NASCO Institute 2020

Caucuses are spaces for participants with shared identities to raises issues, build connections, and organize for change: within NASCO, their own co-ops, and our larger communities. These sessions will be member lead spaces for participants to guide the discussion as they see fit.

Identity-based caucuses are not spaces for people who do not share an identity to learn about issues affecting that group or offer their support (i.e. “be an ally”). Check out one of the workshops on these topics instead! Identity-based caucuses will be followed by a Diversity Congress on Friday from 7 pm- 8:30 pm.

The Black Caucus is a space for co-opers who identify as Black. Amplifying and celebrating Black voices and addressing Black needs is essential to our co-ops' commitment to collective liberation. NASCO recognizes the fact that we have both a Black and a PoC Caucus and welcomes our Black members to participate in both if they see fit.

NASCO caucuses also contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the NASCO Board of Directors. Each of the caucuses will choose a Chairperson who will keep in touch with the NASCO board over the next year. 
The Chairs of each caucus will also be the delegates to Diversity Congress on Friday evening during Institute, where they will choose 3 of their number to be members of the NASCO Board for the next 2 years. This year, the People of Color Caucus Chairperson will automatically get one board seat and Diversity Congress will choose 2 additional chairs.