While not always the most exciting way to spend an evening, it is important to attend these events and exercise your rights as a shareholder.
--- [](https://cooperativesfirst.com/) - [HOME](https://cooperativesfirst.com/) - [ABOUT US](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/about-us/) - [WHO WE ARE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/about-us/) - [BOARD OF DIRECTORS](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/board-of-directors/) - [ANNUAL REPORT](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/annual-report/) - [OUR SERVICES](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/inspiring-leadership/) - [ONLINE GOVERNANCE COURSE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/governance/) - [CREATING CONNECTIONS WORKSHOP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/workshop/) - [RESOURCE SITE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/resources/) - [INSPIRING LEADERSHIP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/inspiring-leadership/) - [EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/exploring-opportunity/) - [CREATING A NEW BUSINESS](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/create/) - [HELPING CO-OPS THRIVE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/thrive/) - [WHAT IS A CO-OP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/co-operative-faqs/) - [CONSIDER A CO-OP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/consider-a-co-op/) - [TYPES OF CO-OPERATIVES](https://cooperativesfirst.com/types-of-cooperatives/) - [Co-operative FAQs](https://cooperativesfirst.com/co-operative-faqs/) - [BLOG](https://cooperativesfirst.com/blog/) - [THE COMMON SHARE PODCAST](https://cooperativesfirst.com/common-share-podcast/) - [THE BACKROAD DIARIES](https://thebackroaddiaries.com/) - [CONTACT](https://cooperativesfirst.com/contact/) - [HOME](https://cooperativesfirst.com/) - [ABOUT US](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/about-us/) - [WHO WE ARE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/about-us/) - [BOARD OF DIRECTORS](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/board-of-directors/) - [ANNUAL REPORT](https://cooperativesfirst.com/about-us/annual-report/) - [OUR SERVICES](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/inspiring-leadership/) - [ONLINE GOVERNANCE COURSE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/governance/) - [CREATING CONNECTIONS WORKSHOP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/workshop/) - [RESOURCE SITE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/resources/) - [INSPIRING LEADERSHIP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/inspiring-leadership/) - [EXPLORING OPPORTUNITIES](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/exploring-opportunity/) - [CREATING A NEW BUSINESS](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/create/) - [HELPING CO-OPS THRIVE](https://cooperativesfirst.com/what-we-do/thrive/) - [WHAT IS A CO-OP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/co-operative-faqs/) - [CONSIDER A CO-OP](https://cooperativesfirst.com/consider-a-co-op/) - [TYPES OF CO-OPERATIVES](https://cooperativesfirst.com/types-of-cooperatives/) - [Co-operative FAQs](https://cooperativesfirst.com/co-operative-faqs/) - [BLOG](https://cooperativesfirst.com/blog/) - [THE COMMON SHARE PODCAST](https://cooperativesfirst.com/common-share-podcast/) - [THE BACKROAD DIARIES](https://thebackroaddiaries.com/) - [CONTACT](https://cooperativesfirst.com/contact/) March 21, 2017 • Kyle White ## Top 3 Reasons You Should Attend Annual Meetings  It’s that time of year again – AGM season. Co-operatives and credit unions across Canada are issuing notices to their shareholders of upcoming annual meetings and presenting calls for board nominations. While not always the most exciting way to spend an evening, it's important for the health of the business that you attend these events and exercise your rights as a shareholder. (Plus, they often have cake. And who doesn’t like cake?) Here are the top 3 reasons - *besides cake* - shareholders should attend annual meetings. ### **1. Electing the board of directors** The role of a board is very important in co-operatives of all types and sizes. They create policy and make decisions affecting the day-to-day business of the co-operative. These decisions and policies have significant implications for individual shareholders, consumers, staff and the well-being of the business. So, it’s important to hold the board accountable for the decisions and policies they make. The AGM presents an opportunity for shareholders to bring questions to the board and ensure board members represent the interests of the majority of shareholders. And if your interests go a bit deeper, consider running to serve as a director yourself. Serving on a board can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, and the impacts you make can have lasting effects. The procedure for becoming a member of the board of directors is generally available to shareholders – usually through a website or email. Contact your co-operative for details. ### **2. Voting on resolutions and policies** Prior to the AGM, shareholders will be invited to submit resolutions to the board (or resolutions committee). Resolutions received are discussed and voted on at the AGM. Generally, a resolution is a directive, order or change in policy impacting aspects of the co-operative’s business or policy. While some resolutions would simply change the wording of bylaws, others may suggest shifting the focus of the co-operative to include new markets, products or purposes. As a shareholder, you have the right to speak for or against any resolution and vote on its acceptance. Is there something you would like to see change in your co-operative? Contact your board of directors to learn how to submit a resolution for the next AGM. ### **3. Staying up-to-date** A staple at all annual meetings is reporting to shareholders. Typically, this includes a report on audited financial statements, a report from the president/chair and a report from the manager/CEO. These reports offer shareholders insight into the performance, direction, and stability of the co-operative. Reviewing these reports and asking questions helps ensure the business remains focused and healthy. As a shareholder in a co-operative business, your voice and vote is important to the well-being of the business. Take the time to have some cake and make your share count. **Here are a few upcoming AGMs of larger co-operatives you might be a member of:** - [Assiniboine Credit Union](https://www.assiniboine.mb.ca/) April 19 - [Arctic Co-operatives Limited](http://www.arcticco-op.com/) May 3 - [Conexus Credit Union](https://www.conexus.ca/Personal/) April 26 - [Affinity Credit Union](https://www.affinitycu.ca/Pages/default.aspx) April 19 - [Saskatoon Co-op](http://www.saskatooncoop.ca/wps/portal/crs/saskatoon/) April 25 - [Sherwood Co-op](http://www.sherwoodco-op.com/wps/portal/crs/sherwood/) May 8 - [Calgary Co-op](https://www.calgarycoop.com/) April 6 - [Vancity Credit Union](https://www.vancity.com/) May 4 - [Integris Credit Union](https://www.integriscu.ca/) April 20 - [Co-operative Housing Federation](http://www.chfcanada.coop/eng/pages2007/home.asp) June 7 - [Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada](http://canada.coop/) June 21 ## Stay in the know. Sign up for our monthly newsletter. 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