Ella Baker Women’s Business Center ReGrand Opening photos
Discussion Leader Bio
Esther West
Esther West (she/they) is a Loan Officer at Shared Capital Cooperative based in Milwaukee, WI. She has been a worker-owner at Equal Exchange and The Ajani Group, and has taught Environmental Studies at San Francisco State University. Esther has researched and mapped cooperatives, including Latinx and rural cooperatives, with Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard and as a Cooperative Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives. Masters are in Urban Planning and Environmental Studies from Cleveland State University. Past Board roles include the USFWC, MadWorC, and Listen Up! Youth Media, and they are part of Cooperation MKE. Esther is currently an ACE Board Member.
Join us for a dynamic two-part webinar series designed to explore the world of worker-owned cooperatives. This series is perfect for entrepreneurs, workers, and community organizers interested in creating or joining cooperatively owned businesses. Gain valuable insights into the principles, benefits, and practical steps involved in establishing and sustaining a worker-owned cooperative.
Part 1: Introduction to Worker-Owned Cooperatives
November 18th, 6-8 PM EST
- Definition and History: Understand what worker-owned cooperatives are, their historical background, and how they differ from traditional business models.
- Principles and Values: Learn about the core principles of worker ownership, democratic governance, and equitable profit distribution.
- Benefits: Discover the economic, social, and workplace benefits of worker-owned cooperatives, including increased job satisfaction and community impact.
- Operations: Get an inside look at how worker-owned cooperatives function, including their organizational structure, decision-making processes, and member roles.
- Involvement: Learn how you can join or start a worker-owned cooperative and the steps involved in becoming an active member.
Part 2: Building and Sustaining a Successful Worker-Owned Cooperative
November 25th, 6-8 PM EST
- Starting a Cooperative: Step-by-step guidance on establishing a worker- owned cooperative, including feasibility studies, business planning, and legal considerations.
- Financing and Funding: Explore various funding sources, financial management strategies, and sustainability practices for worker-owned cooperatives.
- Community Building: Learn effective strategies for community engagement, member recruitment, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.
- Challenges and Solutions: Identify common challenges faced by worker- owned cooperatives and discover practical solutions and best practices.
- Future Trends: Gain insights into emerging trends and opportunities in the worker-owned cooperative movement.
The moderator for this webinar series is NDCC Aimal Masood. Aimal works with cooperatives and nonprofits in the field of community economic development.
Whether you are a community member, a potential cooperative founder, or simply curious about alternative food systems, this series will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
You can send your questions to [email protected] to have them answered during the web event.
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Webinar Sessions 2024
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Preserving Heritage, Empowering Communities: Unveiling the Stories of Black Historic Districts
January 30, 6-8 PM EST
Description: Join us for an enlightening webinar that delves into the rich tapestry of Black Historic Districts, uncovering their cultural significance, historical narratives, and the crucial role they play in shaping the identity of communities. This webinar aims to shed light on the importance of preserving and celebrating these unique districts while exploring the challenges and opportunities they face.
This webinar aims to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and economic dimensions of Black Historic Districts, encouraging participants to become advocates for their preservation and vibrant futures
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Building Communities, Sharing Spaces: Exploring the Power of Cooperative Housing
January 31, 6-8 PM EST
Join us for an insightful webinar that delves into the concept of cooperative housing, a model that promotes community collaboration, sustainable living, and shared decision-making. This webinar will explore the principles, benefits, challenges, and success stories of cooperative housing, shedding light on how this innovative approach can contribute to more inclusive and resilient communities.
This webinar aims to inspire and educate participants about the transformative potential of cooperative housing, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable, community-driven living arrangements.
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United for Change: The Power and Evolution of the Black Solidarity Movement
February 20, 6-8 PM EST
Join us for an engaging webinar that explores the history, significance, and contemporary impact of the Black Solidarity Movement. This webinar will delve into the roots of solidarity within the Black community, highlighting key moments, leaders, and principles that have shaped this movement. We’ll also examine the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities for fostering unity and solidarity in pursuit of justice and equality.
This webinar aims to celebrate the legacy of the Black Solidarity Movement while fostering a deeper understanding of its evolution and contemporary relevance. Participants will gain insights into the challenges faced by the movement and explore avenues for building a more united and empowered future.
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Empowering Communities: A Deep Dive into Black Community Development
February 21, 6-8 PM EST
Join us for a profound exploration of Black community development. Uncover the historical context and delve into strategies fostering economic growth, education, and healthcare. Be inspired by case studies showcasing successful Black community development initiatives that empower and uplift.
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Cooperative Economics in Action: Black Communities Leading the Way
March 19, 6-8 PM EST
Discover the power of cooperative economics in Black communities. Understand the principles driving successful Black-led cooperative movements and explore strategies for promoting financial sustainability and wealth building. Join us for a webinar highlighting the cooperative spirit leading positive change
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Equitable Housing: Black Community Development through Cooperative Housing
March 20, 6-8 PM EST
Explore the transformative role of cooperative housing in addressing housing disparities within Black communities. Engage with case studies of successful Black-led cooperative housing projects and discover strategies for creating affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing solutions.
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Education for Empowerment: Black Community Development through Learning
April 16, 6-8 PM EST
Delve into the vital role of education in Black community development. Discuss innovative educational initiatives, explore strategies for bridging educational gaps, and learn how promoting lifelong learning contributes to empowerment within the Black community. Join us for an enlightening discussion on education’s transformative power.
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Health and Wellness: Prioritising Community Health in Black Development
April 17, 6-8 PM EST
Explore the imperative of addressing health disparities within the Black community. Join us as we discuss strategies for promoting community wellness through cooperative health initiatives and creating accessible, culturally competent healthcare. Together, let’s prioritize health for a thriving community.
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Technology and Innovation: Driving Black Community Development
May 21, 6-8 PM EST
Embark on a journey into the role of technology in fostering economic growth within the Black community. This webinar showcases tech-driven initiatives led by the Black community and explores strategies for bridging the digital divide. Join us in driving innovation for sustainable community development.
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Entrepreneurship and Business Development: Black Cooperative Movements
May 22, 6-8 PM EST
Celebrate the spirit of Black entrepreneurship and cooperative businesses. This webinar highlights success stories of Black-owned cooperatives and discusses strategies for supporting and scaling Black-owned businesses. Join us in exploring the power of cooperative movements in economic development.
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Cultural Preservation and Community Development
June 18, 6-8 PM EST
Delve into the intersection of cultural preservation and community development. This webinar explores strategies for preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, showcasing inspiring community-led cultural initiatives. Join us in fostering a sense of identity and belonging within Black communities.
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Environmental Justice: Black Community Development and Sustainability
June 19, 6-8 PM EST
Address environmental disparities in Black communities and discover sustainable and eco-friendly development projects. This webinar showcases strategies for promoting environmental justice and resilience within Black community development. Join us in building a sustainable and green future.
National Conference on Black Cooperative Agenda Youtube Videos
Network for Developing Conscious Communities | 2023