This series features presentations by UVic academics, graduate students, visiting faculty, and practitioners discussing topics related to Co-operatives and the Social Economy. These presentations are free and open to all members of the public and university community.
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Sharing the Challenges and the Rewards of Converting to Co-operative Ownership

Jorge Sousa, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Thursday, February 7th
1:00 – 2:00 pm
University of Victoria, David Strong Building
Room C126

Issues related to housing and homelessness have gained a prominent place on the policy agenda for all levels of government. While the call to build new affordable housing is certainly welcome, and long overdue, there has been a notable absence of planning for the type of community envisioned for these new properties. It is my belief that any discussion of new affordable housing must include more than a focus on bricks and mortar. We need to highlight the need to establish a foundation to enable individuals and families to build a sense of community. Co-operative ownership within a housing context is intended to ensure that managing housing includes a community building focus. In this presentation I will discuss the challenges and rewards of co-operative housing development by using examples of conversion processes and new developments.

Dr. Jorge Sousa currently teaches in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Alberta. His PhD research at the University of Toronto was in the conversion of public housing to tenant-managed co-operatives and was in conjunction with the conversion of Alexandra Park Public Housing to the Atkinson Housing Co-operative. Jorge’s research interests include: learning styles and social processes in Social Economy organizations; community governance models; building community capacity using audio/visual technology; community development; community economic development; housing policy; popular education and local democracy movements. Jorge is currently working with Community-Based Organizations in Edmonton to develop learning partnerships that accounts for the different needs of learners within the University and Learners within these organizations.

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Coming up next…

Bridging the Gap: Between the Ideal and Reality in the Governance of Non-Profit Organizations

Vic Murray, Adjunct Professor, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria
Time: Thursday, March 6th 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Location: TBA

For more information, visit our website
Or contact Sol Kinnis at: 250-721-8751 or by email at: solbcic at uvic dot ca

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