The primary way in which COCo supports community groups is through Info-COCo Sessions and more in-depth or longer-term organizational support. In addition to helping individual organizations, COCo is also available to support larger movement-building initiatives that bring together multiple community groups to more effectively tackle complex social issues.
Our approach is participatory and empowerment-based and focused on both process and outcomes. We believe that social change starts from within. The healthier and more socially vibrant community groups are, the better they will be at creating these same qualities and effecting change in the broader commmunity.
Info-COCo Sessions
COCo responds on a daily basis to requests from community groups throughout Quebec requesting assistance and information on a wide variety of topics. Info-COCO Sessions are done by phone, by email and in person. Some questions result in simple referrals, but many involve more in-depth conversations, research and follow-up. While you should feel free to call us with any questions related to community groups, here are a few of the more common topics we consult on:
* Governance
* Nonprofit incorporation and charitable status
* Funding
* Financial management
* Human resources
[expand title="Click here for some examples of the questions we commonly answer through our Info-COCo Sessions." ]
* Governance, such as…
“What exactly are the role and legal responsibilities of a nonprofit board?” “How do I go about organizing and chairing an Annual General Meeting”?
* Nonprofit incorporation and charitable status, such as…
“Should I incorporate my community group? If so, How long does it tend to take?”
“How do I apply for charitable status and what do I gain and lose from doing so?”
* Funding, such as…
“Would you be able to give me some tips on effective grantwriting?”
“Can you let us know if we’re on the right track with our funding strategy and if there are other sources of funding we should be considering?”
* Financial management, such as…
“Can you give us some ideas for how to strengthen our financial management?”
“Do you know any accountants who have experience working with community groups?”
* Human resources, such as…
“Do you have a sample staff evaluation process I can use as a guide?”
“As an employee, am I legally required to work overtime?”
[/expand]
Organizational Support
If a community group needs more support than can be offered through an Info-COCo Session, COCo can provided facilitation, training and/or coaching. This support is offered on a sliding scale based on annual budget and can range from one 3-hour session to several sessions over several months to a series of coaching sessions. Common areas of focus include:
▪ Board Roles & Responsibilities
▪Mission/Vision/Values
▪ Strategic directions
▪ Team building
▪ Funding development
▪ Conflict resolution
▪ Evaluation
▪ Communication
If you’d like to schedule an Info-COCo Session or explore the possibility of COCo providing your group with organizational support, give us a call at 514-849-5599 or send us an email at info@coco-net.org.