We at Northcountry Cooperative Foundation are happy to report that Common Ground 2021 was another “virtual” success. Every year, NCF hosts a conference for leaders of resident owned communities (ROCs) across Minnesota and Wisconsin about perineal issues facing ROCs. This year, Common Ground featured seven remote sessions over the course of two weeks that covered a myriad of topics including Board Recruitment, Conflict Resolution, Marketing on a Budget, and Emergency Preparedness.
Building off the success of last year’s conference, we had record breaking attendance with twenty attendees across seven communities within the ROC Network attending an average of four sessions each. All sessions were recorded and are featured on the NCF YouTube page.
We were also excited to once again offer community grants to attendees based on the generous donations of the thirteen sponsors of this year’s conference (see sponsor list below). Based on attendance and participation, five of the seven communities will be receiving $3,000 in grants that will focus on marketing and recruitment of new members. Grant recipients will determine how their community will spend the grant, whether it be magnets to all members to better connect with the onsite manager or yard signs for an upcoming annual meeting to boost attendance.
Next year NCF hopes to take a hybrid approach to the conference where a portion of the classes will be remote in addition to an in-person event that will focus on networking and community development. Looking forward to 2022 and beyond!
2021 Common Ground Conference Sponsors: TSP Architects Engineering Planning, Southwest Initiative Foundation, ROC USA, Ralph K. Morris Foundation, First Alliance Credit Union, Cooperative Development Foundation, Haylor, Freyer & Coon Inc., Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation, Minnesota Housing Partnership, Adams, Rizzi & Sween PA, Common Properties Management Cooperative, Cooperative Development Bank, Homes of Harmony
