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Catalyzing worker co-ops & the solidarity economy

Consumer Cooperatives

Member-owned and democratically-controlled associations though which consumers collectively purchase and distribute goods/services.

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March 7, 2024

Power to the People

Summary

At a moment when the world is awakening to the clear and present need to transition our energy system, a hopeful light gleams from the rural landscapes of America. The Rural Power Coalition (RPC), a diverse alliance of US advocacy groups serving rural communities from Alabama to Alaska, has taken another step forward with the release of “Power to the People: The Story of Rural Electric Cooperatives.” This animated short film that premiered today during the annual PowerXchange Conference in San Antonio, Texas, is not just a tale of the past; it’s a clarion call for a greener, more equitable future.

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February 5, 2024

Solar Co-ops and Why They (Could) Rule

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Summary

In today’s episode we talk with author, professor, and activist Ashley Dawson about the neoliberal city in the context of climate change and the liberatory potential inherent in community solar energy projects.

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November 20, 2023

The Pioneers of Cooperativism and Climate Justice: Owen, Fourier, Du Bois

Summary

In response to the ambitious call of the Platform Cooperative Consortium, I will seek to examine them through the lens of environmental scholars. Can these cooperative pioneers also provide insights into climate justice?

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October 23, 2023

Halena Wilson - 2023 Unsung Cooperative Hero

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A co-op educator and activist, Halena Wilson used her position as president of the Chicago Ladies' Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters to show Black women the path to economic self-sufficiency through cooperation.

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July 24, 2023

The Co-op Wars

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THE CO-OP WARS tells the story of the idealistic youth who tried to build an alternative to corporate capitalism, the violent struggle that almost tore them apart, and their eventual success in ways they never foresaw.

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May 22, 2023

A GreenStar For All

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How a 50 year old food co-op in Ithaca practices diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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April 20, 2023

The Unsung Cooperative Hero Award & Ella Jo Baker

Summary

Vernon interviews Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., Professor at John Jay College, and Ajowa Nzinga Ifateyo, Co Editor at Grassroots Economic Organizing. Both are also economic social justice advocates. Vernon and his guests will discuss the Unsung Cooperative Hero Award, and its first recipient Ella Jo Baker.

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April 13, 2023

Production for Use and the Cooperative Commonwealth

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An economy of production for use would grow only as fast as the population and the people's needs, making sustainability more attainable.

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March 13, 2023

Building a More Equitable Internet

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Last week’s Platform Co-op School event highlighted ICDE’s approach of recognizing the valuable contributions of scholars, technologists, artists, community organizers, and cooperators toward a more just and equitable digital economy. This is a recap of that event.

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January 23, 2023

Mountain Equipment Catastrophe

Summary

Dru Oja Jay is joined by Kevin Harding, one of the organizers of a spirited hail-mary attempt to save Mountain Equipment Co-op from being sold off to a US private equity firm.