that spark change in "our backyards."

Online Registration is Open!
October 6: Early Registration Deadline

Apply Now for a Low-Income Scholarship!
September 18: Application Deadline
It's not too late to donate to the Low-Income Scholarship Fund!

Highlights:

• The Commons: Community Info and Dialogue Space
• Popular Education Workshops
• Caucuses & Working Groups
• Staff & Managers Conference
• Cooperative Leadership Track: Anti-Oppression Training
• Detroit Environmental Justice Tour
• Local Co-op Tours
• Skillshares (contact neily@nasco.coop if you'd like to share a skill!)
• Cooperative Hall of Fame
• Documentary Film Festival
• Keynote Address: Omar Freilla | Green Worker Co-op
• NASCO Properties Reunion
• Evening Entertainment: climbing poeTree
• NASCO Development Services Luncheon
• Diversity Congress
• Plenary on Environmental Justice

12th Annual National Farmer Cooperative Conference
Thriving in Uncertain Times
November 9 - 10, 2009
Saint Paul, MN

How can agricultural cooperatives navigate today’s economic uncertainties without losing sight of tomorrow’s opportunities? The 12th Annual Farmer Cooperatives Conference will explore issues and strategies such as:

• Risk and Uncertainty
• Changing market demand
• Energy
• Capitalization challenges

MAY 2010

NCBA's Annual Cooperative Conference
May 4 - May 6, 2010
Capitol Hilton
Washington, D.C.

Cooperatives Transforming the Economy

At this year's conference we will focus on the role cooperatives have played during the economic crisis and how cooperatives can create their own economy by leveraging the 6th principle of Cooperation among Cooperatives.

In 2010 we'll dedicate a full day of conference activities around lobbying on the Hill, including educating conference attendees on important issues to bring to their representatives.

As usual, we'll also hold our Annual Meeting during the conference where members will learn about NCBA's 2009 activities and progress in 2010. They'll also be the first to hear who the new elected Board members are for 2010.

If you're not a member join today and make sure your voice is heard!

Want to speak at our 2010 conference? Download our speaker submission form and submit it to Pia Duryea, Manager, Member Services and Conferences by September 15, 2009.

For more information about the conference contact Pia Duryea at pduryea@ncba.coop