There’s something I’ve been hearing consistently from co-ops across BC, and it’s shaping everything we’re focusing on this year. As I reflect on our first year of this three-year plan, and on the many conversations I’ve had with you along the way, one theme continues to stand out. 

This past year was very intentionally about building a strong foundation. One of the highlights for me was getting out into communities through the Co-op Tour and connecting with many of you – our members – in person. Those conversations were energizing and grounding, and they reinforced something I heard again and again: there’s a real desire across our sector for more connection – for more opportunities to learn from each other, share what’s working (and what’s not), and move forward together. That desire for connection is really at the heart of what membership in BCCA can offer.

At the same time, I know it’s not an easy moment for many co-ops. Economic pressures are real, capacity is stretched, and the pace of change can feel like a lot. If there’s one thing I keep coming back to, it’s that we don’t have to navigate this alone. There is so much strength in this network when we show up for each other.

With April 1 marking the start of Year 2 of our three-year plan, we’re already building on that. This next phase is about deepening those connections and creating more space for collaboration across the sector. You’ll see that come to life through our upcoming provincial conference and our ecosystem mapping work – both focused on bringing co-operators together to better understand where we are, where the gaps are, and what becomes possible when we align our efforts. This is exactly what membership in BCCA is meant to enable: creating the conditions for connection, shared learning, and collective action across our sector.

I want to say a sincere thank you to those of you who have already paid your membership dues. It might seem like a small thing, but it truly makes a difference. Your support is what allows us to do this work, and we don’t take that lightly. Over the past year, we’ve also introduced new ways to be part of BCCA, with different membership levels – including our new Friend and Associate options – so more people and organizations can connect into this work.

If you’re not yet a member, I’d love to invite you to join us. Being part of BCCA is really about being part of something bigger – a network of people and organizations working to strengthen and grow the co-operative sector across BC. I also hope you’ll join us at our upcoming AGM on May 27. It’s a chance to share what we’ve learned from Year 1, where we’re headed next, and to connect with others who care about this work as much as you do.

Thank you, as always, for the work you’re doing in your communities – and for being part of this.

Warmly,
Tara