News and Updates

mai 25, 2017

We're looking for a cooperative artist!

This year we are searching for a cooperative artist to create the art for NASCO Institute 2017. This year's theme will focus on grassroots democracy. The chosen artist's art will be featured on posters, shirts, the program, banner and more. We’re expecting the artist we choose to work through concepts and designs with the NASCO team and deliver on a specific timeline. The chosen artist will be provided a $300 stipend.

If you are interested, send some info about yourself and examples of your previous work (links to your portfolio, etc.) to ratih@nasco.coop by July 10, 2017.

mai 17, 2017

Free Livestream of Solidarity Economy Organizing in a Moment of Resistance

Join the New Economy Coalition next Wednesday, May 17th for a livestream of an exciting panel co-hosted by In These Times exploring the movement to build a "new" or "solidarity" economy in the current moment of resistance and struggle.

Popular struggles-- ranging from earliest modern labor movements in Britain and the US, to the global Black Liberation movement, to Energiewende and other climate justice campaigns in Europe-- have all demonstrated that to be successful “resistance” work must go hand in hand with concrete visionary organizing.

The panel will feature leaders from across the country sharing how their communities have organized to simultaneously fight back far-right attacks and build powerful bottom-up solutions that model economic democracy, sustainability, and social justice as cornerstones of a new world in waiting.

When: Wednesday, May 17 at 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM CDT

Where: University of Illinois, Chicago Student Center and livestreamed on the In These Times Facebook page.

Panelists include:

Harper Bishop - Open Buffalo

Julia Ho - Solidarity Economy St.

avril 24, 2017

Announcing NASCO's new Director of Operations

On April 30th, Rek Kwawer will step down as NASCO's Director of Operations. Rek started at NASCO in 2014 and has enjoyed getting to work with such a variety of co-ops and co-op members. She is stepping down for personal health reasons and hopes to be working with the co-op movement again soon. Rek plans to remain involved in NASCO by presenting workshops at NASCO Institute.

We have been proud of the progress that Rek has driven with her time on staff. It is with deep appreciation that we share that Rek will be stepping down.

We'll miss you, Rek!

At the same time, we are proud and delighted to share that we have hired Katherine Jennings as NASCO's Director of Operations. Katherine will be starting training in early May and will join us full time in Chicago in June. You can reach Katherine at katherine@nasco.coop.

Katherine writes:

Hello everyone! My name is Katherine Jennings and I'll be starting in early May as the new Director of Operations for NASCO!

avril 24, 2017

AmeriCorps VISTA Position: Cooperative Development and Engagement Coordinator at MSU

The MSU Student Housing Cooperative is hosting an Americorps VISTA in coordination with the Power of We Consortium in Ingham County, Michigan. They are seeking an individual to join the MSU team for a year to increase the quality of living, financial stability, and economic opportunities to Ingham County residents through Cooperative Housing and resource-sharing.

This is a paid, one-year-long AmeriCorps position. The full position description is attached below. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to hiring@msu.coop. Applicants will also be required to submit an application to AmeriCorps VISTA for approval here.

avril 19, 2017

Hiring Announcement: Two Property Management Coordinator Positions at Solar Community Housing Association

Solar Community Housing Association (SCHA) in Davis, CA is hiring for two full-time staff positions working with cooperative housing communities on the UC Davis campus. Responsibilities for both positions include standard property management tasks such as collecting rent, move-out walkthroughs, and signing leases with residents. These property management positions are open until filled and they are looking for folks who can start ASAP. To appy to either position, email aresume and cover letter to the SCHA Hiring Committee at scha.davis@gmail.com with the position title you are applying to in the subject.

avril 19, 2017

WestCo 2017 Weekend Wrap-Up

Last weekend, 68 cooperators from along the West Coast convened in Davis, CA for WestCo. This year’s conference was organized by members of the Solar Community Housing Association. NASCO staff presented trainings on anti-oppression, The Fair Housing Act and facilitation in co-ops.

Some other popular workshops from the weekend included workshops about collective visioning and the future of coops, self-care for activists, and a hands on planting workshop at J Street Co-op. Other weekend highlights included a POC Caucus, a tour of The Sustainable Living and Learning Community at UC Davis, a garden party at the Domes, DIY screenprinting, and numerous home-cooked potluck meals. Challenging questions were discussed, new connections were fostered, and some good jams were enjoyed by all!

avril 19, 2017

Update from the Spring NASCO Board Meeting

The NASCO board came together to meet over the weekend of March 31, 2017 to April 2, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sixteen cooperators from across the US and Canada and three staff members came together to train and orient new and returning board members and to report to one another.

The NASCO board approved the seating of the new NASCO board and NASCO Properties board, continued a discussion of the roles of committees and NASCO’s work, and updated board officer roles. This meeting also approved the theme for NASCO Institute 2017– stay tuned for updates!

avril 6, 2017

Registration is Open: Staff & Managers Conference 2017

Photo of Staff & Managers Conference 2016 attendees

We're pleased to announce that registration is open for this year's Staff & Managers Conference, which will be held in Montréal, Québec on Tuesday May 23rd and Wednesday May 24th.

mars 16, 2017

Update from the Spring NASCO Properties Board Meeting

The NASCO Properties board came together to meet last month in Athens Ohio, where our members in the two Student Cooperative Organization houses are located. Fifteen cooperators representing eleven organizations came together to share insights and troubles from their cooperatives, and to visit the members of The Vine and Firehouse in Athens.

This meeting approved the creation of several internships serving cooperatives, continued a discussion of the role co-ops can play in fighting gentrification, and updated board officer roles to make leadership more accessible to co-op members. This meeting also approved the 2017-2018 budget for NASCO Properties, which plans to bring more co-ops into NASCO Properties and crosses the million dollar mark for the first time in the history of NASCO Properties.

mars 14, 2017

Hiring Announcement: Community Engagement Coordinator, Waterloo Cooperative Residences Inc

Waterloo Cooperative Residences Inc (WCRI), Canada’s largest student housing co-op is looking for a new Community Engagement Coordinator! They are looking for someone who loves working with students and building community while being part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team.

To apply, review the job description and email your cover letter and résumé to hiring@wcri.coop! Position open until filled.