Cohesion

We have much to learn from the rich history and vibrant energy of cooperatives (including credit unions) from across the spectrum: large and small, established and emerging, near and far. At the close of the United Nations 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, we'll explore a model that demonstrates global presence and local impact through the power and purpose of member ownership, control, and benefit--and the particular impact of P5 (Principle 5: Education, Training, & Information) x P6 (Principle 6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives). 

In times of instability, building intentional and inclusive community spaces becomes more critical than ever. Drawing from lived experiences in education, community organizing, and civic engagement, this session explores how cooperatives can use intersectionality, call-in practices, and safer space frameworks to create sustainable and just housing ecosystems. We will examine practical strategies for navigating conflict, centering marginalized voices, and fostering accountability while maintaining compassion.

An example of a Roles and Chores guide from a small co-op of 6 members without staff. This co-op reported smooth functioning of their labor system and positive culture of accountability for completing tasks. 

This is Kalamazoo Collective Housing (KCH)’s Personal and Performance Evaluation Plan policy adopted in 2018. The full proposal is also included, which details their staff evaluation process combining varied common models, methods, and practices and tailored to their co-op’s specific needs. A template staff evaluation is included within the proposal. 

This is a discussion guide. for your co-op to talk about the impact of COVID on your community.

This is an overview of Co-op Conflict Support. In this slide deck, you will find the limits of conflict resolution, review proactive processes and tools for navigating conflict, and additional resources.

This workshop slide deck reviews cooperative members' responsibilities to each other, future members, and the co-op as a whole. We will provide tools to describe and promote member roles and responsibilities in your co-op.

This is a discussion guide on member engagement including some recommended ways to encourage member engagement, preventative practices, and engagement measurement ideas. This guide aims to stir up new ideas in your co-op to continue the discussion on member engagement.  

Preparation for turnover is an ongoing process and co-ops should keep all tools up to date before turnover takes place. This slide deck will walkthrough action items, best practices, and exit interview resources for board member and staff member turnover. This checklist is designed for annual prepareration for turnover.

Co-ops are businesses designed to pool resources to serve a specific economic need of their current and future members. At the same time, co-ops hold a principle of Concern for the Community and often use those pooled resources contributed by individual members to serve as a social safety net for the membership collectively. This is a discussion guide that offers a few discussion prompts and some practices for balancing the tension between these goals.