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Mobilizing the Co-op Ecosystem
This year’s theme is Mobilizing the Co-op Ecosystem. At Institute, co-opers will be exploring how cooperatives are an organizing tool and an effective alternative housing model. We’ll engage with how co-ops can foster an ecosystem that meets the needs of large student housing co-ops, start up co-ops, and everyone in between. How do we share the value that living cooperatively can offer to those who need it? We know that being plugged into community in the home is a profound solution to housing instability and creating connectedness. Let’s strategize with each other to grow our movement and increase the resources we can all share.
Every year at Institute, co-opers are connected to each other across houses, state, and country lines. This year, we’ll explore how networks can support our co-op ecosystem and the systematic opportunities we can advocate for to foster thriving cooperative communities.
We hope you'll join us for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to build your cooperative skills toolbox, network with co-opers from across the continent, caucus about pressing issues, and collectively work on building an inclusive and accessible cooperative movement.
Who are we?
Since 1968, North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO) has been working with housing co-ops, students, worker-owners, activists, and community members who are interested in applying cooperative principles to meet their needs and fulfill their missions. We are the network that facilitates mutual aid and support amongst co-ops.
Testimonials
“We found the conference to be very beneficial for our small community-based co-op, especially from a financial perspective. We learned so much about strategies for being a smaller worker co-op, with a focus on membership and trust-building.”
“I can't put into words how valuable the educational experience is at NASCO Institute. You get to learn about things that you know you want to know for your co-op and then there are other, newer ideas presented to you. And the networking is priceless.”
“NASCO Institute gave me skills and concrete actions plans for anti-oppression work in my own community, as well as ideas/skills/contacts for creating new worker-owned co-ops and housing co-ops."