Welcome to the ICA Housing E-Bulletin number 4 for October 2009.

We hope to include some of the newest and most useful information regarding housing co-operatives around the world and plan to send an E-Bulletin every two months. Please feel free to forward this E-Bulletin to your colleagues and fellow co-operators. Between E-Bulletins please feel free to check out website at http://www.icahousing.org.

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ICA Housing is a sectoral organisation of the International Co-operative Alliance. It was established to promote the development of co-operative housing in all countries, and in particular developing countries, as an economic and social contribution to the problem of providing shelter.

ICA Housing is one of the nine sectors of the International Co-operative Alliance. We are very proud of the fact that we are the apex body of the worldwide co‑operative housing movement. Our mission is to unite, represent and serve the international movement for co‑operative and mutual self-help housing.

Upcoming Events:

                OCTOBER

22-24     9th ICA Africa Co-operative Ministerial Conference, Nairobi (Kenya) imbsen@ica.coop     

26-27     Cooperatives Europe Board Meeting and South-East Seminar, Nicosia (Cyprus)

NOVEMBER

                                16-20     ICA General Assembly, ICA Board Meetings and Sectoral Meetings (Geneva). Click here for more information.

In this E-Bulletin:

·         The upcoming ICA Housing meetings

·         An Italian delegation visited the co-operative housing movement in Canada

The upcoming ICA Housing meetings

On November 18, 2009 ICA Housing members will gather at their biannual Plenary and Seminar.  These meetings are important and useful, we hope you will join us then.

As you know, ICA is going through many changes and this is having an impact on how Sectoral Organizations are functioning.  The ICA Housing Board of Directors will address these changes, present amendments to the Rules and provide an overview of the strategic discussion held in 2008.  In addition, it will be a perfect time to thank many long-term and dedicated board members as at least five of them will not be standing for another term.  Eight positions are open and so far seven nominations have been received; nominations can also be received at the meeting.  Finally, the Plenary will be a good opportunity to discuss the progress made in the work program.

During the afternoon of November 18, the delegates will have a chance to discuss the impact of the financial crisis on their work.  Five speakers have accepted to share their knowledge and views.  Make sure you do not miss this networking opportunity.

These meetings are held in conjunction with the ICA General Assembly.  Your registration is necessary for participation in the ICA Housing meetings.  Please follow this link  for more information.

An Italian delegation visited Canada

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) hosted a delegation of more than 60 co-operative housing representatives from ANCAB and FINABITA from Italy last September 2009.  Presentations, site visits and informal gatherings were organised in the cities of Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec.  Twelve co-operatives, community organizations, and housing agencies from these cities and the provincial government joined CHF Canada to make this visit a success.  Several housing co-operatives opened their doors to the delegation.

The Italian delegation at a reception offered by the City of Montreal (above)

Please feel free to make comments, suggestions and submissions to be included to mbaker@icahousing.coop.