3^rd Annual International
Building Co-operative Futures Youth Conference

Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
May 12-15, 2005

Overview

The Building Co-operative Futures conference focuses on youth engagement in co-operative organizations and furthering this engagement through education and community-centred participation. This conference is for youth between the ages of 19 and 35, who are members, employees, students of co-operatives , or other individuals who have a keen interest in co-operatives and the co-operative movement. The Building Co-operative Futures conference is open to participants from across Canada and around the world.

During this three-day conference, participants will attend sessions and workshops where they will:

• Analyze and discuss the co-operative model, its principles and its values;
   
• Review the rich history of co-operative organizations;
   
• Discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities facing co-operatives today;
   
• Consider recent innovative applications of the co-operative model;
   
• Explore broad issues such as globalization, economic development, urbanization, community, participation, leadership, and more.
   
• Examine the roles and responsibilities of co-operative members and directors;
   
• Receive information and resources on co-op careers, studies, and opportunities.

Participants will also discover and learn about Saskatchewan — its history, its people, and their special connections to this amazing place. Participants will visit Wanuskewin Heritage Park where they will enjoy Aboriginal – First Nations – culture, food, and dancing; they will also attend a rural hospitality night, where they will enjoy an evening of food, music and interaction, “Saskatchewan style”!

Conference registration will begin Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Conference concludes Sunday, May 15, 2005 at 5:00 p.m. Participants have the option of registering for an added day of workshops to focus on new co-operative development or on board and committee roles and responsibilities.

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Sponsors

We Gratefully Acknowledge the Support of (in no particular order):

• Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon
• British Columbia Institute for Co-operative Studies
• Colonsay Co-operative Association
• Colonsay Credit Union
• Colonsay Saskatchewan Wheat Pool
• Co-op College, United Kingdom
• Wisconsin Farmers Union
• The Co-operators
• Canadian Worker Co-op Federation
• Regina Community Clinic
• Saskatoon Community Clinic
• CUMIS Group
• ICA
• Concentra Financial
• NASCO Family
• University of Wisconsin Center for the Study of Co-ops
• On Co-op
• ACE
• British Columbia Co-operative Association
• Atlantic Co-operative Youth Leadership
• Government of Manitoba
• Access Communications Co-operative
• Rural Education Development Association
• La Siemba
• Sask Central
• The Co-operative Housing Federation

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Conference Agenda

Download and print the conference agenda: Download Agenda (75kb)

Thursday 12 May

Friday 13 May

Saturday 14 May

Sunday 15 May

Monday 16 May

Download and print the conference agenda: Download Agenda (75kb)

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Location

Considered to be one of Canada’s most scenic university campuses, the University of Saskatchewan is situated along the South Saskatchewan River in the city of Saskatoon, the largest city in the province of Saskatchewan. From its central location in the city, the U of S provides quick access to Saskatoon’s bustling downtown, as well as the city’s many picturesque parks and walking paths.

Accommodations for conference participants are located on the U of S Campus. Accommodations are situated along ‘The Bowl’ the focal point of many activities at the U of S. It is also close to the Arts Building, where conference sessions will be held, as well as campus gift stores, food outlets, and other convenience services.

For those staying for a longer visit, www.tourismsaskatoon.com has lots of information about what is happening around Saskatoon.

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Urgent Notice - Please Read

Important notice regarding accommodation.

The registration fee for the Building Co-operative Futures Conference includes accommodation in student residences for three nights (May 12, 13, & 14) only. If you are arriving early or staying beyond the Sunday May 15 checkout, you will need to make your own arrangements for additional accommodation. This includes anyone planning to attend the Postconference Workshops.

While student resident rooms are currently available for the days leading up to the conference, we have just learned that no space is available beginning Sunday evening. This means that you must make alternative arrangements. The conference organizers have blocked 25 double rooms at the Colonial Square Motel, a short distance from the University. The rooms are available on a first-come basis, but the block will be held only until April 15 . The rate is $69 per night plus taxes and the block is being held under the name “BUILDING CO-OPERATIVES.” Where possible, we urge you to arrange shared accommodation (up to four people per room are allowed to share the two double beds) so that the limited number of rooms can accommodate as many people as possible. We recognize that this might not be desirable for all participants, but we appreciate your co-operation where possible.

Rooms have also been blocked at:
Days Inn
2000 Idylwyld Drive.
North Saskatoon, SK
tel: (306) 242- 3297 or
toll free 1-800-329-7466

Website: www.mydaysinn.ca

We have 10 non-smoking rooms booked each with two queen size beds.  The room rate is $99/night, but you can have as many as four people per room. The block is for May 15, 16, 17 and will be held until May 2nd. Mention that it is for the Building Co-operative Futures Conference (code name is "Roger") Note: this hotel is not within walking distance of the University or of downtown Saskatoon. It is about a $10 taxi ride to the University.

To arrange accommodation following the conference at the Colonial Square Motel, call toll free 1-800-667-3939 and be sure to mention “Building Co-operatives.”

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Registration

Download and print a registration form: Download Brochure (275kb)
(Registration Form incl.)

Registration Fees:

Accommodations include 3 nights stay (May 12 –14) on University Campus. To arrange additional accommodation please contact the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives (306) 966-8509. All prices in Canadian funds, GST included.

There are accommodations available on the University of Saskatchewan campus for nights prior to May 12. The deadline for booking these rooms is APRIL 29. Please read ahead for instructions on how to book these accommodations. Please follow these directions:

Go to www.usask.ca/hospitality.
Click on ‘Conference Services'
Click on ‘Upcoming Events'
Scroll down to Building Co-operative Futures Conference
Double click on ‘Housing Form' right beside it.
Print out the housing registry form – fill it out – and send it in!
Deadline for booking accomodations is April 29th, 2005

Registration Deadline: Friday, April 29, 2005

Mail registration form and payment to:

Saskatchewan Co-operative Association
Building Co-operative Futures Conference
301-201 21 st Street East
Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
S7K 0B8
Fax: (306) 244-2165
Phone: (306) 244-3702

Participants of the Building Co-operative Futures conference are invited to attend Connections 2005, taking place May 14-19 in Saskatoon , Saskatchewan at a special reduced youth registration fee of $395. Only 30 spaces are available at this price so register soon!

Connections 2005 is the joint convention of Canadian Conference for Credit Union Executives and the Canadian Co-operative Association Congress. For more information on this event please go to their website www.coopscanada.coop

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