In addition to five course blocks, there are three caucus blocks for both caucuses and working groups scheduled over the weekend, and additional meeting times during Saturday and Sunday lunch (as noted).

Caucuses vs. Working Groups

Caucuses provide networking opportunities for co-opers with similar identities to share ideas and experiences, strategize, and draft proposals to bring to the Annual General Meeting. During these caucus sessions participants elect a caucus chair to be an official representative to NASCO's Diversity Congress. Many caucus participants stay in contact throughout the year, keeping their caucuses active and planning for their yearly meeting at Institute. Similar to caucuses, Institute participants are invited to join a working group to meet with others with shared interests or from the same region to discuss ways to include their collective voice in the bigger NASCO picture.

*The chairs of the Inter-Cooperative Committee on Privilege and Oppression (ICCoPO) caucus, the Diversity Congress, and the People of Color Caucus are automatically appointed to one-year terms on the NASCO Education Board, beginning in February 2010.  Responsibilities include two in-person meetings in February and June, participation on committees outside of meetings, and planning for 2010 NASCO Institute.

Weekend schedule for Caucuses and Working Groups

Friday, November 6

7:30-8:30 pm

· Women & Gender Oppressed Caucus

· Male Allies Working Group

· Community Co-ops Working Group

Saturday, November 7

1-2:30 pm

· Women & Transfolk of Color Caucus

· Interfaith/Spirituality Working Group

8:00-9:00 pm

· People of Color Caucus*

· White Allies Against Racism Working Group

· Working Class Caucus

· People with Disabilities Caucus

· Working Group/Caucus Open Space

9:15 - 10:15 pm

· Intercooperative Committee on Privilege and Oppression (ICCoPO)*

· International Students Caucus

· Queer/Trans Caucus

· Worker Co-ops Working Group

· Working Group/Caucus Open Space

Sunday, November 8

9:00 am

· Caucus Report-backs

12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

· Diversity Congress*

· Regional Working Groups

Of course, there is space for Institute participants to hold caucuses and  working groups that are not listed during the caucus blocks.  Institute staff recognize the multiple identities people hold, and strive to reduce scheduling conflicts that keep participants from attending any of the identity-based caucuses they choose.

Caucus and working group suggestions are welcome and may be directed to mingwei@nasco.coop.