Caucuses are spaces for participants with shared identities to raises issues, build connections, and organize for change: within NASCO, at their own co-ops, and in our larger communities. These sessions will be member-led spaces for participants to guide the discussion as they see fit.
The Black Caucus is a space reserved for Black co-opers. Amplifying and celebrating Black voices and addressing Black needs is essential to our co-ops' commitment to collective liberation. NASCO holds both a Black Caucus and a People of Color Caucus and welcomes our Black members to participate in both as they see fit.
This year, caucuses will meet via Zoom in the month leading up to Institute. Each caucus will elect representatives and bring proposals to the Collective Liberation Congress, which will be held in person on Saturday, November 15th, from 12:45–2:15 PM Eastern (lunch provided) in Ann Arbor, MI during NASCO Institute. For those interested in connecting socially during Institute, scheduled connecting blocks and guerrilla workshop spaces will be available for informal in-person gatherings, including during Friday’s pre-conference programming.
Identity-based caucuses are not spaces for people who do not share an identity to learn about issues affecting that group or offer their support (i.e. “be an ally”). We encourage those folks to attend one of the workshops on these topics instead.
Caucuses are offered free of charge to all NASCO members who belong to the relevant identity group—Institute registration is not required.