Our Co-op Leadership Cohort is open to anyone that would like to develop a deeper knowledge of the foundational
components to developing and managing limited equity co-ops effectively. We offer two certification levels:

Level 1: Community Building

This level focuses on fundamental co-op basics of building community and advocating for your housing. Level 1 trainings underscore the important role that each member has to play in a co-op and provides tools, resources, and tactics that can help support co-ops in strengthening their community through mutual accountability, more effective communication, and increased participation.

To receive the Level 1 Co-op Leadership Certificate, you must attend the Co-op Academy Orientation and two out of the three other Level 1 trainings listed in the curriculum below. This certification is for all co-op members, and we especially encourage board members and members who are new to their co-ops to attend.

Level 2: Management & Oversight

This level builds on the principles in Level 1 and goes into depth on the skills the co-op leaders need to ensure their co-op remains financially and structurally healthy in the long-term. Level 2 trainings outline some of the major social, legal, and financial management requirements for co-ops and provides comprehensive information and resources on how co-op boards in particular can meet these requirements.

To receive the Level 2 Certificate, you must complete the Level 1 training curriculum and attend an additional three out of the four Level 2 trainings listed in the curriculum below. While all co-op members are encouraged to attend these trainings, this certification is most useful for co-op board members and those considering joining the board.

Level 1: Community Building

Orientation + What it Means to Be in a Limited Equity Co-op | Jan 27 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (in person)

Connects co-op members across the DMV area and discusses the common values and challenges that bring co-ops together. This annual co-op networking workshop provides in-depth insight into the democratic and collective principles that make limited equity co-ops such a unique and valuable form of affordable housing. Co-op members will have the chance to:

• Connect with other co-op members and affirm a set of community values that they would like to see in their co-ops
• Gain a deeper understanding of how a limited equity co-op works 
• Review the core benefits co-op members are entitled to, and other potential benefits

Advocating for Affordable Housing | Feb 22 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (virtual)

Shares effective ways to connect with your elected representatives and other groups who are advocating and urge them to support increased funding for your limited equity co-ops and affordable housing in DC during upcoming budget hearings that decide how the city’s funds will be allocated. Get help:

• Identifying and communicating with your elected representatives
• Testifying in DC Council budget hearings
• Encouraging others to join in solidarity to support increased funding for limited equity co-ops and other affordable housing opportunities

Board and Member Responsibilities | Mar 23 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (in person)

Provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities that board and general members have in their co-ops. Boards and members will have a chance to further develop the skills necessary to effectively carry out their responsibilities in the co-op. Co-op members will gain:

• Insight into what part they play in keeping their co-op healthy
• Better understanding of how they can be an active participant in their co-op
• Deeper knowledge of what their co-op board of directors do
• Tools to support the members and boards in carrying out their responsibilities

Location: TBD

Co-op Communication and Participation | Apr 25 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (virtual)

Highlights the importance of effective communication and participation as key tools for building trust and community in the co-op. This workshop shares best practices and tools to help co-op members and boards communicate effectively with each other to stay informed, resolve conflict, and build community. In this training we provide:

• Tested communication strategies from fellow cooperative members
• Steps boards and members can take to ensure effective and inclusive communication in a step-by-step communication plan customized to their co-op
• Ways to navigate and use our Communications for Co-ops toolkit

Level 2: Management & Oversight

Conflict Resolution for Co-ops | May 18 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (in person)

Addresses common conflicts that arise in co-ops and reviews best practices in resolving them in an effective and inclusive manner. This workshop offers tools to help co-op members and boards communicate effectively with each other and resolve conflicts. In this training we:

• Discuss tactics to prevent common scenarios that cause conflicts in co-ops
• Share tested conflict resolution strategies from fellow cooperative members
• Provide steps boards and members can take to ensure effective communication in difficult situations

Location: TBD

Asset Management | Jun 27 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (virtual)

Asset Management is essential to sustain co-op’ organizational strength and financial health. Reviews the purpose of asset management and the responsibilities that the Board, property managers, asset managers, co-op members have in overseeing it and carrying it out. In this training co-ops will gain skills that help them to create an asset management plan that helps them sustain their property long term, as well as to set yearly benchmarks to ensure better property and asset management. Attendees will leave this training with these skills:

• Understanding of what Co-op Asset Management is and who is responsible for what
• Familiarity with Co-op Asset Management Workplan and how to use it in their co-op
• Understanding of best practices in planning and budgeting, and building up reserves

Supervising Your Property Management Company | Aug 24 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (in person)

Shares effective strategies for managing a co-op’s relationship with their property management company. Focuses on tactics that co-ops can use to improve communication, address commonly occurring problems, and ensure the management company is supporting the co-op’s goal of maintaining their affordability and protecting the value of their building. This workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of:

• Responsibilities of property management companies
• The role LEC boards and members play in property management
• Strategies for addressing problems with the property management company

Location: TBD

Fair Housing for Co-ops | Sep 26 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm (virtual)

Co-ops, as a unique ownership structure, need to be aware of and up to date on Fair Housing regulations. This training provides guidelines to keep co-ops in compliance with Fair Housing regulations. Participants will leave with an understanding of:

• Current Fair Housing Regulations and how they relate to their co-op
• Examples of Fair Housing violations and how to avoid them
• How to integrate Fair Housing laws into governing docs and marketing materials

Location: TBD