The North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO) is an alliance of group-equity housing cooperatives helping to build a world where every community benefits from resident-controlled housing. We do this by organizing and training our base of youth and emerging leaders to create and care for co-ops in the US and Canada. Most of the groups that NASCO works with use the group-equity housing co-op model, which means the assets of the co-op are owned by the group as a whole.
NASCO was founded in 1968 for the purpose of expanding the cooperative movement across college campuses through communication, assistance, education, and policy advocacy. Over the past 20 years, NASCO’s membership has expanded to include a majority of non-student housing cooperatives. Today, our membership is comprised of 32 group equity housing cooperatives representing over 3,000 individuals. As the only organization dedicated to student and group-equity co-ops, NASCO provides the essential inspiration, technical assistance, and leadership development to keep our base connected, organized, and resilient.
NASCO Institute, NASCO’s flagship annual education and training conference, will be in person in Ann Arbor this November 14-16! Cooperators from around North America come to Institute to share ideas, learn new skills, and work on issues affecting the cooperative movement. This year’s conference theme is From Collapse to Cooperation: Building a Better World.
NASCO is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic ICC Ann Arbor member to help coordinate logistics for the Institute. The NASCO Institute Intern will work an average of 5 hours per week (excluding the week of July 4th), and responsibilities will include:
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Recruit Ann Arbor co-ops to offer solidarity housing for Institute attendees
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Explain expectations for houses hosting attendees
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Survey to collect guest numbers per co-op and collect logistical info for guests
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Visit each house to promote Institute
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Support NASCO staff with Ann Arbor specific logistics for Institute
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Coordinate tours of the ICC coops during NASCO Institute
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Recruit tour guides and/or lead tours
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Plan tour route (typically two 2-hour tours touring 4 co-ops each)
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Potential to support on other aspects of NASCO Institute, dependent on applicant’s skills and interests
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Update the Ann Arbor restaurant guide for conference attendees
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Attend Institute November 14-16, 2025 and work ~5 hours throughout the weekend (so you have time to attend most of the sessions!)
The NASCO Institute Intern will receive ongoing guidance and support throughout the position. NASCO staff will provide an introduction to each project, ensuring clarity on expectations and tasks. Regular check-ins will offer opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback, and stay on track. Additionally, the intern will be able to attend the majority of training sessions at NASCO Institute, allowing them to deepen their knowledge of cooperatives and build valuable skills alongside conference attendees.
- Hands on experience in large-scale conference planning
- Develop skills in relationship building
- Work closely with NASCO staff to create a welcoming and well-organized experience
- Deepen your understanding of the co-op movement by attending NASCO Institute and connecting with co-opers across the U.S. and Canada.