Revolutionizing Cooperation: How NASCO is Educating and Organizing an Emerging Generation of Cooperators

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice, a growing movement is seeking to reimagine a more just and equitable society. At the heart of this movement is a time-tested model of cooperation and mutual aid: the cooperative. And at the forefront of this movement is the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) CLUSA's National Association of Student Cooperators (NASCO), an organization dedicated to educating and organizing an emerging generation of cooperators.

For decades, NASCO has been a leader in the cooperative movement, providing training, resources, and networking opportunities to students and young professionals interested in building and sustaining cooperative businesses. From urban agriculture cooperatives to worker-owned manufacturing enterprises, NASCO has supported the development of innovative and sustainable cooperatives that are making a real difference in their communities.

The Power of Cooperation

Cooperatives are businesses owned and controlled by their members, who work together to achieve a common goal. Unlike traditional corporations, cooperatives prioritize the needs of people and the planet over profits. They offer a unique model of economic development that is tailored to the needs of local communities and can help to build more equitable and sustainable economies.

The benefits of cooperatives are numerous. They can provide better working conditions, higher wages, and more job security for workers, while also promoting community development, social justice, and environmental sustainability. According to NASCO, cooperatives have a higher retention rate and a lower employee turnover rate compared to traditional businesses, resulting in increased productivity and cost savings.

Examples of Cooperative Success

* The Cooperative Home Care Associates in the Bronx, New York, is a worker-owned cooperative that employs home healthcare workers. The cooperative has provided jobs and training to thousands of workers and has been recognized for its innovative approach to economic development.

* The Housing Cooperative of Detroit is a resident-owned cooperative that provides affordable housing to low-income families. The cooperative has helped to stabilize neighborhoods and promote community development.

NASCO's Mission and Work

NASCO was founded in 1977 by a group of students who were passionate about building a more just and equitable society. The organization's mission is to educate and organize an emerging generation of cooperators who are committed to creating a more cooperative and equitable world.

NASCO provides a range of programs and services to its members, including:

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Cooperative Business Education

NASCO offers workshops, webinars, and on-site training programs that provide students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to build and sustain cooperative businesses.

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Cooperative Internships

NASCO places students in internships with cooperative businesses and organizations, providing them with hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

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Cooperative Networking

NASCO provides a network of cooperative professionals and businesses that offer support, guidance, and resources to its members.

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Cooperative Research and Advocacy

NASCO conducts research on cooperative business models and advocates for policies and practices that support the development of cooperatives.

The Impact of NASCO's Work

Since its founding, NASCO has helped to educate and organize thousands of young people who are committed to building a more cooperative and equitable world. NASCO's members have gone on to start and work for hundreds of cooperative businesses, from urban agriculture cooperatives to worker-owned manufacturing enterprises.

According to a survey conducted by NASCO, 95% of its members report feeling more confident and prepared to start and work for a cooperative business after participating in NASCO's programs and services. 90% of NASCO's members also report feeling more connected to a community of cooperative professionals and businesses.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While NASCO has made significant progress in educating and organizing an emerging generation of cooperators, there are still many challenges ahead. One of the biggest challenges facing the cooperative movement is the lack of awareness and understanding of cooperative business models among the general public.

According to a survey conducted by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) CLUSA, only 10% of Americans have heard of cooperative business models, despite the fact that cooperatives are estimated to generate over $500 billion in economic activity each year.

Another challenge facing the cooperative movement is the need for more resources and support. NASCO is a small organization with limited resources, and it relies on donations and grants to fund its programs and services.

Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities ahead for NASCO and the cooperative movement. With the growing interest in sustainable and equitable economic development, cooperatives are poised to play a major role in shaping the future of business and society.

As NASCO's Executive Director, Rachael Kelsey, notes, "The cooperative movement is at a critical juncture. We have the opportunity to build a more just and equitable society, but we need the support and resources to make it happen. NASCO is committed to educating and organizing an emerging generation of cooperators who are passionate about creating a more cooperative and equitable world."

A Call to Action

If you are passionate about creating a more cooperative and equitable world, there are many ways you can get involved with NASCO. You can:

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Donate

NASCO relies on donations to fund its programs and services. Your support will help to educate and organize an emerging generation of cooperators who are committed to building a more just and equitable society.

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Volunteer

NASCO has many volunteer opportunities available, from helping to plan events to assisting with outreach and marketing.

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Join NASCO

Membership in NASCO provides access to a network of cooperative professionals and businesses, as well as training and resources to help you start and work for a cooperative business.

Together, we can build a more cooperative and equitable world. Join NASCO today and be part of a movement that is making a real difference in the lives of people and the planet.