Shared Resource Library

One of the most valuable assets of the cooperative movement is our collective knowledge. Our Shared Resource Library, a constantly growing collection of documents and files, is a tool for sharing that knowledge.

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Highlighted Resources

With roots in the women's movement of the late 1800s, group equity co-ops have continued against the odds for almost 150 years, finding ways to create both affordable housing and community across North America. This book is the story of that journey.

This 11x17" print-ready infographic poster detailing the US Fair Housing Act includes an overview of federally protected classes and examples of how housing discrimination may show up in your co-op.

NASCO's Repository of Incorporation Statutes by State/Province includes a map of which provinces/states have co-op incorporation statutes and which statutes are available to incorporate under.

This House Maintenance Coordinator Handbook was created by Madison Community Cooperative (MCC) to serve as a reference guide. MCC has shared this handbook with NASCO so that other co-ops may adapt it for their own use.

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MSU Student Housing Cooperative Promo - Video

The Michigan State University Student Housing Cooperative is a student-run housing organization for affordable and cooperative living in MSU's backyard. For information about the SHC and its houses, go to: http://www.msu.coop/

Directed // Filmed // Edited: Colin Marshall
© 2013

The Tyranny of Structurelessness

"The Tyranny of Structurelessness" by Jo Freeman (1970)

Introduction:

During the years in which the women’s liberation movement has been taking shape, a great emphasis has been placed on what are called leaderless, structureless groups as the main form of the movement.

File:

The Tyranny of Structurelessness.pdf

Six successful 501(c)3 applications (Form 1023)

This archive contains the Form 1023s and supporting documentation for the following six cooperatives that have successfully become not-for-profit organizations:

Bloomington Cooperative Living (Indiana, 2011)
CHÜVA - Cooperative Housing at the University of Virginia (Virginia, 2005)
Cooperative Roots (California, 2006)
Kalamazoo Collective Housing (

File:

SixCoopNonProfitApplications.zip

Understanding White Supremacy: Challenging White Privilege and Working for Social Justice

(A speech given at the White Privilege Conference in Memphis, TN in April, 2009)

Paul Kivel, social justice educator, activist, and writer, has been an innovative leader in violence prevention for more than 35 years.

File:

understandingwhitesupremacy.pdf

Guidelines for Being Strong White Allies

Adapted from Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Social Justice

Paul Kivel, social justice educator, activist, and writer, has been an innovative leader in violence prevention for more than 35 years.

File:

guidelinesforbeingstrongwhiteallies.pdf

Solara: Hidden Class Assumptions in a Low-income Housing Cooperative

This paper explores causes for the partial organizational failure of a co-operative in Northern California.

File:

Solara- Hidden Class Assumptions in a Low-income Housing Cooperative.pdf

Sample Board Manual

A sample board training manual, including basic board roles and responsibilities, interactions with staff, and an overview of operations.

File:

NASCO Properties Board Manual June 2014.pdf

Kwunsensus Meeting Process (Modified Consensus)

The Inter Cooperative Council at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor uses a modified consensus process, called "Kwunsensus," for their board decision making. This process was created by and named after an ICC member. This document is an excerpt from the ICC standing rules, which includes an overview of the process, a table to guide with decision making, and a process flowchart.

File:

Kwunsensus Meeting Process.pdf