Berendson Academy – Cooperative Education and Support

Free education for housing cooperatives

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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.

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Cover Image New Year Clean Slate New Year, Clean Slate for Governance

A new board and a New Year are opportunities for a fresh start. Ideally, the legacy of the prior board can be built upon for continued progress.

Article  Board of Directors
Cover Image Nomination Form for the Election to the Board of Directors Nomination Form for the Election to the Board of Directors

Sample Nomination Form for the Election to the Board of Directors

Sample Forms  Board of Directors
Cover Image Organizations Serving Cooperatives Organizations Serving Cooperatives

The earlier organizations encouraged cooperative ways from conceptual and economic perspectives. Then came organizations to meet needs for services such as education, information, financing, and research at the national and...

Reports  Board of Directors
Cover Image Role of the board Role of the Board

Briefing document outlining the duties and responsibilities of a co-operative board

Article  Board of Directors
Cover Image Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement-

The rules of engagement have been developed to communicate cultural expectations and preferred behavior for governance

Article  Board of Directors
Cover Image The Language of Associations The Language of Associations

Associations, chambers of commerce and other not-for-profit organizations have a language all their own.

Article  Board of Directors
Cover Image The role of the board The Role of the Board

Briefing document outlining the duties and responsibilities of a co-operative board

Reports  Board of Directors
Cover Image Values at the board table Values at the Board Table

Contemporary boards are identifying and promoting their steadfast values. Values guide current and future leaders in their deliberation and decision-making.

Article  Board of Directors
Cover Image WAIT Why am i Talking WAIT, Why am I Talking

Board meetings are platforms for conversation and deliberation. The room is set so directors can see, listen and converse with each other. An agenda keeps the discussions moving forward to...

Article  Board of Directors
Cover Image Your board recruitment package Your Board Member Recruitment Package

Here are some tips on what to include in your board’s recruitment package that you give to prospective board members. Deciding to join a board is a significant decision.

Article  Board of Directors

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.