The United Nations has declared 2012 to be the International Year of the Co-operative, with the slogan “Co-operative enterprises build a better world.” Housing co-ops plan to celebrate too.On Tuesday, October 11, CHF BC and CHF Canada members heard from John Restakis of the BC Co-operative Association and Sarah Hyde of the popular youth program, the YES Camp. The two outlined 2012 projects happening here in BC .  Sarah Hyde will be leading a youth-driven co-operative story project.  They will be looking for ‘hidden’ stories about co-ops – and for young people (13-25) who want to volunteer for the project. The young people will research co-op stories and go on to tell and perform the stories using various artistic approaches, in public performances, and then as part of an archive preserved for future generations.At Tuesday’s Member Forum, housing co-op members sat together and discussed ways housing co-ops could collaborate in “co-op clusters” and reach out to the local co-operative sector within their communities.  CHF BC, CHF Canada and BCCA will help housing co-ops who want to get involved in local celebrations: block parties, co-op walks, open houses or even floats in local parades or tables at community events.  Watch for a 2012 toolkit and more information coming soon here at CHF BC.Mark your calendars for the next Member Forum on Monday, November 14, topic to be announced soon.