The Fall Island Education Day on Nov. 5th had a record turnout with both workshops almost fully sold out with 30 members from 12 co-ops in attendance.  Participants can access workshop materials online.Both workshops focused on planning ahead: for the needs of aging members in our co-ops and for the end of subsidies once government operating agreements are over. In the subsidies workshop, members looked at the pros and cons of two options for a co-op either:using its own resources to offer reduced housing charges to low-income members, orrelying on government to provide housing charge assistance to low-income members.Participants also looked at the issues and challenges involved in meeting the requirements of sound operation in co-ops and still offering reduced housing charges to low-income members after government assistance ends.Co-op members had lots to say about what they learned that will be useful for their co-op: “We have a lot of planning to do and it’s important to start now.” “How we are best going to deal with post operating agreement and how best to help our members during the aging process.” “The necessity of beginning discussion NOW about post operating agreement years!” “Communication is key with co-op members on how to proceed for the future.”The next Island Education Day is Saturday, March 10. We hope to see you there!