Vision: To promote and support all aspects of sustainable living through working together for a healthy supportive community.

Intentions: Examine our genuine needs and educate ourselves in sustainable ways of living and encourage the sharing of this knowledge amongst us. Encourage opportunity for local economic growth. Encourage a local trading and gift economy. Foster community spirit by providing a public meeting space and vibrant community centre.

Hooray! I am happy to announce that on December 19th, 2005, Cortes Self Sufficiency became a registered cooperative with the BC Co-op Association. Share certificates have been mailed to all our membership earlier this month. When you purchase a membership you are part owner in the cooperative. Lifetime membership costs $10 per individual. There is also an option called "class A preferred shares available. These shares cost $500 and exist for those who would like to financially support the project. (Funding needed!)

Thank you to everyone who attended our first AGM on January 14th. We summarized the 10 year history of CSS under the leadership of Sedley Sweeny, explained the evolution of the project into the inclusion of Trude,s café and community center, recapped the projects that we worked on in 2005 and suggested the projects that we anticipate happening in 2006. A new board of directors was elected at the meeting. Board members include Sarah, Gavin, Lovena, Jasmine, Trude, Karen, Melissa and Jennifer. The board will be more formally introduced in February - please watch for details here and on the Tideline website.

Looking to the future we are excited about various upcoming possibilities including: the evolution of the beloved earmark book, developing an island food security plan, an internet site at the building, more art and beauty in the building, community gardens, promotion of all things self sufficient and sustainable on Cortes Island, and establishing solid lines of communication with volunteers.

The biggest need that CSSC has is for an individual to come forward as a volunteer coordinator. Currently this would be a volunteer position with the potential of turning into a paid position as funding is secured. If this is you, or you would like to know more - please contact Sarah at 935-6778