Intro to Cooperatives 101

Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance (PACA) works to support the development and existence of the region’s cooperative (democratically owned and controlled businesses) ecosystem. We believe that worker and community ownership are key pathways towards making our economy more just. And we believe that environmental justice and economic justice are inherently wrapped up in one another, as we make a sustainable path forward into the future. As we think about developing green businesses, we work for those businesses to be cooperatives so that money recirculates within communities rather than going to outside investors which harm the land and are not invested in local interests, in the same way that the community will innately be. As we think about land justice, it is critical to think about not only preserving the land, but also who is the land’s steward (we believe communities should be the steward, rather than outside interests). So, all of this being said: on Friday, April 14th, from 5:30-7pm, we invite you to join us for a virtual Introduction to Cooperatives 101 workshop. You will learn about why cooperatives are rad, in terms of their aims for shared and sustainable ownership, democratic control, and benefits for community wealth-building, particularly for historically and currently oppressed communities. You will learn about the different types of cooperatives and if cooperative ownership is right for you, your business, and your community. PACA Co-Op Developer, Amethyst Carey, will lead the workshop. There will be space for your co-op questions, so please feel encouraged to bring them with you. Sign-up here and receive the zoom link. Spanish interpretation and closed captions will be available. Event is at no-cost to you, the participant (though you are always welcome to donate to support our community programming). We look forward to talking with you about why cooperatives can be a critical piece of the puzzle towards building a more just, and environmentally just, world.