All 4 Each: Co-ops in the Classroom
The Ontario Co-operative Association has successfully re-introduced education about co-operatives into classrooms in a unique and fun way.
Member Education & Training
Co-ops 101: An Introduction to Cooperatives (USDA)
This report provides a comprehensive summary of basic information on the cooperative way of organizing and operating a business. It covers the nature and extent of the use of cooperatives, compares cooperatives to other business structures, explains the roles various people play in a cooperative, and discusses equity accumulation and income taxation.
Cooperative Housing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Cooperative Success
This guide is designed for use by housing cooperative boards of directors, resident members and co-op partners.
Cooperation Begins With You
"Cooperation Begins With You: An orientation handbook for student housing cooperative boards of directors."
Written by Karin Evans for the North American Students of Coopration, Copyright 1981.
Fair Housing
The handout from the Institute 2013 Fair Housing workshop.
'Fist to Five' Voting and Consensus
'Fist to Five' is a tool for gauging support for a proposal or idea in groups that engage in consensus-based decision making. This document describes the 'Fist to Five' process in detail. For more information, see: 'Fist to Five' Activity.
Reproduced without permission from The New School, 38 York St, Kennebunk ME 04043.
'Fist to Five' Activity
Steps to Reaching Consensus - Fist to Five Activity.
'Fist to Five' is a tool for gauging support for a proposal or idea in groups that engage in consensus-based decision making. This activity and chart are useful for demonstrating how 'Fist to Five' is used in a meeting. For more information, see: 'Fist to Five' Voting and Consensus.
Group Decision Making Handbook
Table of Contents
Communication
1 What do you do when a dispute arises?
2 Communication Styles
Meeting Roles
3 Positive Group Roles
4 Negative Group Roles
5 Effective Meetings: Designated Meeting Roles
7 Influence in Groups
Meeting Process
8 Sample Agenda
9 Meeting Evaluation Sheet
Facilitation
10 The Four Roles of a Facilitator
11 Facilitation Tools
BSC Manager Accountability - Video
Berkeley Student Cooperative "Manager Accountability" orientation video.
In the co-ops, some members are elected to be managers at their house. These managers specialize in coordinating different parts of the house's operations, such as food service, maintenance, or social activities.
BSC Member Responsibilities - Video
Berkeley Student Cooperative "Member Responsibilities" orientation video.
As a co-op resident, there are a few basic responsibilities asked of all members that allow the organization to be member-run in a sustainable way.