"Cooperative education is something that requires our attention, and our commitment on a regular basis, not just once or every now and then.  It is a long-accepted maxim among cooperators that without cooperative education the average life span of a cooperative is about a generation and a half" 

As today’s business climate increases in complexity, the challenges facing cooperative directors and employees become even greater. Decisions are far more difficult and more costly. Continuing education plays an increasingly important role in assuring that the cooperative operates effectively in serving members’ needs now and in the future.

The Council conducts the following programs on a regular basis:

Director/Manager Workshops

Director/Manager Workshops were created to address issues of timely relevance to cooperatives.  Directors and managers are encouraged to attend the workshops together; thus, allowing each to bring a valuable perspective to the workshop discussion and work together in applying alternatives to meet their business needs. Regional cooperative co-sponsors annually participate in a meeting to identify the theme and topics to be covered in the workshops.

Workshops are conducted annually each December.  Refer to the "Calendar of Events" page for the next offering of this workshop.

Director Certification Program (DCP)  

Provides participants with information for improving skills used in fulfilling their roles as cooperative directors. The four phases cover cooperative principles and practices; roles and responsibilities of directors; directors’ legal obligations; long-range strategic planning; understanding and using financial statements; and management evaluation and compensation.

DCP is conducted annually in January.   Refer to the "Calendar of Events" page for the next offering of this workshop.

Graduate Director Seminars (GDS) /Special Director Seminars (SDS)

GDS programs build on materials covered in the Director Certification Program and help directors enhance skills they acquire through their experiences as board members. Managers are encouraged to attend. Three GDS programs have been developed: GDS1 - "Advanced Financial Management"; GDS2 - "Changing Role of Directors and Managers in a Growth Cooperative"; and GDS3 - "Establishing the Value of Your Cooperative." 

Two SDS programs--Strategic Thinking & Planning (STP) and Collaborative Leadership for Change (CLC)--have also been developed.  STP covers of process of creating focus for the business, the principles of the process, and the creation of a document to guide the business for a three to five-year time horizon.  CLC helps directors and managers understand preference for interaction with others and its impact on the ability of the management team to minimize conflict in the process of making decisions. 

GDS/SDS is conducted annually in January.   Refer to the "Calendar of Events" page for the next offering of this workshop.

Board Officer Seminar (BOS) 

BOS provides specific information on the responsibilities of board officers in helping the cooperative function effectively. Discussion focuses on those responsibilities provided by the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws as well as those which are required by common practice. Legal obligations of directors in maintaining confidentiality of records/decisions is also reviewed.

An overview of leadership requirements on the part of the board officers in dealing with others and in making decisions are also examined. Methods to achieve the required level of support from the membership and with community leaders are considered. 

BOS is offered annually in February.  Refer to the "Calendar of Events" page for the next offering of this workshop.

Cooperatives For Tomorrow (CFT)

The first CFT Seminar was offered in February 2005 and featured a variety of nationally-known speakers from both the academic and cooperative systems to provide directors with the opportunity to obtain a different viewpoint on issues facing their cooperative.

CFT is held every other year and will be offered next in 2011.  Refer to the "Calendar of Events" page for the next offering of this workshop.

Cooperative Employee Seminars (CES)

CES provide employees with easy-to-use knowledge and skills. Topics covered in these one-day seminars are similar to those utilized in the Mid-management Certification Program which was previously offered as a four phase program.  These one-day seminars will include but not be limited to the following: 

In the past, CES workshops have been offered on an annual basis.  However, after several requests from local cooperatives for customized programs, we have gone to an on-site delivery which enables each program to be customized for a specific cooperative. 

Other programs may be added in the future. 

Special Workshops

Workshops are also conducted on various other issues as needed or requested by our members.

 Last updated 2/12/10

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Nebraska Cooperative Council

134 South 13th St., Ste 503

Lincoln, NE  68508-1901

PH:  402/475-6555     FAX:  402/475-4538

Legislative and Regulatory Issues:  Robert Andersen, President

Education, Scholarship Program, Communications Issues:  Ed Woeppel, Education & Program Director

All other issues:  General Office