ROC Association: Resident Voices Amplified
We’re an association of ROCs led by volunteer ROC leaders. We formed for the benefit and development of all ROC Members, and support a strong peer network of co-op leaders and advocate for ROCs as a ROC USA LLC Member with three seats on the ROC USA Board of Directors. We represent the network of ROCs to external stakeholders and build cohesive relationships between ROC Association, the ROC USA Certified TA Provider network and ROC USA.
The New England Region ROC Association Director Election is on!
Outreach & Education Committee
The Outreach and Education Committee provides a peer-to-peer support network for Resident Owned Communities. Outreach & Education Committee Members are experienced leaders who come from ROCs of all sizes and backgrounds. Committee Members meet once a month for ongoing training. Committee Members are available to provide support to ROC Boards looking for solutions in addressing challenges.
Policy & Advocacy Committee
The Policy & Advocacy Committee seeks to lead and influence local, state and federal policy that impacts Resident Owned Communities and increases consumer protections for homeowners in investor-owned communities. The Policy & Advocacy Committee is always looking for new Members to help advocate for manufactured home communities and resident-owned communities across the country. If you’re interested in making a difference, click the link below.
Better Together Grants
The Better Together Grants program awards grants to ROCs nationwide for community building, safety concerns, and rebranding projects. Since the program’s launch in 2011, the ROC Association has awarded more than $200,000 in funding to Resident Owned Communities.
Our Directors
The ROC Association Directors are elected by Resident Owned Communities in their region. Directors serve three-year terms (for a maximum of two terms). In addition to running the ROC Association, the Directors also serve on the ROC USA Board of Directors.
Kelly Jensen
MOUNTAIN WEST REGION
Kelly is Board President at Paradise Village Cooperative, a 40-home Resident Owned Community in Johnstown, Colorado.
Email Kelly at: west@rocassociation.org
Marjory Gilsrud
EAST, MIDWEST & SOUTH REGION
(BOARD CHAIR)
Marjory is Board President at Madelia Mobile Village Cooperative, a 67-home Resident Owned Community in Madelia, Minnesota.
Email Marjory at: midwest@rocassociation.org
Deborah Winiewicz
NEW ENGLAND REGION
Deborah is Past President at Halifax Estates, a 430-home Resident Owned Community in Halifax, Massachusetts.
Email Deb at: newengland@rocassociation.org
History
ROC Association was started by two ROC leaders, Natividad Seefeld of Park Plaza Cooperative in Fridley, Minn. and Lois Parris, then of Lakes Region Cooperative in Belmont, N.H., both former appointees to the ROC USA Board of Directors.
In 2013, the Association held its first national elections and since then, ROC Boards nationwide (including your Board) have had the opportunity to cast a vote for a candidate from your region every three years.
In 2020, ROC Association launched two ROC Association Committees, the Outreach & Education Committee and the Policy & Advocacy Committee. ROC Leaders from across the country volunteer their time to expand the work of ROC Association.
Member Support And Disaster Relief Fund
“Better Together” is more than just a tagline and we’re working to put that into action. We established a consistent practice and procedure for reaching out to Member ROCs, and, when appropriate, to individual ROC leaders and their family members, when a community tragedy, natural disaster, severe hardship, or other similar incident occurs.
Outreach & Education Committee
ROC Association Outreach & Education Committee members are trained public speakers available to speak to a wide variety of audiences. Please complete the form below to request an O&E speaker.
Suggested Topics
ROC Association Benefits
O&E Committee members can present about the ROC Association and its benefits.
Pre-Purchase Support
O&E Committee members are advocates of resident ownership and can share their experiences to resident groups considering purchase.
Post-Purchase Support
Does your ROC need guidance with a specific topic, such as recruiting new Board Members or conflict resolution? Request an O&E Committee member to your next meeting for guidance!
Events
Invite an O&E Committee member to speak at your annual meeting, anniversary party, or any other community celebration!
Workshops
O&E Committee members have presented at regional conferences and on national cooperative webinars.
Outreach & Education Meetings
We’re looking for ROC leaders ready to step up and help spread the word about resident ownership and life in ROCs. We talk with communities considering becoming a ROC, educate the public about the benefits of ROCs, and a wide range of other topics. Please fill out this form to learn more and attend our virtual monthly meetings.
Policy & Advocacy
Members can help deliver resident ownership to more communities and bring more resources to existing ROCs through involvement with our Policy & Advocacy Committee. Meetings are held virtually every month (Spanish interpretation is available by request.), although meeting attendance is not required to help out. Please fill out this form to get started and learn more.
Better Together Calls
To request access to the Better Together monthly calls, please complete the form. Spanish interpretation is available at every Better Together Call.
Get Involved
Interested in joining an existing committee? Have an thought or idea you’d like to share with a ROC Association Director? Get in touch.