Member Resources

Member service is a vital part of the Co-operative. Recognizing that members share some needs in common, but also have unique needs unto themselves, the Co-op provides a number of services for members, including benefitsKBCSC Member Council meetings, KBCSC Committees and additional communications & information.

Benefits

  • Access to Federation of Community & Social Services BC (FCSSBC) professional development events at preferred member rates
  • Access to preferred rates on minimum charge for the Benefit Affiliate Program, required for access to the Insurance and Benefits offered by the Federation
  • Access to Relias Online Training at member rates
  • Access to preferred subscription rates for Grant Advance
  • Access to KBCSC-Trust Partnership capacity building activities
  • Access to a Shared Web Services program with Pathwise Solutions Inc.
KBCSC / Trust Partnership

The Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-operative (KBCSC) and the Columbia Basin Trust (Trust) Partnership (Dec 2015 to Mar 2022) have a mutual goal of strengthening the capacity of non-profit social service organizations in the Basin. This shared priority is outlined in the KBCSC’s 2020-2022 strategic plan and the Trust’s Social Strategic Plan.

In partnering to address this goal, KBCSC and the Trust will:

  • Share resources and expertise with each other.
  • Have tangible impact on non-profit social service organizations, increasing their capacity and effectiveness.
  • Openly communicate with each other through regular and proactive dialogue, and work in close collaboration to achieve results.

KBCSC and the Trust have established a partnership committee, with representation from KBCSC, including Executive Directors of its member agencies, and the Trust. The Committee works together to create a work plan that identifies priorities, activities, resources required and desired outcomes.

The work plan addresses two key objectives:

  • Developing and implementing services and supports to strengthen the capacities of member agencies, and
  • Assisting members’ to develop innovative local and regional approaches to address complex social needs within communities.

Current Partnership Projects include

  • IT Network Shared Knowledge
  • Shared Finance Services & Automation project
  • HR Network Shared Knowledge
  • KBCSC “Members’ Hub”
  • Quality Improvement: Shared Policies & Best Practices project

KBCSC Member Council meetings

The KBCSC holds an Annual General Meeting plus four general Council meetings each year. Information sharing and networking are essential parts of these meetings. The meetings often include workshops and/or a keynote speaker. Co-op members, co-op sector and community partners are often invited to attend.

Annual General Meeting

General Council Meetings

March 16, 2023

Virtual via Zoom

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

 

September 2023

AGM & Council Meeting

Virtual via Zoom

 

 

KBCSC Committees

The KBCSC forms standing, advisory and ad hoc committees as required or needed. Members of these committees are a combination of Council or Board members, and community partners as appropriate.  

Committees of the Board

Human Resources Committee

The HR Committee is a Standing Committee of the Board and is chaired by one of the Board representatives. The Committee meets on a minimum quarterly basis, or as needed. The Committee makes a full report of its actions at each subsequent Board meeting. The Board of Directors recognizes that the organization’s workforce is its greatest asset. On behalf of the Board, the Human Resources (HR) Committee is responsible for guiding the human resources management practices of the organization, for reducing the risks of employment litigation and costs thereby protecting the organization’s reputation in the community, and for ensuring an equitable work environment that is supportive of organizational productivity, diversity, and stability.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is a Standing Committee of the Board and consists of the Treasurer as Chair, and at least one other Director and the Executive Director in attendance. The Finance Committee meetings are open to member agency representatives (e.g., Executive Director, Finance Manager, Treasurer). The Finance Committee is responsible for overall budget recommendations. The Committee makes a full report of its actions at each subsequent Board meeting.

Committees of the Council

Policy Committee

The purpose of the Policy Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to the member council on the rules and policy that determine the way we work as members of a co-operative. The Committee consists of a Co-op Board member as Chair, Member representatives and the Co-op Executive Director.

Partnership Committee

The Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-operative (KBCSC) and the Columbia Basin Trust (Trust) Partnership (Dec 2015 to Mar 2021) have a mutual goal of strengthening the capacity of non-profit social service organisations in the Basin. This shared priority is outlined in the KBCSC’s 2016-18 and 2018-2021 strategic plan and the Trust’s Social Strategic Plan. In partnering to address this goal, KBCSC and the Trust will:

  • Share resources and expertise with each other.
  • Have tangible impact on non-profit social service organizations, increasing their capacity and effectiveness.

The KBCSC and the Trust Partnership Committee, includes representation from KBCSC, two Executive Directors of its member agencies, and the Trust. The Committee works together to create a work plan that identifies priorities, activities, resources required and desired outcomes.

Truth & Reconciliation Learning Circle

The purpose of the Truth & Reconciliation Learning Circle is to provide advice and recommendations regarding educational and learning opportunities to members and to support members with their “readiness to embrace” the Truth & Reconciliation process. The T&R Committee consists of Member representatives and Elders, Co-op Board members, and the Co-op Executive Director and is also open to all Member  representatives, staff and Elders.

Communications & Information

A variety of strategies are applied to support members in their communications and networking needs. The following list provides some examples of member communications services:

  • The Co-op’s website provides links to member agencies, and resources.
  • Regular email news bulletins are sent to members as identified on your membership renewal form and include information on:
    • BC Bid and funding opportunities
    • Board Voice news
    • Co-op Council business
    • Co-op Board business
    • HR network resources and training opportunities
    • IT network resources and events
    • Seniors / Raising the Profile project news
  • Through the Co-op’s Office 365 account, members can access shared information on policies, procedures and administrative resources.

Do You Need Help?

Kootenay Boundary Community Services Co-operative is a regional umbrella organization and we do not provide direct services. However, we know lots of great organizations that do!

Find Community Organizations

View the list of KBSCS member organizations across the Kootenay Boundary and find a community organization near you that may be able to help.

Find Support

211 is a confidential, multilingual service providing free information and referrals to a full range of community, government, and social services across BC. It operates 24/7.

Find Resources

Search FETCH for access to information about all programs and resources located in, or serving, communities in the KB Region.