#ACEInstitute2025
We are thrilled to announce that the 74th Annual Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE) Institute will take place July 8-11, 2025 in Montreal, Québec!
As we step into 2025, the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, we are filled with hope and enthusiasm for the incredible opportunities this landmark year holds. This global celebration of the cooperative movement underscores the vital role co-ops play in building sustainable, inclusive communities around the world.
We at ACE are excited to contribute to this year’s momentum through our collaboration in one of the most significant events of 2025: the Institute will indeed be hosted as part of the ICA-CCR Global Research Conference in Montreal, Canada. This year, ACE joins forces with the Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation (CASC) and the International Cooperative Alliance Committee on Cooperative Research (ICA-CCR) for their Global Research Conference, hosted by the Institut international des coopératives Alphonse-et-Dorimène-Desjardins (IICADD) at HEC Montréal. The theme of this joint event is:
“Intercooperation for Our Common Futures.”
Stream 12: The Future of Co-op Education and Development
ACE is proud to lead Stream 12, focusing on the future of co-operative education and development. This stream explores how education—formal, informal, nonformal, and popular—can drive co-operative growth and impact.
Led by Steve Dubb (ACE Board Member), this stream welcomes proposals on innovative methods, tools, and frameworks that advance co-op knowledge and development.
Key themes include:
- Innovations in co-op education – from youth engagement to digital tools
- Agricultural co-op education – rural and urban perspectives
- Sustainability & co-ops – education for environmental resilience
- Indigenous & culturally responsive co-op education
- Co-op development in communities of color
- Co-operatives as tools for economic inclusion and empowerment
This is a unique opportunity to shape the conversation around co-operative education. Join us in Stream 12 to explore new ideas, share research, and inspire the future of co-op learning!
Key Dates:
- Notification of Decision on Submissions: March 15, 2025
- Early Bird Registration Deadline: March 15, 2025
- Last Date of Registration: June 20, 2025
- Young Scholar Workshop: July 7, 2025
- Conference Dates: July 8–11, 2025
Important! ACE Pre-Event – July 7, 2025
Don’t miss the ACE Institute 2025 pre-event on July 7!
This day will feature the Co-op Tours, a unique opportunity to visit local cooperatives and network before the official start of the conference.
Plan your arrival accordingly! We strongly recommend that participants arrive no later than Sunday, July 6 to take full advantage of this exclusive experience.
Contact Information:
- For the ACE Institute only: info.ace@coop
- For the ICA CCR Conference entirely: info@icaccr2025.org
For more details and updates, please visit the official conference website: icaccr2025.org
ICA CCR 2025 – Stream 12
ACE Program Activities
The following sessions are organized under Stream 12: Innovation Through Inter-Cooperation and are part of the ACE (Association of Cooperative Educators) track at the ICA CCR 2025 Global Research Conference. These events focus on advancing cooperative education, research, and practice, and highlight both academic contributions and community-driven experiences. All sessions take place in Room B.307, unless otherwise indicated.
For the full program, visit https://icaccr2025.org/programme
9:00
Check-in
C.371
Registration available for all participants
13:30
Tour 1 - La Centrale Agricole: Explore the World’s Largest Urban Agriculture Cooperative
A.373.A
Discover the innovative world of urban agriculture at La Centrale Agricole, the largest urban agriculture cooperative in the world. Located in the heart of Montreal’s District Central, this unique cooperative brings together over 20 forward-thinking companies and organizations committed to building a sustainable, circular, and socially responsible food system.
Tour 2 - Cultivaction: A Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus Farm
C.371
Join the CultivAction Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus farm for a guided tour, hands on activity and discussion about how campus community food cooperatives are advancing food sovereignty. CultivAction is a worker-led cooperative that practices urban agroecology to feed local communities, enhance biodiversity and support more just and sovereign food systems.
17:00
Tour 2 - Cultivaction: A Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus Farm
C.371
Join the CultivAction Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus farm for a guided tour, hands on activity and discussion about how campus community food cooperatives are advancing food sovereignty. CultivAction is a worker-led cooperative that practices urban agroecology to feed local communities, enhance biodiversity and support more just and sovereign food systems.
11:00
Session 12E – Collaboration and Tools for Enhancing Cooperative Business Education
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Ilana Gotz
Language: English
Panel P2 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Karen Miner (Saint Mary’s University)
Lorenzo Navaro (Cooperatives Europe)
Carolina Navarro Torres (Favoo)
Natalie Kallio (University of Saskatchewan)
Rafael Ziegler (IICADD / HEC Montréal)
Presentation:
Shannon Fraser: Harnessing Communities of Practice and Practices of Community Engagement (131)
14:00
Session 12A – US Black-Led Food Co-ops: Education and Development Innovations
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Steve Dubb
Language: English
Panel P8 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Darnell Adams (Firebrand Cooperative)
Lanay Gilbert Williams (Detroit People’s Food Co-op)
Amaha Sellassie (Gem City Market)
Session 12A – There’s No Place Like Home: The (re)Emergence of a Black Co-op Ecosystem of Care
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Johan Matthews
Language: English
Panel P6 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Eve Fouché (Coop Crenshaw)
Jamillah Bowman Williams (Georgetown Law Center)
Joel Mejia (The ICA Group)
16:00
Tour 3 - Milton Parc Walk: A Historic Neighborhood Shaped by Collective Action
C.371
Tucked between downtown Montréal and the Plateau, Milton Parc is a hidden gem with a powerful story. With 22 housing cooperatives and non-profits in 640 units, at the time of its creation, it was the the largest community-owned housing project in North America — a neighbourhood saved from demolition in the 1970s by residents who united to protect their homes and built a model of urban democracy that still thrives today.
19:00
Welcome Cocktail
Room A.373-ABC Claude-Séguin
Welcome Cocktail
Performance by Nina Segalovitz (Inuit throat singer)
Welcome remarks: Caroline Aubé (HEC Montréal) and Nadine Groulx (Desjardins / CQCM)
8:30
Session 12B / 9C – Dialogue about Teaching Cooperative Economics to Justice Impacted People and their Communities
Chair: Jessica Gordon-Nembhard
Language: English
Panel P16 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Judith Harris (University of Winnipeg)
Lymarie Nieves (Impulso Cero, Puerto Rico)
Karen Jonasson (Red Road Lodge, Manitoba)
Presentations:
Cary M. Junior: Cooperative Strategies to Overcome Marginalization in Communities of Color (116)
Kyle White: Indigenizing Co-operative Education for Western Canadian Communities (122)
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
11:00
ACE AGM
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
13:30
Session 12D – Seeding the Future: Tools for Cultivating Equitable Food Systems in Communities of Color
Chair: Gary Hampton
Language: English
Duo Presentation – P18 (45 minutes)
Participants:
Valentine Cadieux (Hamline University)
Gary Hampton (The Adjani Group)
Presentations:
Emi Do: Adapting South American Cooperative Education Theory in North America (119)
Gary Hampton: Intersection of Cooperative Education and Urban Agroecology (189)
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
15:50
Tour 4 - Bâtiment 7: A Unique Commons Shaped by Community Associations and Coops
A.373-A
Bâtiment 7 is a heritage industrial building and a fragment of Pointe-Saint-Charles’ working-class history, now transformed into an alternative gathering space that is accessible and brimming with community-driven projects. Many cooperatives coexist within this commons: a community-run brewpub serves as a social hub, and countless workshops are held to foster participants’ autonomy and hands-on learning—ranging from ceramics, sculpture, welding, object repair, to bicycle mechanics.
16:00
Tour 5 - Milton Parc Walk: A Historic Neighborhood Shaped by Collective Action
A.373-B
Tucked between downtown Montréal and the Plateau, Milton Parc is a hidden gem with a powerful story. It’s the largest community-owned housing project in North America — a neighbourhood saved from demolition in the 1970s by residents who united to protect their homes and built a model of urban democracy that still thrives today.
15:50
Tour 6 - Le Comité Coop – Discover How Design Transforms Cities
A.373-C
Join us for a unique opportunity to explore how urban design can drive social change and reclaim public space. This visit will introduce you to Le Comité, a forward-thinking cooperative that specializes in urban planning and the creative transformation of public spaces. Through a dynamic presentation, you’ll learn about the cooperative’s innovative governance model and the wide range of projects it has led across Montréal.
15:50
Tour 7 - Coop CAUS: Discover Urban Agriculture and Community Innovation in Verdun
B.307
The Verdun area of Montréal has long been a place of cultivation and community—already noted by Jacques Cartier in 1535! CAUS works at the intersection of two vital missions: building a circular local economy and promoting the production and consumption of fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Its members include both local consumers and producers united by the desire to support sustainable, community-based food systems.
16:00
Tour 8 - CultivAction: A Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus Farm
C.371
Join the CultivAction Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus farm for a guided tour, hands on activity and discussion about how campus community food cooperatives are advancing food sovereignty. CultivAction is a worker-led cooperative that practices urban agroecology to feed local communities, enhance biodiversity and support more just and sovereign food systems.
Visite 9 - Maison de la coopération du Montréal métropolitain (MC2M.COOP)
A.335 Paris Auditorium
MC2M is a hub for Montréal’s cooperatives and nonprofits. With over 88,000 ft², it brings together spaces, ideas… and people’s energy! This solidarity cooperative supports its member-tenants, promotes cooperative education, and publishes Coopoint.info. It recently inaugurated Agora Coop, a centre designed for meetings, trainings, and events.
8:30
Session 12F – Expanding Our Toolbox: Rethinking Co-op Education to Adapt to a Changing Landscape
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Alexandra Stone
Language: English
Panel P9 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Kirstie Boyette (Cooperative Development Foundation)
Stephen Shelato (Team Co-op)
Cathy Statz (NCBA CLUSA / Saint Mary’s University)
Tamah Yisrael (Resolve Financial Cooperative)
Presentations:
Cathy Statz: Education for Impact (117)
Stan Yu: Exploring the Impact of Youth Co-operative Programs in Canada – Alumni Perspective (132)
11:00
Session 12G – Cooperative Talk
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Pascal Billard
Language: French
Presentation:
Pascal Billard: Co-operative Education in Agriculture (187)
13:30
Session 12H – Strengthening the Worker Cooperative Ecosystem, Expanding Cooperative Education
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Charity Schmidt
Language: English
Duo Presentation – P16 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Frida Ballard (Worker Justice Wisconsin)
Stefanie Friedel: Member Participation in Cooperatives: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead (133)
Session 12H – Unlocking the Potential of Co-operative Business Case Writing and Teaching
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Natalie Kallio
Language: English
Panel P15 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Dionne Pohler (University of Saskatchewan)
Violetta Gallagher (Ivey Publishing, Ivey Business School)
16:00
Session 12I – Community Transformation and Empowerment
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Steve Dubb
Language: English
Workshop and Presentation:
Pink Flowers: Theatre of the Oppressed – System of Exercises (P11)
Dave Berglund: Revitalizing Communities through Co-operation in Renville, MN (188)
18:00
Banquet Dinner
A.373-ABC Claude-Séguin
- Jazz Trio (Université de Montréal)
Remarks: Johanne Turbide (HEC Montréal), Marie-Josée Paquette (CQCM)
8:30
Session 12J – How Governance Research Is Informing Co-op Education, Development, and Practice
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Courtney Berner
Language: English
Panel P17
Participants:
Karen Miner (Saint Mary’s University)
Stan Yu (Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives)
11:00
Session 12C – Construyendo Puentes: Education, Systematization of Experience, and Youth Co-ops in Puerto Rico
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Emi Do
Language: Spanish
Panel P19 (30 minutes)
Participants:
Erika Garcia Santiago
Grace Matos Morales
Presentation:
Erika Licón: Youth-Led Cooperatives in Mexico (40)
Session 12C – Ensuring a Strong Legal Foundation for Co-operatives Through Co-operative Law Training in Law Schools
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Chair: Bill Oemichen
Language: English
Panel P14 (60 minutes)
Participants:
Anna Lund (University of Alberta)
Liam McHugh Russell (Dalhousie University)
Elliot Bridgewater (University of Calgary)
13:00
ACE Board Meeting
Room B.307 – Salle multifonctionnelle
Our co-op tour will take you to some of the most innovative cooperatives in the Montreal area.
CO-OP TOUR #1
La Centrale Agricole: Explore the World’s Largest Urban Agriculture Cooperative
Discover the innovative world of urban agriculture at La Centrale Agricole, the largest urban agriculture cooperative in the world. Located in the heart of Montreal’s District Central, this unique cooperative brings together over 20 forward-thinking companies and organizations committed to building a sustainable, circular, and socially responsible food system.
At La Centrale Agricole, you’ll find a diverse array of urban agriculture initiatives under one roof:
Hydroponic leafy greens and edible flowers grown on the rooftop
Aquaponic fish farming and insect protein production
Cider and wine production, coffee roasting, and mushroom cultivation
Food waste valorization into new products like juices, smoothies, and snacks
Exotic plant distribution and artisan flour production
During your guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to meet passionate entrepreneurs and learn about their innovative practices in urban agriculture and circular economy. Explore shared spaces such as the rooftop farm, composting facilities, cold storage rooms, and kitchens. A kiosk will showcase products made by La Centrale’s members, including freshly roasted coffee, malted flour, cider, and more.
This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the future of food production and sustainability in urban environments. Whether you’re an industry professional, a student, or simply curious about sustainable food systems, this tour is an inspiring opportunity to see innovation in action.
Fee: 10 CAD
Meeting point: Meet in A.373.A, 13:30 sharp; public transportation ticket will be provided
CO-OP TOUR #2
Cultivaction: A Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus Farm
Join the CultivAction Solidarity Cooperative at Concordia University’s Loyola Campus farm for a guided tour, hands on activity and discussion about how campus community food cooperatives are advancing food sovereignty. CultivAction is a worker-led cooperative that practices urban agroecology to feed local communities, enhance biodiversity and support more just and sovereign food systems. Through cooperative organizing, CultivAction empowers individuals to gain the knowledge and skills needed to reclaim control over their food systems. CultivAction’s work is rooted in a political commitment to social and ecological justice. We strive to build networks of reciprocity and solidarity with other advancing food sovereignty. This visit offers a chance to see that work in action and connect with others who are reimagining the future of food on campuses, in communities and beyond.
Fee: 10 CAD
Meeting point: Meet in C.371, 13:30 sharp; public transportation ticket will be provided
CO-OP TOUR #3
Milton Parc Walk: A Historic Neighborhood Shaped by Collective Action
Tucked between downtown Montréal and the Plateau, Milton Parc is a hidden gem with a powerful story. With 22 housing cooperatives and non-profits in 640 units, at the time of its creation, it was the the largest community-owned housing project in North America — a neighbourhood saved from demolition in the 1970s by residents who united to protect their homes and built a model of urban democracy that still thrives today. Since then, community organising in Milton Parc has also pioneered in areas of ecology, citizen democracy, tenant organizing, and unhoused solidarity. In recent years, they have set up many solidarity economy initiatives including: a cooperative bar-restaurant Coop BMP, a community coworking centre and library, collective gardens, a food bank, a youth worker coop, a tenants’ union (SLAM), and various peer-led Indigenous initiatives.
Strolling through Milton Parc means discovering charming co-op buildings, local cafés, community gardens, and murals that reflect its radical spirit. It’s not just a place to see — it’s a place to feel how collective action can shape a city. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, urban planning, or simply love discovering places with soul, Milton Parc is a must-visit.
Fee: Free
Meeting point: Meet C.371 Group registration, 16:00 sharp
CO-OP TOUR #4
Bâtiment 7: A Unique Commons Shaped by Community Associations and Coops
Bâtiment 7 is a heritage industrial building and a fragment of Pointe-Saint-Charles’ working-class history, now transformed into an alternative gathering space that is accessible and brimming with community-driven projects. Many cooperatives coexist within this commons: a community-run brewpub serves as a social hub, and countless workshops are held to foster participants’ autonomy and hands-on learning—ranging from ceramics, sculpture, welding, object repair, to bicycle mechanics.
After our visit to Bâtiment 7, participants will be invited to relax at Les sans taverne, a worker cooperative brewpub self-managed by its members, offering a welcoming space and carefully crafted beers.
Fee: 10 CAD
Meeting point: Meet in A.373-A, 15:50 sharp; public transportation ticket will be provided.
CO-OP TOUR #5
Milton Parc Walk: A Historic Neighborhood Shaped by Collective Action
Tucked between downtown Montréal and the Plateau, Milton Parc is a hidden gem with a powerful story. It’s the largest community-owned housing project in North America — a neighbourhood saved from demolition in the 1970s by residents who united to protect their homes and built a model of urban democracy that still thrives today. Strolling through Milton Parc means discovering charming co-op buildings, local cafés, community gardens, and murals that reflect its radical spirit. It’s not just a place to see — it’s a place to feel how collective action can shape a city. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, urban planning, or simply love discovering places with soul, Milton Parc is a must-visit.
Fee: Free
Meeting point: Meet in A.373-B, 16:00 sharp
CO-OP TOUR #6
CO-OP TOUR #7
CO-OP TOUR #8
CO-OP TOUR #9
ACE's traditional Silent Auction:
This auction will be a highlight of the event, offering a delightful opportunity to give and share. The winners will be announced during the banquet, adding excitement to the evening. Don’t miss out on this chance to contribute and participate in a memorable event!
To participate, simply bring your item with you, and we’ll collect it upon arrival. Ideally, let us know in advance by emailing info@ace.coop so we can add your name to our list of donors.
ACE Awards Ceremony:
Every year, the Association of Cooperative Educators acknowledges the outstanding work of co-operative educators. We have five categories. It is not required to give an award in each category every year, but we want to make sure to recognize people in our field of cooperative education and development who merit recognition.
An abbreviated description of each category is below.
- The Jessica Gordon Nembhard Cooperative Education and Training Award: The award acknowledges the efforts of an individual or organization for their ongoing work in educating others about cooperatives. This is a longstanding award renamed in 2022 to acknowledge the incredible contribution of Jessica Gordon Nembhard to cooperative education.
- The William Hlushko Award to Young Cooperative Educators:
The Association of Cooperative Educators (ACE) established this award in 1978 to acknowledge and recognize outstanding achievement of young cooperative educators who are members of the organization and are below the age of 35. Many awardees have gone on to make major contributions to the field. - The Reginald J. Cressman ACE Award:
The Award recognizes an ACE Member who demonstrates outstanding commitment to staff development as exemplified by long-time cooperator Reginald J. Cressman. - The John Logue ACE Award:
The Award, which honors John Logue, founder of the Ohio Employee Ownership Center, recognizes an individual or organization whose educational programs, technical assistance, or research acts as a catalyst for change by creating innovative cooperatives. - The William Nelson Contribution to ACE Award:
The Award recognizes an individual or an organization that adds significant value to ACE. This is a longstanding award renamed in 2016 to acknowledge the incredible contribution of William J. Nelson to the association.
Important and Useful Information
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, here are some key points to keep in mind:
Location:
- Address: 501, rue De La Gauchetière Ouest, Montreal, QC H2Z 1Z5
- Public Transit: Accessible via Square-Victoria-OACI metro station (orange line), exits Viger West or Beaver Hall.
- Airport Proximity: Approximately 26 km from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (about 35 minutes by taxi).
- Airport Bus: Bus 747 (between 45 and 70 minutes).
Accommodation:
We understand that finding affordable and convenient lodging in Montréal during the summer can be a challenge. To help you plan your stay for the ACE Institute and the ICA-CCR Global Research Conference (July 7–11, 2025), we’ve compiled a list of options that are still available during the conference dates.
From student residences to budget hotels and hostels, these recommendations offer various price points and comfort levels—all located within reach of the event venues.
🏨 University Residences & Hostels
These are great low-cost options with a friendly and community-oriented vibe:
- Campus1 MTL Student Residence
- Auberge du Plateau (Limited availability: July 7–11 only)
- M Montréal Hostel
- Concordia University Summer Accommodations
- ZUM Hôtel (Université de Montréal)
🏢 Budget Hotels
Some hotels currently offer competitive rates—sometimes more affordable than hostels:
- Hôtel Le Roberval (Available July 7–10 only)
- Le Nouvel Hôtel
- ALT Hotel Montréal
- Best Western Ville-Marie Montréal
- Hôtel Chrome
- Novotel Montréal
- Hôtel Faubourg Montréal
👉 We recommend booking as early as possible, as availability is limited and prices may rise as July approaches.
✈️ Travel Tips
Plan to arrive by Sunday, July 6, to join the ACE Institute’s exclusive Pre-Event Co-op Tours on Monday, July 7.
For full conference details and registration, visit: icaccr2025.org_
Visa Assistance:
Upon request, the Institut international des coopératives Alphonse-et-Dorimène-Desjardins (IICADD) can provide an official invitation letter to support visa applications. It’s advisable to apply for a visa as early as possible, ideally three months before the event. For assistance, contact info@icaccr2025.org.
Sponsors
Scholarships
The organizers gratefully acknowledge the generous scholarship funders whose support made it possible for students, early-career researchers, and community participants to attend ICA CCR 2025. Their contributions are expanding access to cooperative education and ensuring a more inclusive and representative gathering.
Sponsors
We thank the major sponsors of ICA CCR 2025 for their essential support. Their contributions have helped make this international event possible, supporting a rich program of research exchange, dialogue, and collaboration within the global cooperative movement.
Supporting Sponsors
We extend heartfelt thanks to our supporting sponsors whose contributions have played an important role in making ICA CCR 2025 a success. Their dedication to cooperative principles helps strengthen the global cooperative community and enriches this gathering.
In-Kind Supporters
The organizers also wish to acknowledge the in-kind supporters whose donations of services, space, and materials have added greatly to the conference experience. Their practical support plays a vital role in the smooth delivery of the event.
