In the November 2005 issue of Anthill we reported that BCICS has received $137,000 in funding from the Co-operatives Secretariat to undertake a study on the best practices in co-op development. Phase one of the project got underway in December of 2005.

Our first task has been to identify and bring together a small group of highly experienced developers from across the country to glean their insights on best practices in starting co-operatives. A call for nominations went out to co-op newsletters and to regional, provincial, and local co-op organizations. We received 31 nominations. From this sample, we selected 11 developers who reflect gender, sector and regional diversity.

In May 2006, BCICS will host a two-day "think tank" event in Toronto with the selected developers. The participants have been asked to identify what they feel are the critical issues in supporting co-ops through their formative years. These issues will form the backbone of our discussion when we meet in May.

After this event, developers will refine their papers, exploring different aspects of co-op development. This material will then be complied into a "Best Practices" book we expect to release early next year. The May gathering will also be videotaped in preparation for producing a half-hour educational video.

Phase Two of the project will involve a national phone survey of a larger sample of co-op developers from across the country-but more on that in the next issue of Anthill.

Joy Emmanuel