North American Students of Cooperation (NASCO)

NASCO is deeply committed to advancing our mission through an anti-oppression framework. This approach informs every aspect of our work—from program content and training materials to internal systems and community resources. We strive to challenge and dismantle systemic oppression by promoting cooperative housing as a tool for economic transformation grounded in mutual aid.

By supporting cooperative organizers, NASCO works to break down barriers to housing and community-building, empowering our member co-ops to fully embrace the cooperative principle of open and voluntary membership.

Throughout our history, NASCO-affiliated housing co-ops and their members have stood in solidarity with both local and global movements for social, environmental, and economic justice. Some have taken part in direct action to challenge injustice, others have engaged in mutual aid efforts to uplift their communities, and many have prioritized creating safer, more inclusive spaces within their homes.

NASCO actively supports our members in engaging with justice movements and continuing anti-oppression education within their co-ops. We invite cooperative members, staff, leaders, and allies to join us in advancing social and economic justice—and in shaping a more equitable cooperative movement for all.