I presented two workshops at the Midwest Homeschool Convention here in Cincinnati, Ohio.  The session titled Homeschool Co-ops:  How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out was very popular and lively.  Most of the participants were already running co-ops and were interested in the "Not Burn Out" portion of the workshop.

burning the candle at both ends

• Use college students as co-op teachers.  They may work for cheap or free if they need teaching experience.
• Yahoo has a group for homeschool leaders:  TOS Leadership Group Use it to discuss sensitive topics, get advice, information and encouragement from homeschool leaders around the nation.
  
• Create term limits for your board members.  A board member may serve two or three years, then step down for a year. This brings in new, fresh ideas and prevents burn out.
• Avoid founder's syndrome, which is a condition where the founder is very dominate and controlling. She is unwilling to let others help her lead. She rejects any idea that is not her own. Term limits and holding elections for board members can eliminate founder's syndrome.
• Have board meetings by e-mail, conference call or try an on-line conference service.
• Schedule board meetings during co-op hours when everyone is there anyway!
• Always use duplicate checks.
• Have the bank statement mailed to someone other than the treasurer.