Berendson Academy – Cooperative Education and Support

Free education for housing cooperatives

Resource Library

Download Center

Search 1,388 free articles, guides, books, reports, journals, cheat sheets and sample forms for housing cooperatives. Every resource is free to read and download.

A person reading a printed document at a wooden table during a workshop

Search the library

Find a resource

Search by title, or choose a category or format. Click any title to see a short overview before you download it.

Cover Image Committees Can Make or Break President 11-15 Committees Can Make or Break President

The incoming president or chair prepares an installation speech to begin their term of office. Concurrently, it is important to be strategic about managing committees.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Committees changes Committees Changes (AIEA Proposed Board and Committee Changes, 2019)

These changes reflect good practice for membership organizations, providing Board oversight and engagement on the core business of the association while still permitting the organization the necessary flexibility to respond...

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Committees changes1 Committees Changes – Executive Committee (BoardSource)

Boards should first analyze the entire structure of the board and determine whether that particular committee would add value to the organization.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Complete Guide to Event Planning Complete Guide to Event Planning

We understand that the process can be overwhelming, so to help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to association event planning. In it, we’ll go over best practices...

Reports  Coop Committees
Cover Image Help Wanted in Committees Help Wanted in Committees

Committees are important to organizations, supplementing the work of the board, developing leaders, and engaging members. Most associations are finding it increasingly difficult to attract willing volunteers.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image How Committees Can Help Community How Committees Can Help the Community

Members of an association often have tasks that require more in-depth study by a small group. That is where the committee comes in.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image I Survived a Year on a Committee I Survived a Year on a Committee

Last year, I cringed when I was asked to serve on a committee. Before I said "yes," I was determined to learn how to be a good committee member. You...

Cheat Sheets  Coop Committees
Cover Image Integrating Committees Integrating Committees

Consider committees as business development units in the organization. They supplement the work of the board by producing results that advance the strategic plan.

Cheat Sheets  Coop Committees
Cover Image Nonprofit Board Committee Members who should serve on which committee Nonprofit Board Committee Members who should serve on which committee

Board committees play a crucial role in the effective governance of organizations. They are specialized groups tasked with specific functions and responsibilities, aiding the board of directors in fulfilling its...

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Practical Tips for Committee Chairs Practical Tips for Committee Chairs

You agree to chair an important committee. In associations, chambers, and charities, volunteer committees drive many of the important programs and activities.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Proposed changes to the AIEA Board and Committees Proposed changes to the AIEA Board and Committees

These changes reflect good practice for membership organizations, providing Board oversight and engagement on the core business of the association while still permitting the organization the necessary flexibility to respond...

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Qualifications of the Board Members Qualifications of the Board Members

Let me address your responsibilities as the nominating committee. The bylaws state that you are to identify, evaluate, and recommend qualified candidates to serve on our Board.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Set Ground Rules for committee Set Ground Rules for committee

First committee meetings of the year? Start by setting ground rules as the foundation for involvement, processes, and achieving outcomes.

Cheat Sheets  Coop Committees
Cover Image Signing In at Board and Committee Meeting Signing In at Board and Committee Meeting

The board secretary said, “I’m passing around a sheet of notebook paper, please sign it for our records.”

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Taming the Committee Report at Board Meetings Taming the Committee Report at Board Meetings

Listening to or reading reports is not good governance. Below, we describe three ways to manage committee reports at board meetings.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image The Complete Guide to Community Associations Committees The Complete Guide to Community Associations Committees

Serving on your association’s board of directors is a significant responsibility that requires considerable time, effort, and resources. Governing and leading a community isn’t easy, and as a part-time volunteer,...

Reports  Coop Committees
Cover Image The relationship between board and committees The relationship between board and committees

What is the best relationship of the board to committees? Are directors required to chair committees or serve as liaisons to them? Do committees work independently of the board, composed...

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image The-Top-5-Committees-to-Create-in-Your-Community-_-HOA-Committees The-Top-5-Committees-to-Create-in-Your-Community-_-HOA-Committees

The board is responsible for ensuring that the overall community runs smoothly.

Article  Coop Committees
Cover Image Tool Kit - Committee Management Tool Kit – Committee Management

Committees play an integral role in advancing the work of an association. Participation on a committee is a rewarding and important responsibility. Committee involvement is often the catalyst for other leadership...

Reports  Coop Committees
Cover Image Tool-Committee-Terms-of-Reference Tool-Committee-Terms-of-Reference

The Terms of Reference (TOR) guide and shape the committee's work. It not only helps the committee understand its own purpose and process but also holds the committee accountable to...

Cheat Sheets  Coop Committees

About the library

What you will find

Our Download Center is a one-stop hub for cooperative knowledge, curated from trusted cooperative and housing organizations. Whether you want research-based insight or practical management tools, it supports informed decisions and effective leadership.

Governance and legal frameworks

Understand your duties, responsibilities and ethical obligations.

Financial and business planning

Learn strategies to keep your cooperative strong and sustainable.

Operations and maintenance

Gain insights into maintaining property value and community trust.

Marketing and member engagement

Explore proven ways to build community participation and satisfaction.

Sector-specific studies

Dive into focused research on housing, agriculture, finance and more.