BERENDSON ACADEMY

Berendson Academy is pleased to respond to the growing demand for cooperative education programming and provide professional learning and development opportunities to give cooperatives the tools and information they need for success.
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Educational Materials

Articles, guidebooks, reports, and cheat sheets, all located in one place to enlighten and engage users on various facets of cooperative enterprises.

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Academy Training

Responding to the growing demand for cooperative education, we provide professional learning and development opportunities through online classes, training videos, and free training manuals.

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Information Sharing

A centralized hub for sharing contracts, bids, and essential resources, promoting best practices and efficiency within cooperative operations.

New & Updated Cooperative Resource Books

Free resources created to help housing cooperatives strengthen governance, educate their boards and members, and find practical answers to common challenges.

Board Member Orientation

Cooperative Bible

President

New Board Member

Orientation New Members

Secretary

High Performing Boards

Committees Handbook

Treasurer

Board Leadership

Committee Charges

Legal Check up

Cooperative Dictionary

Roberts Rules of Order

2026 New Manual

Exciting News:

Free Training Courses Are Back and Better Than Ever!

We continually update educational topics that are constantly evolving in our industry.  I offer members the opportunity to upgrade or refresh their knowledge of trade and business expertise, or acquire new skills.   It’s also essential to stay relevant in your profession by committing to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge and research.

Board member training is a priceless resource for us to become more well-rounded and give us ideas to bring back to our community.”

Course and Study Program

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Extensive Resource Library

Access over 1,500 free, regularly updated resources—articles, guides, books, reports, journals, and cheat sheets—organized in one place to inform, inspire, and support every aspect of cooperative enterprises.

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Educational Programs

Access our Housing Training Program, featuring in-depth courses on cooperative principles, management, and operations—all at no cost. Learn from top industry leaders through flexible online classes tailored for modern schedules.

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Academy Training

We offer online classes, video training, and free manuals to meet the growing demand for cooperative education. Our latest additions include new videos, updated manuals, and two full training courses with PowerPoints, quizzes, and instructor guides.

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Central Hub

Our site is a central hub where board members can access articles, guides, reports, and books—everything needed to strengthen cooperative governance, management, and leadership.

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Information Sharing

Our Cooperatives Information Sharing page is a centralized hub where members can share and access valuable documents such as contracts, bids, and resources. This exchange of ready-to-use materials promotes best practices, efficiency, and collaboration within cooperative operations.

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Welcome

I’m Richard Berendson,

Executive Director and Training Coordinator, with over 24 years of experience in training and leading cooperatives. My goal is to keep cooperatives strong, informed, and equipped with the tools they need to operate effectively.

For more about my work and background, please visit my Home Page 

New Course Manuals and training Manuals

Connect

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Coop Links

A curated selection of helpful links, including educational materials, useful tools, and insightful articles to support our members’ needs.

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Cooperative Information

Shares good cooperative information, Such as Document Sharing, Links, Newsletters, Old Training Manuals, and Training Opportunities

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Community

We believe in creating a community where members share openly, build trust, and form deeper connections—so cooperation thrives, differences are resolved, and life feels more like a celebration.

Future Planning

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Berendson Academy

Engaging the next generation is vital. Cooperatives offer members a voice in decisions and transparency, which should appeal to future business owners; however, education on the benefits is still needed. With clear opportunities and steady growth, our biggest challenge is ensuring we have the staff to respond reliably and professionally.

Why Choose Berendson Academy

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BEST LEADERS

Leaders are the top-performing and most influential organizations or individuals recognized for their innovation, expertise, and impact within their respective fields.

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FUTURE PLANNING

Stay ahead by continually adapting to ongoing changes and strategically planning for the future to ensure long-term success and resilience.

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COOPERATIVE SUCCESS

Cooperatives rely on the leadership of directors and staff. From new training classes, portal of information links, and more it’s all here.

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