The most responsible first act a new board member can do is to learn as much as possible. Anyone interested in being a board member must understand it is not a measure of one's popularity. Rather, it is a commitment that you make to manage a business for your neighbors as well as for yourself. What does this position involve? In NAHC's workshop, participants will explore the answer to that question by learning with others also new to their boards, what their responsibilities are and how to integrate into an ongoing board.

This training is offered each year at NAHC's Annual Conference and can be provided at other times by a sponsoring cooperative or organization upon request.

New Board Training Outline

• Overview of Forms of Homeownership
• Organizational Structure of Housing Cooperatives
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Overview of Legal Documents
• Team Building and Leadership Skills
• Property Management and Operations
• Successful Marketing and Membership Selection
• Communications, Reporting, and Evaluation

The Train the Trainer course has been created to help participants define
and identify different types and styles of training that can be used within their respective co-ops and communities, this program is a valuable opportunity for attendees to develop their presentation skills.

Registered Cooperative Manager Program

The RCM Program is a program of learning that leads to a professional designation of Registered Cooperative Manager. The program offers a curriculum upon which to build a successful career in cooperative housing management. An RCM is an individual who had made a Commitment to Excellence in Personal Conduct and Professional Achievement. The RCM Board of Governors has prepared an Code of Ethical Conduct for cooperative site managers. Click here for current RCMs, application and instructions.

History course

• an introduction to the tri-part approach to the RCM Program: history, ethics, and business

• an overview of what a housing cooperative is all about

• an exploration of the roots of the cooperative movement

• an overview of the RCM Code of Ethical Conduct

• a review of how cooperatives are formed, financial issues, and political and legal considerations

• a description of the cooperative principles and how they apply to housing cooperatives

• a discussion on the cooperative movement throughout the United States and world and ways to support the cooperative housing movement.
  
   

The Ethical Practice of Cooperative Management - This course covers the RCM Code of Ethical Conduct and its importance to the behavior of a cooperative manager. General rules of agency will be viewed alongside of general real estate principles. The goal of the course is to promote and encourage the highest ethical behavior in cooperative managers through basic honesty and good business practices in the performance of their duties.

The Business of Housing Cooperatives - This course reviews the structure and business of housing cooperatives from their formation to their management. A review of documents gives the candidate a perspective about how and why cooperatives become successful. It offers insights into how cooperatives are governed and the important role of governance in the success of housing cooperatives. The course discusses practical and useful issues that will help the manager be more productive in his/her work.

Roles & Responsibilities of a Cooperative’s Board Training Course Click on the title for a brochure

This training course assists board members in running a co-op and understanding co-op governance and rules. It is conducted at your housing co-op or a location of your choice at any time you choose. We can be at your door with as little as 30 days’ notice. This service costs ranges from $1,500 per co-op for up to 10 participants and $50 for each additional participant.