STRATEGIC PRIORITY
BELONGING
We want our co-ops to be communities that promote and embody equitable access, opportunity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. To this end, we are committed to involves listening, learning, and changing, as well as amplifying the voices of our members, friends, and partners so that inclusivity becomes the norm in our world.
About
CHF BC aims to inspire housing co-ops to be communities that promote and embody equitable access, opportunity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Key Strategies
- Help housing co-ops identify and work to remove barriers to equity and inclusion.
- Model best practices to promote equity and inclusion and to increase diversity among CHF BC directors, staff, workshop leaders, contractors, and consultants.
- Refresh our education program, management services and development practices to reflect this strategic priority.
Year of Belonging
Join us in celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry of our co-operative housing communities!
At CHF BC, we believe that everyone deserves to feel that they can be their authentic selves, and that housing co-ops should be communities that foster a sense of belonging. This year we’re shining a spotlight on diversity and inclusion like never before. We’re excited to launch a special initiative to spotlight housing co-ops that embrace and celebrate the rich mosaic of lived experiences within our midst.
Indigenous Reconciliation
Truth is about our past and our present; reconciliation is the story of our future.
At CHF BC, we are engaging on a Indigenous reconciliation journey that begins with being open to unlearning. It means challenging out belief and narratives, and inviting more accountability in our work.
Both within our organization and in our work with members, CHF BC is committed to Indigenous truth, reconciliation and decolonization. This work will necessarily be built on a commitment to learning and action based on justice, respect, and equality.
Anti-Racism
For many people. learning about anti-racism can be a difficult and personal process. It can often be difficult to know where to start.
While we are all in different places in our journeys to be anti-racist, a good place to start—or check in with yourself—is by reading, watching, and learning. There have been several resources produced in recent years on this topic. We have compiled some to get you started.
Aging in Place
Aging in place is the ability to continue to live in one’s own co-op home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, benefiting older members, their families and co-op communities.
As housing co-op members get older, they may face challenges that make it more difficult to continue to live safely in their units, to remain fully involved in their co-op communities and to know where to get support when they need it.
The benefits of aging in place are well-known, but co-ops may need help to support their valued aging members.
2SLGBTQIA+
The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is a significant presence throughout housing co-operatives in British Columbia
CHF BC is committed to working with our members to ensure that the federations, and our member housing co-operatives, are safe spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included.
Youth Engagement
Engaging the next generation of co-operators shaping the future of our housing co-ops, our communities, and the wider world.
Housing co-operatives are dynamic communities, shaped by both tradition and the promise of the future. Youth are the heart of this legacy—they are the co-operators of tomorrow. Learn more about how CHF BC is engaging our young members to build stronger communities.
More to Come!
We are still in the early days of our belonging work. Stay tuned for information and resources on other equity-deserving persons and groups including:
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Please contact Yuri Artibise at communications@chf.bc.ca or 604-879-5111 (toll-free 1-866-879-5111) Ext 145 if you:
- Would like to help us develop sections on any of these groups—or others.
- Want to share links to resources.
- Would like to be informed when we post information on one or more of these groups.
- Have a question or comment about this work.