The Master Cooperative Communicator (MCC) Program, open to all cooperative communicators including freelancers, signifies an individual’s level of professionalism and competency. Candidates meeting all the requirements of the program earn the designation of a Master Cooperative Communicator. The MCC certificate demonstrates that you have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate on behalf of cooperatives. MCC also rewards professional involvement and volunteer activities. The designation can lead to increased responsibility and enhance your promotion prospects.
Earning your MCC is not as daunting as you think. Outlined below are the eligibility requirements, supporting documents, and the steps to submit all materials.
Eligibility criteria
- You must be currently performing communications work for a cooperative organization.
- You must have three years’ experience as a communicator or one year of experience plus a bachelor’s degree. (One year of experience must be in cooperative communications.)
- The Master Cooperative Communicator designation is awarded to people who have earned a total of 100 points in various areas, which are earned by a combination of continuing education through seminars, workshops and credit courses, service to CCA, awards and a portfolio.
- The program fee for CCA members is $150.00 for the initial designation and $50.00 for renewal every two years. The program fee for non-CCA members is $250.00 for the initial designation and $100.00 for renewal every two years.
- You must adhere to the CCA Cooperative Communicator Statement of Ethics.
Important application information
The MCC program is launching a new application system https://ccacommunicators.awardsplatform.com/. With this new system, the process is now submitted electronically. However, there is documentation outlined below that must be prepared for upload prior to navigating to the new system.
MCC application are accepted twice a year, spring (May 8) and fall (October 1). Applications will be accepted no earlier than one month prior to these dates.
When saving documents, please save documents with title and your name (Ex. EthicsJDoe, ApplicationJDoe, LetterJDoe) not exceed 20 characters.
How to submit
New MCCs: have the following information ready and/or easily accessible for upload.
- Current and previous employment (must have a 3-year employment history or one year of experience plus a bachelor’s degree. (One year of experience must be in cooperative communications.)
- Education information
- Body of Knowledge documentation – Review of the points summary page (found below) to guarantee you meet the needs of the 100-point minimum of the MCC program.
- If you do not have any “Service to CCA Additional Points,” you may include additional Body of Knowledge items to make up the remaining 20 points once the requirement points have been met.)
- Work Sample (minimum 20 Points) – Four samples of your work (each sample is worth 5 points.) Must include samples from two or more of the Body of Knowledge categories, Technical Communications, Publications & Writing, Projects and Planning & Programs. Be sure to complete the Work Sample information for each entry.
- Letter of Recommendation from a supervisor, co-worker, client or fellow CCA member who has worked with you professionally and can attest to your qualifications for the MCC designation.
- Be prepared to sign the CCA Cooperative Communicator State of Ethics
- Be prepared for payment – Payment can be made online or by downloading and submitting the invoice provided by the system. The program fee for CCA members is $150.00 and non-CCA members is $250.00.
- When ready, go to https://ccacommunicators.awardsplatform.com/ to complete your MCC application.
Renewing MCCs: have the following information ready and/or easily accessible for upload.
- Current employment
- Education information
- Professional Development Statement
- Review of the points summary page (found below) to guarantee you meet the needs of the 50-point minimum of the MCC program (the new system will not automatically tabulate points, but will not allow one to continue through each tab until all information is complete)
- If you do not have any “Service to CCA Additional Points,” you may include additional Body of Knowledge items to make up the remaining 20 points once the requirement points have been met.)
- Work Sample (worth 5 Points) – One sample of your work. Must include samples from two or more of the Body of Knowledge categories, Technical Communications, Publications & Writing, Projects and Planning & Programs. Be sure to complete the Work Sample information for each entry.
- Be prepared to sign the CCA Cooperative Communicator State of Ethics
- Be prepared for payment – Payment can be made online or by downloading and submitting the invoice provided by the system. The program fee for CCA members is $50.00 and non-CCA members is $100.00.
- When ready, go to https://ccacommunicators.awardsplatform.com/ to complete your MCC renewal.
Body of Knowledge and Supporting Documents– Includes course/award information received throughout six categories (along with supporting documents): Knowledge of Cooperatives, Industry Knowledge, Technical Communications, Publications & Writing, Projects, and Planning & Programs. (Supporting documents include proof of attendance certificate, proof of registration, or similar documentation. For multi-session events where a brochure is used, documentation should clearly indicate specific sessions attended. CCA Communications Contest award: award includes a sample of award entries or judges’ comments related to your winning entry.) The body of knowledge packet below can be utilized to help gather materials to be sure all areas are covered within the electronic submission process.
After submitting application
Once you have submitted all materials electronically at https://ccacommunicators.awardsplatform.com/, and paid for your MCC application, you will be contacted via email from education@communicators.coop if there are any questions or concerns regarding your application. The CCA Business office will send an additional email notification once your application has been approved (please allow one month from the deadline for review.)
Applications will not be processed until the application, supporting materials, and fees are submitted/received.
Note: All Master Cooperative Communicator certificates will be presented at the institute and on social media. Applicants submitting materials for the October deadline will be recognized at the following year’s CCA Institute, your MCC designation will start the year in which you submit your application.
Documents:
Contact Information
CCA Business Office
cca@communicators.coop
