NASCO Cooperative Organizer’s Handbook

The "NASCO Cooperative Organizer’s Handbook" is published by NASCO, an organization that supports cooperative movements across North America. The handbook serves as a pivotal resource for those involved in creating group-equity housing cooperatives, particularly in the context of sustainable housing solutions. The cooperative model offers a unique approach to affordable housing, allowing groups to manage and own their living spaces collectively.

The Organizer's Handbook provides a thorough exploration of various aspects of establishing group-equity housing cooperatives. It covers essential topics such as the cooperative movement, campus and community organizing, nonprofit incorporation, financing, and housing development. By addressing these complex subjects, the handbook aims to simplify the process of creating and managing cooperatives, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

The handbook has undergone significant revisions over the years, with major updates released in 1991, 1999, 2008, and most recently in 2020. The latest edition is noted for its comprehensive nature and use of accessible language, making it a valuable tool for a diverse range of cooperative settings. This focus on clarity ensures that the guidance provided is not only practical but also easy to understand for those new to the cooperative movement.

This handbook is particularly relevant for student and community organizers who are focused on housing issues, especially in the context of affordable and sustainable living arrangements. It is designed to inform and empower individuals who are concerned about the current challenges in affordable housing and the accessibility of college education. The resources included are beneficial not just for those involved in group equity cooperatives but also for individuals organizing student, community, and non-housing cooperatives.

Active students, affordable housing advocates, college administrators, foundations, libraries, and nonprofit organizations will find the "Organizer's Handbook" to be an excellent addition to their collection of resources. Its insights and practical advice can assist various stakeholders in navigating the complexities of cooperative housing, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and inclusive communities.

The "NASCO Cooperative Organizer’s Handbook" is publicly available, with its digital presence established through a dedicated URL: https://www.nasco.coop/resources/organizers-handbook. This accessibility ensures that a wide audience can benefit from the knowledge and strategies outlined in the handbook, further promoting the cooperative model as a viable solution to housing challenges in Europe and beyond.