Podcasts about cooperatives

A Minnesota community solar cooperative earns trust and delivers savings in manufactured home parks. |Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/community-solar-manufactured-homes-minnesota-ler277/ |Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ |  Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation on our podcast feeds, and join the conversation online using the #LocalEnergyRules hashtag!

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a five-part investigative series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward examining what happened between Benecke Coffee in Germany and coffee cooperatives in Peru pursuing claims for coffee they say remains unpaid.Across this series, we are asking a larger question: What happens when trust, trade and accountability break down in the global coffee supply chain?In this first episode, podcast host Lee Safar is joined by Emerson Carrasco, General Manager of Sanchirio Palomar Cooperative; Anabel Barrientos, General Manager of Ubiriki Valley Cooperative; and Óscar Inocente, a lawyer working with four of the affected Peruvian cooperatives. Ana Maria Donneys from Café Primitivo joins the series as translator.Before getting into the Benecke dispute itself, this episode establishes who these cooperatives are and the role they play in the lives and businesses of hundreds of smallholder coffee producers.**Correction: In this episode, Arthur E. Darboven was described in a way that could suggest he remained part of Benecke Coffee's executive management during the 2025 payment crisis. Subsequent verification of corporate-register information indicates that he ceased serving as Managing Director of Benecke on 25 April 2024. His ownership position after that date, and any continuing involvement in Benecke's affairs, remain under investigation. We are updating the record accordingly.Emerson explains that Sanchirio Palomar represents 633 small coffee producers, including 220 women, while Anabel describes Ubiriki Valley as a cooperative with 845 members. The conversation explores the work cooperatives carry out across production support, certification, quality control, processing, financing, transportation and access to international coffee markets.That context matters because when an international coffee transaction fails, the unpaid invoice is only one part of the risk.The cooperatives have already financed coffee purchases, supported production, processed and prepared the coffee for export, managed certifications and logistics, and assumed significant commercial and financial exposure before receiving payment from an overseas buyer.The conversation then turns to how the cooperatives began working with Benecke Coffee.Anabel says Ubiriki had worked with Benecke for more than five years and historically had a good commercial relationship with the company, with approximately 25–30% of the cooperative's sales going through Benecke.Emerson says Sanchirio Palomar began trading with Benecke in 2025 and sold seven containers of organic Fairtrade coffee. According to Emerson, five containers were paid for while two remained unpaid at the time of recording.Óscar says the four Peruvian cooperatives he is working with are pursuing claims connected to approximately 18 containers with an estimated value of around US$3 million. He also says there may be additional cooperatives that were affected but did not become formally registered creditors in the insolvency proceedings.Episode 1 lays the foundation for the rest of the investigation: who the cooperatives represent, how much risk they carry, how the relationships with Benecke developed, and the scale of the claims now being pursued.In Episode 2, we follow the coffee from Peru to Germany to understand how these transactions were structured, when payment was expected, and where the commercial process began to break down.Connect with our guests here:Anabel Barrientoshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/cooperativa-cafetalera-valle-ubiriki‍ ‍gerencia@ubiriki.com.peEmerson Carrascohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emerson-carrasco-791b9871/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanchirio-peecarrasco@sanchirio.comOscar Innocenteoinocente@hotmail.comWhatsApp +51 995 147 869https://www.linkedin.com/in/oinocente/For media, contact Nataly Fabrikantovahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nataly-fabrikantova-82609219a/Editorial Note:This series concerns an active insolvency and ongoing creditor claims. Statements concerning Benecke Coffee, the insolvency proceedings and other organisations reflect the accounts of the participants unless otherwise identified. Allegations should not be understood as findings of wrongdoing.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward‘The Coffee Report': https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a five-part investigative series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward examining what happened between Benecke Coffee in Germany and coffee cooperatives in Peru pursuing claims for coffee they say remains unpaid.Across this series, we are asking a larger question: What happens when trust, trade and accountability break down in the global coffee supply chain?In this first episode, podcast host Lee Safar is joined by Emerson Carrasco, General Manager of Sanchirio Palomar Cooperative; Anabel Barrientos, General Manager of Ubiriki Valley Cooperative; and Óscar Inocente, a lawyer working with four of the affected Peruvian cooperatives. Ana Maria Donneys from Café Primitivo joins the series as translator.Before getting into the Benecke dispute itself, this episode establishes who these cooperatives are and the role they play in the lives and businesses of hundreds of smallholder coffee producers.**Correction: In this episode, Arthur E. Darboven was described in a way that could suggest he remained part of Benecke Coffee's executive management during the 2025 payment crisis. Subsequent verification of corporate-register information indicates that he ceased serving as Managing Director of Benecke on 25 April 2024. His ownership position after that date, and any continuing involvement in Benecke's affairs, remain under investigation. We are updating the record accordingly.Emerson explains that Sanchirio Palomar represents 633 small coffee producers, including 220 women, while Anabel describes Ubiriki Valley as a cooperative with 845 members. The conversation explores the work cooperatives carry out across production support, certification, quality control, processing, financing, transportation and access to international coffee markets.That context matters because when an international coffee transaction fails, the unpaid invoice is only one part of the risk.The cooperatives have already financed coffee purchases, supported production, processed and prepared the coffee for export, managed certifications and logistics, and assumed significant commercial and financial exposure before receiving payment from an overseas buyer.The conversation then turns to how the cooperatives began working with Benecke Coffee.Anabel says Ubiriki had worked with Benecke for more than five years and historically had a good commercial relationship with the company, with approximately 25–30% of the cooperative's sales going through Benecke.Emerson says Sanchirio Palomar began trading with Benecke in 2025 and sold seven containers of organic Fairtrade coffee. According to Emerson, five containers were paid for while two remained unpaid at the time of recording.Óscar says the four Peruvian cooperatives he is working with are pursuing claims connected to approximately 18 containers with an estimated value of around US$3 million. He also says there may be additional cooperatives that were affected but did not become formally registered creditors in the insolvency proceedings.Episode 1 lays the foundation for the rest of the investigation: who the cooperatives represent, how much risk they carry, how the relationships with Benecke developed, and the scale of the claims now being pursued.In Episode 2, we follow the coffee from Peru to Germany to understand how these transactions were structured, when payment was expected, and where the commercial process began to break down.Connect with our guests here:Anabel Barrientoshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/cooperativa-cafetalera-valle-ubiriki‍ ‍gerencia@ubiriki.com.peEmerson Carrascohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emerson-carrasco-791b9871/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanchirio-peecarrasco@sanchirio.comOscar Innocenteoinocente@hotmail.comWhatsApp +51 995 147 869https://www.linkedin.com/in/oinocente/For media, contact Nataly Fabrikantovahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nataly-fabrikantova-82609219a/Editorial Note:This series concerns an active insolvency and ongoing creditor claims. Statements concerning Benecke Coffee, the insolvency proceedings and other organisations reflect the accounts of the participants unless otherwise identified. Allegations should not be understood as findings of wrongdoing.If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. ***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward‘The Coffee Report': https://www.patreon.com/mapitforward‍ ‍Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

For episode 262 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we're excited to welcome D.G. Safeer Hopton, a lifelong cooperative innovator, author, and founder of the Global Village Co-op. With more than 50 years in the cooperative movement, going all the way back to 1970, D.G. brings a rare depth of experience in community-owned, democratically governed systems.In crypto, we sometimes talk about decentralization like we invented it. We celebrate DAOs, decentralized autonomous organizations, as a radical new idea: communities that pool resources, share ownership, and make decisions democratically, without a central authority calling the shots. And it is genuinely exciting. But that model isn't new. Not even close.Cooperatives have been proving that decentralization works for decades, even centuries. At its simplest, a co-op is an organization owned and democratically controlled by the people who use it, whether that's workers, customers, or an entire community. The value created stays with the people who created it. And while the modern movement is often traced to a group of weavers in Rochdale, England, in 1844, its roots run far deeper, with profound origins in African and Indigenous economics that D.G. explores in his book, Creating a Co-op Village.So today, we're bridging these two worlds. We explore what cooperatives really are, their deep history, and the striking parallels between co-ops and DAOs. Because if these digital communities are, in many ways, reinventing the co-op with a digital wrapper, then we have an enormous amount to learn from someone who's been doing this the whole time.In today's discussion you'll learn:

China has released a five-year plan for its national supply and marketing cooperative system, aiming to strengthen agricultural services and ensure food security for the 2026-2030 period.

This week's Open Mic guest is Duane Simpson, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. The group held their annual fly-in last week and lobbied congressional leaders to complete a new farm bill and pass ag labor reform legislation,  among other issues. Simpson says farmers are stressed with high input costs and low commodity prices threatening the survival of many operations nationwide. 

In this Industry Insights episode, Alisha Pinto, senior energy industry analyst at CFC, and Chris Whittle, energy and data analyst at CFC, explore the contents of CFC's newly released issue brief, "Considerations of a Changing Grid: How Electric Cooperatives Are Ensuring Reliability." Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "Pinto, Whittle Explore New CFC Issue Brief."Download CFC's issue brief, "Considerations of a Changing Grid: How Electric Cooperatives Are Ensuring Reliability."Listen to the June 15 CFC Solutions Cast podcast episode, "Reliability in a Rapidly Changing Economy."Read the CFC Solutions Cooperative News article, "Hoosier Energy Builds Flexible Power Portfolio."For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

Learning about the agriculture food system, farm safety, cooperatives and working as a team through fun, hands-on activities are all things youth attending the South Dakota Farmers Union's Youth Leadership Camp experienced July 19-22, 2026. In this episode, you'll hear thoughts from two camp counselors and one camp attendee. Agriculture In-depth is brought to you by Kimball Livestock Exchange.

June 25, 2026 In this segment, Vernon explore the connection between cooperatives and men's health, highlighting how cooperative principles can help address the social isolation, economic challenges, and lack of support systems that often affect men's physical and mental well-being. He also discusses health disparities between men of color as compared to those who are not of color. June is Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the health challenges facing men and encouraging them to take proactive steps toward better physical and mental health. As conversations around Men's Mental Health Month continue to grow, Vernon closes out the month with a discussion about how cooperatives create opportunities for connection, shared responsibility, mutual support, and community engagement—factors that can play an important role in improving men's overall health and quality of life. This year's Men's Health Month theme, "Partners in Care: Advancing Men's Health Through Connection, Education, and Advocacy Across the Lifespan—for Better Lifespans," emphasizes that men's health is not an individual responsibility alone. The theme highlights the important role that families, friends, workplaces, healthcare providers, and communities play in supporting men's physical, emotional, and mental well-being throughout every stage of life. Vernon Oakes is a dedicated advocate for cooperatives who was inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2024. He is the Past President of the National Association of Housing Cooperatives and has served on numerous boards and committees advancing cooperative interests. His contributions also extend to the Limited Equity Cooperative Task Force, initiated by Anita Bonds, an At-Large Member of the Council of the District of Columbia. As an MBA graduate of Stanford University, Vernon has applied his business expertise to serve the community, championing the benefits of the cooperative business model.

Nate Melby, vice president and chief information officer at Dairyland Power Cooperative in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, speaks with CFC's Brian Sloboda about how electric cooperatives can identify high-value opportunities and begin their own artificial intelligence journey. Related content:Watch the video of this episode, "How AI Is Delivering Real Value for Electric Cooperatives."Listen to the CFC Solutions Cast podcast episode, "Keeping It Human: AI and the Future of Member Service."Read the CFC Financial Feature, "Uncovering the Latest Constraint in the AI Economy."For questions and requests about industry research topics, please contact utilityresearchpolicy@nrucfc.coop.CFC members can learn more about the latest industry and technology trends by visiting nrucfc.coop/Solutions.

Opportunities for ag trade in two South American nations. Argentina and then to Ecuador, both of which signed agreements on reciprocal trade.

June 18, 2026 This episode features an interview with Nathan Schneider, professor of media studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Vernon and Nathan discuss the current progress and prospects for cooperatives in Artificial Intelligence, and explores ways in which cooperatives can navigate the rise of AI without losing control of their intellectual property. Nathan Schneider is a professor of media studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he directs the Media Economies Design Lab and engages deeply with his students. He has authored books on topics such as online democracy, cooperative enterprise, the Occupy movement, and God, and has edited works on crypto and co-ops. His prolific writing includes articles for both magazines and academic journals, reflecting his commitment to chronicling ideas and exploring the potential of perfect worlds and ordinary imaginations in practice. Schneider views every word as a hypothesis and a test, acutely aware that even the most casual remark contributes to the irrevocable construction of our world. Working with others to build a democratic economy keeps him grounded and accountable.

A new organization in Idaho's Treasure Valley area seeks to create a farm incubator where new farmers can rent small pieces of land.

In this episode of Our Better Half, hosts Dr. Jane Fleishman, Dr. Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, and Dr. Rosara Torrisi welcome Jennifer "JJ" Firestone, a seasoned geriatric social worker and community organizer with a rich history of LGBTQ+ advocacy. JJ shares her journey from coordinating artificial insemination programs in Boston to pioneering a unique family structure where she co-parented her daughter through a landmark 35-page co-parenting legal decision with two fathers. Her extensive career in hospice and her personal experience caring for her own aging parents for six years have culminated in her latest and most ambitious mission: redefining the quality of life as we age. Now based in Weaverville, North Carolina, JJ is developing a 3.5-acre "mini-farm" model for what she calls Cooperatives for Vigorous Aging (CVA). This self-governing residential arrangement aims to house four to six individuals who wish to age in place with a focus on vibrant, meaningful companionship from "vigorous old age to death." By moving away from traditional senior living residences where rules are often dictated by others, the CVA model empowers residents to maintain autonomy and set their own standards.  JJ highlights that while the concept is still in its pioneering stages, it offers a radical alternative for those who want to maintain self-determination in their later years. The conversation also delves into the significant societal barriers to intentional aging, particularly the deep-seated denial and taboo surrounding the process, which JJ notes is second only to the taboo of sex. She discusses the chutzpah and passion required to be an early adopter of such a model and the difficulty of finding fellow pioneers willing to invest in an unestablished future. Despite these challenges, JJ has found unexpected support from younger generations and has forged deep connections with her new Southern neighbors, regardless of political or religious divides. Listeners interested in following her progress or joining the cooperative can subscribe to her Substack at JenniferJFirestone.substack.com or reach out via email at jjfirestone@comcast.net. If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!  

This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we're revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week we explore how the folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) are building for the future in the midst of the crisis facing us now.  They say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they're just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People's Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris's News From Nowhere. “We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru “My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb “We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans Guests: • Edget Betru: Coordinator, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders • David Cobb: Staff, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network • Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab   Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show). Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  "Solace" by Antibalas from their album Hourglass released on Daptone Records, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. *Recommended book: “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch •  Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox:  Watch / Listen •  Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: •  Community Movement Builders' Community Sea Moss Cooperative •  Tale of the Tape:  An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City' Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B • Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series •  The Butterfly Effect Fund •  Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future •  Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette • Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation •  Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time •  U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN) Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

This month on Laura Flanders and Friends, we're revisiting conversations around work, workers, and the Labor Movement on the Move.  This week we explore how the folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) are building for the future in the midst of the crisis facing us now.  They say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they're just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People's Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris's News From Nowhere. “We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru “My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb “We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans Guests: • Edget Betru: Coordinator, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders • David Cobb: Staff, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network • Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show) & available as a podcast. Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  'Thrum of Soil' by Bluedot Sessions, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. *Recommended book: “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch •  Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox:  Watch / Listen •  Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: •  Community Movement Builders' Community Sea Moss Cooperative •  Tale of the Tape:  An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City' Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B • Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series •  The Butterfly Effect Fund •  Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future •  Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette • Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation •  Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time •  U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN) Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

What does it take to redefine entrepreneurship for both impact and profit, and can owning less of a company mean achieving more? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, listeners are invited to consider how traditional business structures and investment models can be transformed for greater societal good without sacrificing returns. Blake Jones joins Marcia Dawood as today's guest—a self-described accidental entrepreneur who transitioned from engineering in the oil and gas sector to pioneering employee ownership through Namaste Solar. His journey includes international work in renewable energy, founding a successful solar cooperative, and now leading the innovative Kachuwa Impact Fund, which democratizes impact investing via a cooperative model boasting over 300 members and nearly 100 diversified assets. The episode takes a deep dive into how Blake Jones and the Kachuwa Impact Fund structure investments to balance financial returns with meaningful impact. Offering an accessible, diversified portfolio that pays annual dividends, the fund supports employee ownership conversions, affordable housing, and more—all governed democratically. If you've ever wondered how to invest for impact while still earning returns, or how cooperatives operate in practice, this episode is a must-listen for its fresh perspectives, practical insights, and inspiration for anyone looking to shake up traditional business and investing models.   To get the latest from Blake Jones, you can follow him below! https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-jones-ab044925/  https://www.kachuwaimpactfund.com/   Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Wielowiekowe tradycje rdzennych społeczności Ameryki Łacińskiej i nowe technologie. Czy te obszary rzeczywiście się wykluczają? A może ogranicza nas stereotypowe myślenie? Tamtejsza ludność wzięła sprawy w swoje ręce i przełamała schemat.

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack In this Reboot Republic episode, Rory interviews Joe Guinan about the current geopolitical turbulence, the economic implications of the war, and the potential of community wealth building as a transformative alternative to the current financial system. Joe Guinan is President of The Democracy Collaborative. His focus is on political economy, strategy, and economic system change, and he is co-author (with Martin O'Neill) of The Case for Community Wealth Building (Polity, 2020). Bohemian's Cooperatives is launching this week. The Bohemian Cooperatives: Building Community Wealth - a three-year strategy to develop a grassroots community wealth building ecosystem in Dublin that helps workers, communities and the planet thrive. NERI's Tom McDonnell on the Energy Crisis and Solutions Pod:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-156099307 The Hind Rajab jersey for Dignity for Palestine is available here: https://spicebagmerch.com/

A renewed focus on emotional resilience, self-awareness, and personal empowerment came into sharp focus as the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Gender, Older Persons, Labour, Cooperatives and Consumer Affairs recently facilitated a Women's Renewal Retreat in conjunction the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre. The retreat, designed to strengthen the emotional and psychological well-being of participants, brought together women in a reflective and supportive environment aimed at equipping them with practical tools to better navigate life's challenges.

Low funding, low volunteering and burnout: challenges plaguing the community sector in N.L.. On today's show: what do communities need to do to adapt and thrive in today's world? This episode's panel are organizing a festival aiming at “future-proofing” community organizations. GUESTS - Nicole Dawe, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Newfoundland an Labrador; Mariana Jiménez Ojeda, Manager of Social Innovation, Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador; Nancy Leung, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Centre for Social Enterprise, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador; Kristen Murray, Co-operative Development Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Cooperatives; Genevieve McCorquodale, Project Manager with Irish Loop Tourism with CBDC Celtic; and Sean Wiltshirewith Avalon Employment.

Co-operatives have a long and sometimes colored history in agriculture, across the Western world. What role will they play in the future of agriculture? As agriculture becomes increasingly shaped by digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the question of who owns, governs, and benefits from farm data is still unresolved. Could co-ops be the answer? In this episode, Sarah Nolet is joined by Tenacious Ventures co-founder Matthew Pryor and the creator of Upstream Ag Insights, Shane Thomas, to explore the history of co-operatives as a means for farmers to pool resources and address market power imbalances.  They also unpack the business model behind co-ops and analyze whether the principles of co-ops could also be applied to digital infrastructure.  This episode is the first in a series of business model “breakdown” episodes we'll be producing this year, where we'll dig into how agriculture systems, structures, and even specific companies work, why they matter today, and the impact of agtech in their evolution.  This format is an experiment and we'd love your feedback! Sarah, Matthew, and Shane discuss: Why agricultural cooperatives emerged and how they address power imbalances in agricultural markets. How the cooperative model could extend from physical infrastructure to digital infrastructure and farm data governance. Whether co-ops could serve as trusted intermediaries for training AI models using aggregated farm data. How governance tensions between different types of farmers might play out in a data-driven future. How consolidation of cooperatives and changing farm structures could shape the future of technology adoption. Got a business model you'd like for us to break down in a future episode? Let us know! Useful Links: The 3 Fears of Farm Data (and bonus episode w/ audience responses) Coming to terms with farm data usage Farm data fears - more harm than good? Rebooting AgTech Software with AI, with Rhishi Pethe Companies mentioned: Regen Farmers Mutual; CBH Group; The Rochdale Pioneers | ICA; The UFA Agricultural Community Foundation - Our Purpose; CHS Inc.; History | WinField® United Australian Grains Champion withdraws CBH proposal OpenWeedLocator (OWL): an open-source, low-cost device for fallow weed detection | Scientific Reports For more information and resources, visit our website.  The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.

Synopsis:   From Resistance to Revolution How Communities Are Creating a New Economy This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate Description: People across the country are resisting authoritarianism in creative and powerful ways, and this is just the start. The folks at The People's Network for Land & Liberation (PNLL) say the forces that got us here are bigger than one bad leader; entire systems must be taken down. Building a brighter future requires a vision of economic and social justice — and lots of practice. Today on Laura Flanders & Friends, we look at some of those practical experiments and paths for radical change, and discuss why they're just as important as resistance. The members of PNLL, a multiracial, multiethnic consortium of six community-based organizations, are doing politics and economics differently in real places across the U.S. right now. Joining us are Edget Betru, an attorney, activist and Coordinator of the People's Network for Land & Liberation; David Cobb, PNLL staff person and Co-coordinator of the U.S. Solidarity Economy Network; and Blair Evans, Founder and Executive Director of Incite Focus, a production and training lab based in Idlewild, Michigan. Find out how to build for the future — even in the toughest circumstances. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on William Morris's News From Nowhere. “We've been colonized in our minds . . . Involving people in day-to-day produce, meeting their needs through a different way, through thinking, Hey, who in my neighborhood knows how to fix this? . . . It's really that shift in consciousness that needs to happen that's going to allow for this new economy to emerge.” - Edget Betru “My mama and my mamaw and my papa who raised me taught me a lesson as a little boy, and that is, there's enough to go around as long as we share. That made sense to me when I was five years old. It makes sense to me now when I'm 63 years old. There's enough to go around as long as we share. It's just as simple as that.” - David Cobb “We can make things that make things, we can design and build our own equipment that can then use locally sourced materials, hyper localizing the supply chain . . . We can stop feeding the monster that's consuming us and actually disconnect from that process and use what we have.” - Blair Evans Guests: • Edget Betru: Coordinator, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Board Member, Community Movement Builders • David Cobb: Staff, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Manager, Butterfly Impact Fund; Co-Coordinator, U.S. Solidarity Economy Network • Blair Evans: Coalition Member, People's Network for Land & Liberation; Founder & Executive Director, Incite Focus; Designer & Trainer, Fab Lab   Watch on YouTube this episode that includes video clips referenced in this episode from Third World Newsreel; PBS World Channel 11:30am ET Sundays and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio (check here to see if your station airs the show). Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Music Credit:  "Solace" by Antibalas from their album Hourglass released on Daptone Records, 'Steppin' by Podington Bear, and original sound design by Jeannie Hopper Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends   RESOURCES:   Full Episode Notes are located HERE. *Recommended book: “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation”, Learn More Here* (*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)   Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes: •  Jackson Rising: Creating the Mondragon of the South: Watch •  Resisting Trump & Authoritarianism: The “Beautiful Solutions” Toolbox:  Watch / Listen •  Community Wealth Building: An Economic Reset: Watch / Listen:  Full Uncut Conversation and Episode Cut Related Articles and Resources: •  Community Movement Builders' Community Sea Moss Cooperative •  Tale of the Tape:  An Expert Weighs In on the ‘Cop City' Bodycam Footage, by Madeline Thigpen, February 15, 2023, Capital B • Cooperation Jackson, The Build and Fight Educational Series •  The Butterfly Effect Fund •  Cooperation Vermont, Seeding the Alternatives for the Future •  Cooperation Vermont Buys Former Rainbow Sweets Building, by Paul Fixx, February 4, 2025, The Hardwick Gazette • Incite Focus, where ideas and imagination meet inspiration and innovation •  Wellspring Cooperative, building a just and sustainable economy, one co-op at a time •  U.S. Solidarity Economy Network (US SEN) Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer; Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O'Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Show Highlights: Key ag co-op challenges and how top cop-ops thrive. [04:42] Costs causing pain for co-ops and strategies to defend their gross margins. [06:34] Oversight and the crucial role of high-performing boards. [13:58] The need for systems over GMs to absorb rapid change. [17:22] Continuity risks "yes boards" pose under strong GMs. [23:02] Should cop-ops develop their next leaders internally? [31:18] Balancing traditional services with profitability as co-ops. [39:10] Services the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives offers co-ops. [45:14] Why it's critical for co-op directors to pursue training. [50:06] Connect with Bobby Martens on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbymartens/. Learn more about the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives at https://iowainstitute.coop/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

The Tennessee Young Farmers and Ranchers, in partnership with the Tennessee Council of Cooperatives, recently hosted their annual Young Leaders Conference—an inspiring event dedicated to shaping the future of agriculture. Designed to equip the next generation of agricultural professionals, the conference empowers young leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a lasting impact in their farms, businesses, and communities.

Physician, author, and health care reform advocate David K. Cundiff discusses his article "Accountable care cooperatives: a 2026 vision for U.S. health care." David analyzes the severe funding crisis affecting American families where premiums have skyrocketed and millions lack access to primary care providers. He shares personal experiences with the medical system regarding back pain and criticizes the pharmaceutical industry for prioritizing profit over patient safety in drug development. The conversation outlines a bold structural solution involving member-owned cooperatives that integrate social determinants of health like nutrition and housing while freezing federal spending. David argues that shifting to a nonprofit model can drastically reduce administrative waste and improve metabolic health outcomes. Discover how a community-governed approach can stabilize the national deficit and restore affordable access for everyone. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

January 22, 2026 - During the first segment Vernon interviews Stacey Sutton, PhD., Associate Professor of Urban Planning & Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago. Dr Sutton and Vernon will discuss how cooperatives and solidarity economies can transform cities and advance racial and economic justice. In the second segment Vernon will discuss the relationship between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s moral and economic philosophy, the African humanist principle of Ubuntu, and the role of cooperative economics in advancing what Dr. King described as the Beloved Community.  Stacey Sutton, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she also directs the Solidarity Economy Research, Policy & Law Project and serves as Director of Applied Research and Strategic Partnerships for UIC's Social Justice Initiative. Her work focuses on community economic development, economic democracy, worker-owned cooperatives, solidarity economies, and racial and economic justice. Dr. Sutton's research explores how local governments and grassroots movements can support cooperative ownership and equitable economic systems, as well as how punitive urban policies disproportionately affect marginalized communities. She is the author of research on “cooperative cities” and leads the Real Black Utopias project examining Black-centered solidarity economy ecosystems. Dr. Sutton holds a PhD in Urban Planning and Sociology from Rutgers University, an MBA from New York University, an MS from the New School for Social Research, and a BA from Loyola University.

rWotD Episode 3179: Mohan Ellawala Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Friday, 16 January 2026, is Mohan Ellawala.Mohan Saliya Ellawala (9 November 1948 – 12 May 2009) was the fifth governor of Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka from 2 October 2008, until his death in May 2009. He had previously been the seventh Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa serving from 13 December 2001, until 16 July 2004.In 1972 Ellawala became the private secretary to Hector Kobbekaduwa (Minister for Agriculture and Lands). In 1991 he was appointed the chief Sri Lanka Freedom Party organiser for the Balangoda Electoral District, and in the same year was elected as councillor on the Balangoda Urban Council, though he resigned from the position on 7 April 1993. In 1993 he was elected to the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, becoming the chairman of the Council between 17 June 1999 and 8 November 2000. In 2001 he was appointed the Provincial Minister of Local Government, Cooperatives, Housing, Highways, Power and Energy and in December that year the Chief Minister of Sabaragamuwa, a position that he retained until 16 July 2004. On 2 October 2008 President Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed Ellawala as the fifth Governor of Sabaragamuwa Province, a position he retained until his death on 12 May 2009.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:05 UTC on Friday, 16 January 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Mohan Ellawala on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Kevin.

September 11, 2025 - This episode continues our celebration of the 2025 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductees with a special conversation featuring honoree Lori Capouch, former Rural Development Director for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC). Lori reflects on her career and shares lessons from her work in strengthening rural communities—ranging from sustaining grocery stores to expanding childcare and food access. Lori Capouch is a recently retired rural development professional who spent her career helping communities establish the businesses they envisioned. She most recently served as Rural Development Director for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (NDAREC), where she managed the Rural Electric and Telecommunications Development Center in Mandan, North Dakota. She also led the Rural Development Finance Corporation, a $9 million revolving loan fund that supports rural businesses, and previously directed the North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission, a state agency providing grants for high-risk startup ventures. Beyond her work with NDAREC, Lori provided contracted services to the North Dakota Rural Rehabilitation Corporation and the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education. She was also secretary/treasurer of the Dakotas America governing board, which invests New Market Tax Credits in economically distressed communities nationwide. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the North Dakota Consensus Council. Throughout her career, Lori's signature efforts focused on strengthening cooperative and nonprofit enterprises in North Dakota's rural communities, with a particular emphasis on improving food access, sustaining local grocery stores, expanding childcare, and advancing small-scale meat processing. Lori holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, and is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council.

New @greenpillnet pod out today!

In a time when organizations are navigating generational change, evolving leadership expectations, and shifting workforce dynamics, cooperative boards have a unique opportunity to lead differently, anchored in values, purpose, and shared ownership. This episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast features FCCS SVP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton, Vice President of Organizational Development for FCCS Jay Lux, and Angie Coleman, Organizational Development Consultant with FCCS. Their conversation centers around director strategies for connecting with the spirit of cooperative identity so that every choice made in the boardroom strengthens both the organization and the people it serves.    Episode Insights Include:   What makes cooperative governance distinct? The cooperative structure is made up of the members, for the members.  Decisions made by the board directly impact those whom it serves.  Boards include member-owners of the organization.  Cooperative governance starts with member benefits, not shareholder return.  Decisions are made with and for the people that the board serves.  Cooperatives exist to create value with their people.    The future of cooperative boards As businesses grow in complexity, cooperative boards offer insights into how to best serve their members.  Shifting workforce and generational shifts are aligned with what cooperatives value.  Board focus is shifting toward what really matters to employees today.  The collaborative nature of how organizations are structured and governed is revealing.  Key differentiators between corporate and collaborative structures benefit the patrons of the cooperative, rather than the owners.  Cooperatives exist to create value with their people. These principles matter in today's current landscape more than ever before.    Three leadership challenges that cooperatives address Employees are distrustful of organizations that value profit over people.  The triple bottom line affects consumer and employee decision making.  Workforce expectations have shifted toward what the cooperative structure offers.  The cooperative model is uniquely positioned toward employee expectations.  Performance and purpose are effectively addressed by the cooperative model.   Board decision-making principles in the cooperative model  All seven cooperative model principles may show up in the boardroom at any given time Cooperative boards are focused on long-term viability of the business, and ultimately, the member-owner. Annual returns are positively impacted by the cooperative model.  These principles are the foundation for the structure and purpose of the institution.    Employee engagement and good governance Employees today expect transparency, participation, and purpose.  Employees want to know the why behind decision making.  High-performing teams have clear expectations, visibility, and effective feedback loops.  When people understand the why, the don't just buy-in, they believe-in. Board decisions need to reflect employee needs. Respectful dissent in the boardroom is addressing conflict done well.  Healthy conflict requires getting curious and asking clarifying questions.    Shifting governance expectations in the face of leadership transitions and increased complexity Demographic changes for management transitions with the new generation.  Growing organization size creates new complexities. Technology advancements are regular conversations in today's boardroom  Businesses are run of people, by people.  Regulatory landscape requirements have made business operations increasingly challenging.  Individual expertise must be balanced with collective decision making at the board level.    Effective board and management collaboration and education Preliminary preparation is essential for effective conversations.  Engage in robust debate about ideas, not individuals.  The executive session is a powerful tool for meaningful board discussions. When in doubt, bring in a subject matter expert.  Directors have a responsibility to build regular learning into the boardroom.  Annual board performance reviews are essential.  Succession planning should be embedded throughout the boardroom culture.    This podcast is powered by FCCS.   Resources   Connect with Jay Lux — Jay Lux   Connect with Angie Coleman — Angie Coleman   Get in touch   info@fccsconsulting.com   "Cooperative governance starts with member benefits, not shareholder return." — Angie Coleman   "Cooperative boards are focused on long-term viability of the business, and ultimately, the member-owner, not just the profit of the cooperative institution itself." — Jay Lux   "When people understand the why, the don't just buy-in, they believe-in." — Angie Coleman   "In the cooperative model, it's not optional to have a voice. It's part of the cooperative principle." — Angie Coleman

As the capitalist economy grows more expensive and predatory, Stephanie Rearick and her colleagues are building an alternative social economy that meets people's needs through care and cooperation. As founder of the Madison Mutual Aid Network Cooperative and Dane County Timebank in Wisconsin, Rearick is a leading champion of mutual aid projects as a force for building the "real wealth" of community. She also works internationally through Humans United in Mutual Aid Networks (HUMAN), a global network of networks dedicated to building the mutual aid economy. More on Mutual Aid Network at https://mutualaidnetwork.org/man. More on the commons at www.Bollier.org.

Today, I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Nathan. He's the Director of Soil and a long-time force behind Rust Belt Riders, a cooperative composting operation that's grown from bicycles and buckets to launching a mid-scale compost facility. Their story is truly inspiring—not just because of the growth, but because of how intentionally they've done it.We talk about the early days, what it's been like to scale, and the importance of their unique cooperative business structure—which sets them apart in the composting world. And toward the end of the conversation, Nathan shares his beautiful vision of a compost-centric utopian future. It's heartfelt, imaginative, and honestly, something we could all use a bit more of.Check out Rust Belt Riders (

Gaétan Desroches, former CEO of Sollio Cooperative Group, has been named to the 2025 class of the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, an honour, he says, that came as a surprise. In this interview, Desroches reflects on the 40 years he spent with the cooperative, including seven as CEO. Under his leadership, Sollio underwent significant... Read More

For many families in Australia, securing safe and affordable housing has become increasingly difficult. Some are turning to housing cooperatives (co-ops), but how exactly do they differ from traditional social housing? - Sa gitna ng nararanasang krisis sa pabahay sa Australia, housing cooperatives o co-ops ang nagiging alternatibo para sa ilang pamilyang nangangailangan at wala pang kakayahang bumili ng sariling tahanan. Pero paano ito naiiba sa public housing na alok ng gobyerno?

The Missouri Association of Electric Cooperatives is led by chief executive officer Caleb Jones, a former state lawmaker from Columbia. Mr. Jones joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri". Mr. Jones spoke in-detail about what the cooperatives do. Their members statewide were busy this spring and summers with numerous storms and tornadoes:

This week's Open Mic guest is Duane Simpson, President and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Simpson brings a wealth of experience from the private sector as well as farmer and retail associations. Despite a bolstering of Title 1 policy in the Budget Reconciliation Act, Simpson sees headwinds in Washington from completing the farm bill, labor reform and a resolution to many regulations facing farmers and the ag industry. Simpson sees a need for verifiable standards for words like sustainability and phrases like "regenerative agriculture practices". 

Aaron Benanav, author of this article, outlines possibilities for a democratically planned economy • Jerome Nikolai Warren on the possibilities for cooperatives The post Better futures: planning the economy, building cooperatives appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode Nick Smoot sits down with Ernesto Sirolli of the Sirolli Institute. Chapters09:42 Engagement with the Community26:00 Lessons from International Aid42:36 The Joy of Helping Others46:24 Building Community Through Collaboration56:21 The Importance of Passion in Business01:00:22 The Role of Cooperatives in Society01:06:08 The Nature of Entrepreneurship01:08:57 The Debate of Nature vs. Nurture in Development01:12:03 The Role of Pain and Love in Growth01:13:50 The Importance of Community Participation01:15:24 Finding Passion and Purpose in Work01:17:46 Creating Value and Beauty in the World01:19:08 The Journey from Idea to Market01:19:57 The Sacred Act of Creation01:21:00 Unlocking Social Capital for Community Growth01:23:59 Measuring Community Prosperity through Social Capital01:25:42 The Role of Frameworks in Economic Development01:27:56 Indicators of Community Success01:32:41 Enlightened Capitalism and Community Transformation01:35:09 The Unexpected Beauty of Human Potential01:38:10 The Importance of Digital Infrastructure01:39:57 Empowering Communities for the Future

In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with Glenn Marzluf, CEO and General Manager of Del-Co Water, to explore the growth, innovation, and strategic leadership shaping one of Ohio's fastest-growing water utilities. With roots in civil engineering and a unique journey through municipal roles in Florida and Ohio, Glenn shares how intentional career steps and a deep sense of purpose led him to his current role.We trace Del-Co's origins from a rural cooperative founded in the 1970s to an expansive utility covering 830 square miles across eight counties. Glenn explains how Del-Co's growth has been fueled by regional consolidation and a commitment to member-focused service, supported by a nimble governance model. This structure allows for flexible, proactive planning—like pre-engineering transmission lines for anticipated industrial users—and innovation in rate design. Glenn highlights their recent shift to an inclining block rate to encourage water conservation, a rare move in the Midwest, aimed at reducing peak-day demand and extending infrastructure lifespan.On infrastructure, Glenn outlines the utility's deliberate investments: four treatment plants, several new elevated tanks, and significant capacity at their flagship Olentangy plant. Water quality is a priority, with upgrades like ultraviolet disinfection and an upcoming granular activated carbon retrofit to combat PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and taste/odor issues. Distribution strategies focus on resiliency and redundancy, ensuring the system remains robust and future-proof.Del-Co's remarkable source water resiliency stems from 2.6 billion gallons of upground reservoir storage, allowing operational flexibility and water quality control unmatched by many peers. Their partnership with the City of Columbus on the Doutt Reservoir further strengthens supply.Technology adoption is another pillar. From IBM Maximo for asset management to Esri GIS and Oracle's cloud-based customer system, Del-Co emphasizes scalable, cloud-based platforms. Glenn even discusses canine-led leak detection, a novel tool for maintaining low water loss in a modern, distributed network.Community engagement is intentional and deep-rooted. Del-Co has grown from an inward-facing utility to a community pillar, earning corporate citizenship honors and serving as a statewide training hub with its Wolf Water Center. Annual member meetings have evolved into educational open houses, reflecting a broader commitment to transparency and trust.As we look ahead, Glenn defines his legacy around securing sustainable source water, leveraging data and conservation to manage peak demand, and developing the next generation of leaders. Del-Co Water, under his guidance, is a case study in how cooperatives can drive 21st and 22nd century water excellence in both growth and governance.Del-Co Water Website: https://delcowater.org/ Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

Even the age of automation and artificial intelligence, businesses still need good people to serve customers.

AlabamaAL congressional delegates in favor of ban on CCP owned US farmland Federal funds for AL public schools frozen by Trump admin. for reviewTN non profit gives $1M to Katherine Robertson for her AG campaignAL Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives endorses Jay Mitchell for AGMontgomery mayor touts 28% drop in crime from year ago, ignores MACS unit contributionAttorney Ben Crump joins legal team for Jabari Peoples, teen shot and killed by police this past JuneThe TSA will no longer require the removal of shoes when going thru securityNational161 people still missing in TX after flash flooding of Guadelupe RiverPresident Trump issues tariff on all copper imports to USSCOTUS rules 8-1 to green light Trump's effort to downsize governmentUSDA secretary says "amnesty" for illegal farm workers is not happeningUSDA secretary also details the goal of the National Farm Security Action PlanCIA director sends criminal referral to DOJ re: John Brennan & James ComeyThe IRS is making concessions on the Johnson amendment and churches that endorse a political candidate.

It's another installment of our series on Cooperatives in Rhode Island! Host Emily sits down with Khiry Chivers of PVD Flowers (@pvdflowersri) to chat about the Cooperative Cannabis industry coming soon to Rhode Island. With the passing of legalization of cannabis in RI, the state set aside 6 licenses for cooperative businesses to be set up. PVD Flowers is manifesting to hold one of those licenses. Hear about their journey, the importance of cooperatives in the cannabis industry, and manifesting your future in this week's episode! Visit PVD Flowers online at pvd-flowers.com and learn more about Cooperative work in RI with Co-Op Rhody   Check out other episodes in the Cooperative series: Start here: RI's Growing Solidarity Economy Cooperative Bookstore, Heartleaf Books Cooperative Birthing, RI Birthworker's Cooperative Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the Ocean State. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.  Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books The world is Yours: The Awakening by Thomas Lee Kurtis Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap Artifice by Sharon Cameron Media Power Bad Boys Matlock (2024) Sherlock Holmes (2009)   Other pvd-flowers.com - merchandise  Co-Op Rhody  

It's another installment of our series on Cooperatives in Rhode Island! Host Emily sits down with Khiry Chivers of PVD Flowers (@pvdflowersri) to chat about the Cooperative Cannabis industry coming soon to Rhode Island. With the passing of legalization of cannabis in RI, the state set aside 6 licenses for cooperative businesses to be set up. PVD Flowers is manifesting to hold one of those licenses. Hear about their journey, the importance of cooperatives in the cannabis industry, and manifesting your future in this week's episode! Visit PVD Flowers online at pvd-flowers.com and learn more about Cooperative work in RI with Co-Op Rhody   Check out other episodes in the Cooperative series: Start here: RI's Growing Solidarity Economy Cooperative Bookstore, Heartleaf Books Cooperative Birthing, RI Birthworker's Cooperative Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the Ocean State. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.  Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books The world is Yours: The Awakening by Thomas Lee Kurtis Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap Artifice by Sharon Cameron Media Power Bad Boys Matlock (2024) Sherlock Holmes (2009)   Other pvd-flowers.com - merchandise  Co-Op Rhody  

We're talking this month about Building a Bigger Tent at our farmers markets. Let's remember that the more people and communities we welcome to markets, the deeper our variety of produce, products and personalities. Exclusion, whether purposeful or just thoughtless, means we miss out on all the richness that comes with diversity.   Sagdrina Brown Jalal is back with us for this episode, just in time for Juneteenth. While that day of historic remembrance is coming up next week on June 19th, observances and events will start this weekend and extend into next. We're talking about how your market can support that holiday. And we're looking at how organizations like the West Georgia Farmers Cooperative are working to level the playing field and lift up small farmers all year round. Tune in while we discuss:   Support can be more appropriate than leadership The exhausting history of resilience Bridging urban and rural division Looking beyond Federal funding Partnership and collaboration as strength #Farmersmarkets #Juneteenth #Blackfarmersmarkets #Cooperatives #Belovedcommunity #SageDCollective

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Specialist Maura Henn is joined by Blake Lineweaver, Co-op Development Program Manager at Mission West Community Development Partners. Maura and Blake talk about how farmers markets in Montana are using the cooperative business model to build resilience in their local food systems, as well as the steps to forming a cooperative farmers market, as well as the principles that guide all cooperatives. ATTRA Resources:Farmers MarketsAdditional Resources:Everything Co-op PodcastCooperatives at Work BookCooperationWorks! Co-op Development Center Map"We're Team Farm" Co-op Farmers Market MW Case StudyMission West Community Development PartnersContact Maura Henn at maurah@ncat.org.Please complete a brief survey to let us know your thoughts about the content of this podcast.You can get in touch with NCAT/ATTRA specialists and find access to our trusted, practical sustainable-agriculture publications, webinars, videos, and other resources at ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.

March 27, 2025 Everything Co-op continues its Women's History Month series centering on the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” set by the National Women's History Alliance. This episode features Renee Hatcher, Professor and Director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at UIC Law. Vernon and Renee discuss the vital role of solidarity economy and cooperatives at this moment in history. Renee Hatcher is a human rights and cooperative lawyer and solidarity economy organizer. She is currently a Visiting Associate Professor of Clinical Law at GW Law School in DC. She serves as the Director of the Community Enterprise & Solidarity Economy Clinic at UIC Law in Chicago, a pro bono legal clinic that provides free legal support to community-based businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and other solidarity economy enterprises. Recently, Renee served as the Co-Director of Chicago Community Wealth Building Ecosystem at CUPPA's Center on Urban Economic Development (CUED). Renee has significant experience organizing and providing legal support to worker cooperatives and community-based initiatives to empower workers and community residents. Her work and research focus on legal and non-legal strategies to build power in Black, low-income neighborhoods and other communities of color rooted in solidarity economy organizing and theory. In 2022, the city of Chicago allocated $15 million dollars to support the cooperative ecosystem, including a substantial grant to UIC, as the “hub” organization, to conduct research and convene the Chicago Community Wealth Building Ecosystem. Renee co-directs the “hub” with her close colleague, Associate Professor Stacey Sutton. Most recently, Renee served on Mayor Johnson's Transition Committee on Economic Vitality and Equity. This appointment has been a part of Renee's long-standing efforts to advance cooperative development in Chicago to improve the lives of Black, brown, and poor communities.

Discover effective survival strategies under authoritarianism in "Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation," featuring insights from global contributors and activists.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!How do people survive authoritarianism? With harsher policing, market chaos, mass layoffs and healthcare cuts, Americans are fearing the worst under Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and many are seeking effective survival tools. Arriving just on time, “Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation” was published last year by OR Books. It's packed with collective wisdom for surviving, and in so doing, creating a more just, equitable society. With over 70 contributions from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Indigenous peoples around the world, change is everywhere, it can start anywhere, and as “Beautiful Solutions” reminds us, “our problems are global and interconnected, and our solutions must be too.” To expand on some of the models in the book, Laura Flanders is joined by one of the co-editors Eli Feghali, former director of the New Economy Coalition, and contributor Nikki Marín Baena, co-founder and co-director at Siembra NC, a Latino base building and political organization in North Carolina. Lauren Hudson co-hosts. Hudson is a cooperative and Solidarity Economy organizer and researcher and teaches at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies.“. . . How do we dream our big dreams about not just what we're fighting against, but what we're fighting for, and really hold onto those and also understand that the little projects and the little connections that we make with each other, those are the only things that can become those big dreams.” - Nikki Marín Baena“The only thing that I feel some fear about in this moment is that maybe some of us will give up ground that we don't need to give up out of anticipatory fear of what might happen . . . That's not to say that the risks aren't real, that's not to say that the plans that are being telegraphed and the news aren't real, but it's to say that we should not let go of what we fought for until we absolutely have to . . . We just have to trust each other and trust ourselves.” - Eli Feghali“I have to think as an educator . . . how do we teach this moment? . . . I think what [my students] will say is this was a rupture, and it was a rupture that forced many of us back into some corners, but it was also an invitation to participate in the world in a different way.” - Lauren HudsonGuests:•. Eli Feghali, Co-Editor, Beautiful Solutions; Former Co-Director, New Economy Coalition•. Nikki Marín Baena, Co-Director, Siembra NC•. Lauren Hudson, Organizer & Researcher, Cooperative and Solidarity Economy Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via Patreon *Recommended book:“Beautiful Solutions: A Toolbox for Liberation” by Elandria Williams, Rachel Plattus, Eli Feghali and Nathan Schneider, *Get the Book(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Cooperation vs Authoritarianism in Spain, Watch / Listen•  Taking Power vs Making Power: A Special Report from Greece, Watch / Listen  •  Armed with Art: Taking Down the Wall of Whiteness, Watch / ListenRelated Articles and Resources:•  Beautiful  Trouble, Sister Project to Beautiful Solutions Learn More•  Pandas And The Informal Economy of Mexico, by Medium• Prepare to Oppose Trump's Immigrant Purge, by Nikki Marín Baena, November 22, 2024, Progressive Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O'Conner. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky: https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

On this week's episode of Economic Update, Professor Wolff discusses U.S. Universities and Politicians' repression of student protesters, the continued global demands of indigenous people for liberation from colonialism's legacies, and Harvard's corporate administration sacrificing its students' and faculty's freedom of expression to pander to some of its donors.  Finally, an interview with Professor Jerome N. Warren, editor of the newly published Routledge Handbook of Cooperative Economics and Management.   The d@w Team Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff is a DemocracyatWork.info Inc. production. We make it a point to provide the show free of ads and rely on viewer support to continue doing so. You can support our work by joining our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/democracyatwork Or you can go to our website: https://www.democracyatwork.info/donate   Every donation counts and helps us provide a larger audience with the information they need to better understand the events around the world they can't get anywhere else. We want to thank our devoted community of supporters who help make this show and others we produce possible each week. We kindly ask you to also support the work we do by encouraging others to subscribe to our YouTube channel and website: www.democracyatwork.info