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Research, Education and Co-operation Hub
Welcome to REACH
Extending our REACH
In April 2008, a new unit was established by CCA to provide value-added training, research and program management services on behalf of the co-operative community. In an ever-changing world, CCA has a pivotal role within the Canadian co-operative movement - we have a national presence and profile but also have reach through its members to the primary co-operatives and credit unions which support local businesses and communities. Furthermore CCA has extensive global links with the global co-operative community through its long track record in international development.
Through our relationships with provincial co-operative associations, academics and content experts, CCA is uniquely placed to draw down on these networks to better serve the constituents they represent. The core programs and fee-for-service activities for the Research, Education and Co-operation Hub (REACH) are research; education and training; and program management.
In its short history, REACH has already developed an impressive line-up of projects and clients. Since 2008, REACH:
Developed, in partnership with Gay Lea Foods Co-operative and several topical experts, a delegate and farmer-director leadership training and development program specifically tailored for the needs of the dairy co-op sector (over 100 farmer directors and senior managers trained). Researched provincial and national co-operative development strategies and areas of best practices regarding co-op development as part of the Manitoba 2018 co-operative development strategy.
Secured $1 million in co-operative research funding (over five years) from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, in partnership with Canadian universities. This research collaboration, the Measuring the Co-operative Difference Research Network, coordinates research partnerships across Canada between academic and co-operative partners and seeks to measure the social, economic and environmental impact of co-ops on Canadians and their communities.
Worked with the Newfoundland-Labrador Federation of Co-operatives to develop a comprehensive co-operative youth strategy for the province. The research and implementation strategy outlined a seven component program to provide opportunities for youth involvement across the continuum from teenagers to young adults.
Reviewed agricultural co-operative networks and federations in Canada, the United States and Europe. The review identified best practices in support infrastructures for agricultural cooperatives and provided an opportunity for consultation with Canadian agricultural co-ops on how best to meet their needs.
Researched local food co-operatives and initiatives throughout Canada on behalf of the Plunkett Foundation in the UK. Through conducting a programs scan, literature review and interviewing co-ops as well as support providers, REACH was able to provide best practices and lessons learned to inform Plunkett's local food programs.
