Collectives

Free Geek, a Computer Recycler: Testing the Limits of Reproducing Worker-Managed Enterprises

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:43:20 -0400

By Jim Johnson, GEO Collective

Since its founding in 2000, worker-managed non-profit Free Geek of Portland, Oregon, has supplied over 15,000 refurbished computers to individuals and community organizations, and has also ethically recycled 2,000 tons of non-reusable computer components (known as "e-waste"). Along the way, they've also successfully reproduced their organizational model, with nine similar organizations having taken root in the US and Canada. But they've also encountered some special challenges in propagating their model, and their experience offers some important cautionary tales for co-ops and collectives seeking to do the same.

The Replication of Arizmendi Bakery: A Model of the Democratic Worker Cooperative Movement

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:41:08 -0400

By Joe Marraffino, Arizmendi Development and Support Cooperative

Since the mid-1990s a group of worker cooperative organizers in the San Francisco Bay Area has been developing a new model for cooperative development. Our organization, the Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives, is a network, incubator, and technical assistance provider that is owned, governed, and funded by the member workplaces it creates and serves. Our primary activity is to replicate and offer continuing support to new retail bakeries based on a proven cooperative business model.

Spinning into Control: Inkworks Press spins off Design Action Collective

admin — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:00:06 -0400

by Innosanto Nagara

Design Action Collective is a fun, creative, place to work. We provide graphic design and visual communications services to activist, social change and other progressive organizations. We believe that social-change messages need to communicate effectively with their target audiences.

South End Press: Independent & Collectively-Run

Ethan — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:12:27 -0400

A radical cooperative press in Boston, since 1977.

The Seed

Ethan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:37:01 -0400

A solidarity trade organizing effort in Greece

Anarchist Collective Around the Corner

Ethan — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:54:55 -0500

The Lucy Parsons Center in Boston is a nonprofit, collectively-run radical bookstore and community meeting space. By Pat Tarantino.