CMBA P5 Learning Series

Note: CMBA has shifted focus slightly this year to provide a learning series in place of our annual P6 (Cooperation Among Cooperatives) Conference. This is due to current difficulties of gathering and networking during the COVID pandemic.

The theme for our new learning series is Principle 5: Education, Training, and Information

Cooperative Principle 5: Education, Training, and Information — Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public – particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

We will offer a five part expert-led learning series over the course of five months. The selection of topics for this Learning Series is based on the needs and interests of the Maine Co-op Community. The knowledge and tools presented in the five separate workshops will be directly applicable to both business and housing cooperatives. One of our overarching goals for this learning series is to have participants take the information and skills they learn and teach their co-workers, members of their community, their co-op members, and their fellow board members. Spreading expert knowledge through the cooperative process helps bring us closer to our vision of a prosperous, equitable, democratically owned economy where everyone can fulfill their needs and aspirations.

Here is a preview of our tentative schedule:

1. Loan Readiness – Assess your assets, count your cash, and appreciate your application process. – February 25th, 1-3 pm. This is a panel-led workshop in which co-op professionals and entrepreneurs will learn how best to prepare to apply for funding for an expansion or for opening a business, including a cooperative. REGISTER HERE! | WATCH RECORDING
2. Open Book Management – practices and tools that build financial knowledge, trust and ownership. March 24th, 1-3 pm. Learn how to improve performance and meet member needs by engaging  the board and staff in understanding how the co-op generates income. This workshop will also include a broader overview of  democratic management principles that develop and engage workers. REGISTER HERE! | WATCH THE RECORDING
3. Igniting Community Partnership – a clean energy workshop. April 29, 1-3pm. Learn practical strategies for how our co-ops can address climate change and be more sustainable. This workshop will include a USDA-RD presentation on grant programs supporting co-op’s energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. REGISTER HERE! | WATCH THE RECORDING
4. Cooling Down a Hot Mess – Conflict management for Boards, Management and staff. June 3, 1-3pm. Clarity Services will introduce us to the science of reactivity and strategies for self-regulation when things are “hot.” REGISTER HERE! | WATCH THE RECORDING
5. Once Upon a Co-op – Developing and telling the co-op story. Fall 2021. This workshop will provide tools to create engaging co-op stories through collaboration between co-ops in Maine. REGISTER HERE | WATCH THE RECORDING -CANCELED

Keep checking back for updates! 

P5 Learning Series Playlist

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