How Our Membership Community Is Shifting — And What It Opens Up Next

Every two years, we ask members a simple question: What helps you most, and where should we adjust?  

Between December 2025 and February 2026, 81 people from 58 Cooperation Canada member organizations provided their perspective.  

Their feedback doesn’t just inform our work — it reveals how our sector is changing, and what a strong, connected community makes possible. 

The story is clear: the sector is evolving, and so is our membership community — becoming more connected, more aligned and more intentional about how we work together. 

1) Belonging is becoming strategic, not symbolic 

What shifted
Members aren’t just “satisfied” — they’re engaged. 96.8% (61/63) are satisfied with their membership and 95.2% (60/63) would recommend joining. This shows that belonging here has moved beyond affiliation into something with practical, day‑to‑day value. 

What this unlocks next
In a fast‑moving policy environment, operating alone is no longer an option. Members want quick access to trusted peers, shared intelligence, and aligned messages. Membership becomes a strategic tool — a way for organizations to stay grounded, informed and connected in times of uncertainty. 

2) Insight + coordination = confidence in decision‑making 

What shifted
Two strengths rose to the top: 

• Policy insight and research – 83.9% (52/62) Satisfied/Very satisfied
• Member engagement across working groups – 82.3% (51/62) Satisfied/Very satisfied

These aren’t just services — they’re part of the system members rely on to stay sharp. 

What this unlocks next
Organizations need clarity, not volume. Bite‑size analysis and shared discussions across working groups help leaders feel confident about where they stand and where the sector is heading. Members can make decisions faster — and with more alignment — because they know what their peers are seeing and doing. 

3) Parliamentary engagement and practical learning: a clearer signal 

What shifted
Members value our convening role and want easier ways to track parliamentary developments, plus practical learning they can use right away. The message wasn’t “do more” — it was “make it easier to plug in.” 

What this unlocks next
We know capacity is tight across the sector. Members need the signal without the noise. We’ll keep this feedback in mind as opportunities arise — making it easier to connect, learn and act at the right moments, without adding more work for members.  

4) Our themes hold — and engagement within them becomes more strategic 

What shifted
Members continue to see themselves in our four thematic areas, with majority satisfaction across all of them: 

• Canadian leadership 95.2% (59/62)
• Shifting power 80.6% (50/62)
• Rights & civic space 77.4% (48/62)
• Organizational transformation 69.4% (43/62)

They also expressed interest in deeper engagement on issues like the triple nexus, climate action and the trade–development relationship.  

What this unlocks next
The sector is wrestling with intersectional challenges. Members want guidance not just on the “what,” but on the “so what” and “what now.” We’ll stay rooted in our existing themes — and be thoughtful about when and how engagement happens within them, so it feels timely, relevant and manageable. 

5) Convening that works — and works for everyone 

What shifted
Members told us our convenings hit the mark: 

• 100% (45/45) say virtual events are accessible
• 97.6% (40/41) say our major conference adds value
• 95.7% (45/47) receive information on time
• 91.5% (43/47) value collaboration with Global Affairs Canada

What this unlocks next
People want accessible spaces with the right people in the room — at the right time. We’ll continue to centre accessibility, relevance and timing, knowing how important these elements are for participation. 

6) Working group value is high — and smoothing the portal would help everyone 

What shifted
Working groups continue to be one of the strongest parts of membership — 97.1% (34/35) agree they are a useful tool for staying connected, informed and aligned across the sector. The member portal also supports information sharing for 78.8% (26/33) of users, and members have highlighted opportunities to make it even more intuitive as we continue strengthening the overall experience. 

What this unlocks next
With most coordination now happening online, members need quick, low‑friction ways to connect — and even small navigation hurdles can get in the way. We’ll use this feedback to streamline how information is organized and shared, making it faster and easier for members to find what they need and stay engaged. 

7) Communications land — because they’re usable 

What shifted
Members consistently praised our communications: 

• 100% (30/30) find them relevant
• 96.6% (28/29) find them bilingual and accessible
• 93.3% (28/30) are satisfied with the frequency.

What this unlocks next
Teams need short, clear, transferable updates — the kind you can drop into a staff meeting or board memo without rewriting. We’ll keep prioritizing simple, scannable updates that help you brief internally with ease. 

The bigger story: a stronger, more connected system. 

Across all the feedback, a clear pattern emerged: 

• Members want clarity in a complex environment.
• They want to act at the right time, with the right information.
• They want to move forward with peers, not alone.

This is what a membership community is meant to do — and your feedback strengthens it. 

For current members, this is a reaffirmation of the value you help create. For prospective members, this is a window into what it means to belong: a network that listens, adapts and brings people together when it matters. 

Thank you 

We know the sector is under pressure. Your feedback helps us pay attention to what counts and adjust thoughtfully based on opportunity and capacity. We will keep listening and reflecting your insights as the context evolves.  

Thinking about membership? 

We’d be happy to connect about working groups, convenings and how we support teams across the sector. Learn more about becoming a member and contact us! 

This post reflects insights from Cooperation Canada’s 2025 Membership Satisfaction Survey (December 2025–February 2026). Thank you to the 81 respondents across 58 of our 110 member organizations who shared their perspectives.