Catalyzing worker co-ops & the solidarity economy
Preparations for the 2013 *Twin Oaks Communities Conference are now in full swing! For those who don't know, Twin Oaks is an income-sharing, egalitarian community located in rural Virginia. We are 95 people living on 450 acres, where we collectively own and manage a number of our own businesses (more at twinoaks.org). We have hosted this fantastic conference for over 20 of our 45 years of existence.
Our colleagues, Margaret Flowers and Kevin Zeese are Secretary of Health and Attorney General, respecitively.
the 30th anniversary issue of GEO.
John Abrams' condenses Paul Gilding’s argument that there may be a big turn around on the climate change struggle. It begins with,
“There are signs that the climate movement could be on the verge of a remarkable and surprising victory [and perhaps] the fastest and most dramatic economic transformation in history. This would include the removal of the oil, coal and gas industries from the economy in just a few decades and their replacement with new industries.
The Working World, a solidarity funding organization, announced the opening the New Era Windows Cooperative, which completes the five year struggle to convert the Republic Windows and Doors factory into a worker-owned and worker-controlled business.
The Democracy Now interview with two worker-owners and The Working World president is here along with the transcript.
This is a mixed review of the book. It is critical of Gar's unwillingness or inability to realistically relate his proposals to the likely response of NeoLiberal elites. However, the reviewer grudgingly agrees that the co-operative initiative is a foundation for non-violent response and a defense against those elites, at a local level.
The Veggie Mobile Market is an old school bus that runs on used veggie oil and will work with local aggregators to support local growers while simultaneously being able to provide high quality food to low-income communities at affordable prices. The project will also use the bus as a platform for civic enagement and education.
"After almost a year in preparation, we are very excited to say that today, the New Era Windows Cooperative is opening its doors for business. The Working World has been an extremely proud partner since day one, providing financing and technical assistance to help bring the cooperative to fruition."
"To protect small and family farms from industrial factory farming, over a decade ago a handful of Pennsylvania townships stood up to some of the country’s largest agribusiness corporations. Recognizing that the state and federal government, rather than protecting them from factory farms, were in fact forcing them into communities, the townships took the unprecedented step of banning corporate farming within their borders."
Worcester's Solidarity and Green Economy conference brings together activists, organizers, educators, community leaders, non-profits and other individuals and organizations who are committed to forging more equitable and sustainable ways of organizing our economies and communities. The 3rd annual conference will last three days from August 23-25. This conference will focus on building capacity for cooperators and lay the groundwork for creating a broader solidarity economy throughout Southern New England.
