What is ACCA and why should my organization consider joining?

The mission of the Alberta Community & Co-operative Association (ACCA) is to strengthen Alberta communities through co-operative and agricultural awareness, training and development.

ACCA serves co-operatives, credit unions and agricultural organizations by providing co-op development resources, youth and adult education, rural development, administrative services, conference coordination and financial management.

The ACCA objectives include:

  • To foster a healthy and vibrant co-operative sector,
  • To provide a means for co-operatives to associate and network with other co-operatives,
  • To promote the co-operative model,
  • To support the development of strong Alberta communities through co-operation,
  • To foster the development of community leaders through education,
  • To provide youth education and leadership, and
  • To foster a healthy agriculture sector through co-operation and education.

What are the benefits of membership?

For members only

  • Democratic control and full participation in membership meetings

  • Run for election to the Board of Directors

  • Vote for the Board of Directors and on bylaw issues

For Full Members and Auxiliary Members

  • Receive notification of upcoming events and invitations to ACCA events

  • Receive newsletters, resources and related publications such as the Alberta Farm and Ranch Directory

  • Participate and work with other members in support of ACCA’s mission to strengthen Alberta communities.

How large is the Board of Directors?

There are ten members on the Board:

Russell Wolf – Chair, representing Federated Co-operatives Limited
Greg Nail – Vice-Chair, representing Credit Union Central of Alberta

George Andrews representing Alberta Federation of Rural Electrification Associations
Barry Ashton representing Calgary Co-operative Limited
Michael Kueber representing United Farmers of Alberta
Neil Haggard representing Mountain Equipment Co-op
Andrea Rogers representing Canadian Workers’ Co-operative Federation
Keith Harding representing Northern Alberta Co-operative Housing Federation
John Lamb representing The Co-operators Group Limited
Harvey Yoder representing Federation of Alberta Gas Co-ops
Terry Murray representing Wild Rose Agricultural Producers
Dean Chessor representing Central Alberta REA

What work is ACCA doing in the field of rural development?

The Bridge Builders program deals with urban and rural perceptions of rural Alberta and rural Albertans. The report suggests that urban Albertans are very supportive of rural Alberta and of rural development in general.

ACCA continues to provide programs in Lifetime Leadership. The document Leadership Training in Rural Alberta: What's in place, what works, and what's needed document summarizes leadership training in rural Alberta.

    How can I become a volunteer in your youth camps?

    Contact abartolcic@acca.coop for more information on volunteering.

    I’d like to attend one of your youth camps. How can I find a sponsor?

    • Be well prepared. Be sure you have all the information you need and you know what you want from the sponsor. Find out if that organization sponsored participants last year. HINT: Check our website! Practice your request on someone you trust.
    • Give them all the information that’s important. Tell them all about the program, the week you want to attend, the amount of sponsorship you need, etc. Show them this brochure!
    • Offer to give something back. Past participants have given written and oral reports at meetings, or have volunteered for their sponsoring organization. Give the sponsor a chance to learn about what you did at the program. Don’t make any commitments you won’t keep.
    • Leave a great impression. Even if the organization doesn’t decide to sponsor you, be polite and courteous. Thank them for taking the time to listen to your request. The same organization might decide to sponsor you or someone else next year.
    • Still need help? After you have exhausted the sponsoring organizations that are listed above and you have approached others in your community, we may be able to assist you. Call us for references to past sponsors and ideas on other organizations that might be able to help.

    You can also contact abartolcic@acca.coop for more information.

    How can I volunteer for the ACCA Co-operative Youth Program

    Creative batteries running low? Want to be a part of something exciting?

    If you are looking for an opportunity that will help you meet new people, inspire you and give you the chance to learn something new…we are looking for you!

    The ACCA Co-operative Youth Program is a 7-day summer leadership program for Alberta’s youth. Each year we host the best youth participants to be found anywhere. Program staff oversees the program activities and have a great time doing so!

    Program staff approach us from two streams:

    • Employees – who participate as part of their personal or professional development, or are part of their organization’s commitment to community programming. Credit unions, co-operative businesses agricultural societies use this opportunity for their staff on an annual basis.
    • Volunteers – who are from all walks of life, or are past participants of this or similar leadership programs. Program alumni, teachers, youth workers and students are just some of our volunteers.

    Our program staff makes a real difference in the lives of our participants every year. The difference is so real; you can see the change in yourself and in the participants by the end of the week. Youth leave this program with changes to their self-esteem and a greater knowledge of co-ops, credits unions and the impact that their leadership can have on their community.

    Last but not least, our location cannot be beat! All programs are held at Goldeye Centre, an educational conference retreat centre located west of Nordegg, AB. Program staff are housed in the Hay Memorial Cabin, a dorm-style building with a central sitting room and deck. Meals are healthy, delicious and nutritious. The Mountain View is spectacular, the friendly atmosphere and the comfortable surroundings will entice you back again and again, and can’t help but feel the “Goldeye Magic” in the air.

    You can also contact abartolcic@acca.coop for more information.