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Our Member Councils and Peer Networks are shaping the future of the worker co-op movement in the U.S. through offers and needs markets, collective education & learning and political advocacy for a worker-centered economy. Here are the highlights for this month from some of our Councils & Networks:
- Policy & Advocacy Council – In our most recent meeting we discussed our most top-of-mind advocacy issues, including implementing new employee ownership law in WA, immigration crackdowns, and budget negotiations. At the Spring Member Meeting, we discussed the USFWC’s endorsement processes as well as our current advocacy priorities. On June 8th we talked about implementing law once we’ve scored the win – how we ensure we reap the rewards of our successes. Register for the next Worker Co-op Policy Pulse on June 20
- International Council – The executive committee of the International Council met in late April. It was introduced to the larger membership at the Spring Members Meeting in May. A webinar on lessons US worker cooperatives can learn from European counterparts will be held in the summer.
- Racial & Economic Justice Council – The Racial and Economic Justice Council (REJC) held an interest space at our Spring Member Meeting on May 24th. The session was an opportunity for members to learn about the history of the REJC and sign up to be part of the Council. We are conducting outreach to members who show interest in June with a first meeting held in July. Sign up here if you are interested.
- Movimiento de Inmigrantes en las Cooperativas – The Movimiento de Inmigrantes en Cooperativas held an interest space at the Spring Member Meeting on May 24th. The session was an opportunity for members to learn about the history of the MIC and sign up to be part of the Council. We are conducting outreach to members who show interest in June with a first full council meeting held in July. Sign up here if you are interested.
- Co-op Booksellers Peer Network – The booksellers’ May meeting had discussion around staffing, safety, and legal structure. The group continues to meet on the first Fridays at 4pm ET.
- Tech Worker Co-ops Peer Network – The Tech Peer Network has been sharing resources with each other, including how shops set their rates and Sassafrass Tech Collective’s and Design Action’s process for unionizing their co-ops. If you’re interested in joining the peer network, email theodora@usworker.coop.
- Co-op Academies Peer Network – In our most recent meeting in May, we shared best practices for designing outside of class work for participants in coop academies, as well as setting expectations for participants’ progress throughout the academy. We are developing an offers-and-needs market and a shared resource hub, which includes curricula and templates for sessions.
