Nathan Schneider Discusses The Role Cooperatives Play In Creating A Cooperative Economy Everything Co-op With Vernon Oakes podcast

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March 13. 2025 - Everything Co-op continues its Women’s History Month series with the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” set by the National Women’s History Alliance. This episode features cooperative advocates Stacey Sutton Ph.D., Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, and Assata Richards, founding director of the Sankofa Research Institute. Stacey and Assata discuss the necessary components for building a solidarity economy and share their research findings related to social/economic justice Stacey Sutton Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Department of Urban Planning and Policy. She co-directs the Solidarity Economy Research, Policy & Law Project, which serves as the hub for the City of Chicago’s Community Wealth Building Ecosystem. This initiative aims to promote local, democratic, and shared ownership of community assets to create more sustainable and just economies. Her research focuses on solidarity economy, economic democracy, and racial equity. Stacey Sutton Ph.D. is also a Board member of the New Economy Coalition, a Fellow at the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, and a Senior Researcher with the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network. She is currently working on a book titled "Real Black Utopias," which explores Black-centered worker cooperatives and solidarity economy ecosystems in various US cities. Stacey Sutton Ph.D. holds a BA from Loyola University, an MBA from New York University, an MS from The New School for Social Research, and a joint Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Sociology from Rutgers University. Her extensive involvement in various organizations underscores her commitment to social justice and economic democracy. Assata is the founding director of the Sankofa Research Institute (SRI), a nonprofit with a mission to “create knowledge to build community” through community-based participatory research. In addition, as a public sociologist, Assata serves as the Board President of the newly formed Houston Community Land Trust, the Third Ward Cooperative Community Builders, and the Emancipation Economic Development Council. Most recently, she was elected as the founding board president of the Community Care Cooperative, Houston’s first home care agency owned by caregivers and the nation’s first community health workers’ cooperative business. Lastly, she is a founding member of We Are The Ones, a cooperative working to build a “Black Solidarity Economy,” enabling community members to define what success is for them and hold accountable institutions that claim to act on their behalf and develop economic enterprises that fairly compensate workers and build community wealth.…

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Jessica Gordon Nembhard & Ahzjah-Netjer Simons Share Insights Learned from Black Women Cooperators 54:01

23 days ago54:01

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March 6, 2025 - Everything Co-op launches its Women’s History Month series. The 2025 theme, set by the National Women’s History Alliance, is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrating women leaders in education and mentorship. The inaugural episode of the series features cooperative advocates Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., Professor at John Jay College, and Ahzjah-Netjer Simons, Co-Executive Director of the Georgia Cooperative Development Center. Dr. Gordon Nembhard Ahzjah-Netjer Simons discuss the insights gained from their interviews with Black women cooperators, and their future plans. Author of Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice (2014) and 2016 inductee into the U.S. Cooperative Hall of Fame, Jessica Gordon-Nembhard, Ph.D., is a Professor at John Jay College, City University of NY. She is a political economist specializing in cooperative economics, community economic development, racial wealth inequality, Black Political Economy. She is a member of the Cooperative Economics Council of NCBA/CLUSA; the ICA Committee on Co-operative Research; an affiliate scholar with the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, University of Saskatchewan; and past board member of Association of Cooperative Educators. Ahzjah-Netjer Simons is a transformative leader committed to empowering cooperative businesses and communities through education, strategy, and innovation. She holds key roles such as Co-Executive Director of the Georgia Cooperative Development Center, P6 Ambassador for the NCBA, and President of Digico Global. With 25 years in media activism and 18 years as a cooperative leader, Simons has earned the CCMA Cooperative Service Award. She founded International Co-op Media and launched Co-op Nation to illuminate the cooperative movement and its impact. Additionally, she co-created Women In Cooperation, a pass the mic podcast, digital magazine, and community dedicated to uplifting and amplifying women in the cooperative space.…

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Village of Leaders Thriving for Solidarity discuss its Co-op Ecosystem for Returning Citizens 55:56

23 days ago55:56

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February 27, 2025 - This episode marks the conclusion of Everything Co-op's Black History Month series, focusing on the 2025 theme set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): "African Americans and Labor." This theme examines how different forms of labor—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—have shaped Black experiences throughout history. Vernon Oakes continues this discussion alongside three leaders from VOLTS (Village of Leaders Thriving in Solidarity): Camille Kerr, co-founder of Upside-Down Consulting, Edrinna Bryant, co-owner of ChiFresh Kitchen and Jumpstart Housing Cooperative, and Sharon Hopkins, co-owner of 6ix-cess Foods. VOLTS is a newly formed non-profit that builds on years of cooperative development work to create lasting economic justice for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly Black women. By formalizing and expanding its model, VOLTS provides the structure and support needed to scale worker-owned businesses and cooperative housing initiatives. Through this ecosystem, it creates pathways for dignified employment, stable housing, and community wealth-building, ensuring that those most impacted by incarceration have ownership and decision-making power in the businesses and homes they create. Its ecosystem includes: ChiFresh Kitchen, a worker cooperative offering institutional meal services, Jumpstart Housing Cooperative, which provides affordable homeownership opportunities, and 6ix-cess Foods, an emerging worker-owned food manufacturing business. Through these initiatives, VOLTS demonstrates how cooperative ownership can drive long-term economic security, self-determination, and systemic change in Chicago.…

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Vernon Oakes discusses the history of "African Americans and Labor." 45:17

29 days ago45:17

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February 13, 2025 - Everything Co-op continues its Black History Month series, exploring the 2025 theme designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH): "African Americans and Labor." This theme highlights the diverse ways labor—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—has shaped the collective experiences of Black people. Vernon will continue his exploration of this history, shedding light on its impact and significance. In this segment, Vernon discusses the history of African Americans and Labor, and transitions to how cooperatives can be used to help communities push through this period where labor is at the center of economic survival. 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.…

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Julian Hill discusses Black History Month Theme, "African Americans and Labor" 52:30

7 weeks ago52:30

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February 6, 2025 Everything Co-op inaugurates its Black History Month series. The theme for the 2025 Black History Month, as designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is "African Americans and Labor." This theme emphasizes the significant and varied ways in which different forms of labor—both free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Vernon begins his of African Americans and Labor in a discussion with Julian Hill, an abolitionist and lawyer who specializes in the solidarity economy. Julian Hill is an assistant professor at Georgia State University College of Law. Hill is a teacher, lifelong learner, community organizer, artist, and attorney who knows that the world we deserve, though both possible and necessary, is not inevitable. Hill regularly advises worker cooperatives, collectives, nonprofits, and small businesses on a range of matters, including governance, contracts, regulatory compliance, and corporate law matters. Hill is also known to partner with community-based organizations to co-facilitate political education and co-develop policies and campaigns. They have facilitated workshops, both in English and Spanish, on worker cooperatives and the solidarity economy with Law 4 Black Lives, the U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives, Democracy at Work Institute, the New York City Network of Worker Cooperatives, and the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, among others. They have prepared and delivered testimony before both the New York State Assembly and the New York City Council on issues facing worker cooperatives and small businesses in New York City. Hill is licensed to practice law in Georgia, New York and Washington, D.C.…

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Patton McDowell Discusses Services and Foundational Pillars of PMA Nonprofit Leadership 48:23

7 weeks ago48:23

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January 30, 2025 Patton McDowell, the founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, shares insights into the firm's services and core principles. PMA Nonprofit Leadership is a consulting firm dedicated to helping skilled individuals thrive in nonprofit leadership through three primary offerings: providing valuable content and resources, offering personalized coaching and training, and delivering organizational consulting in areas such as strategic planning and fundraising. Patton also serves as Director of the Institute for Philanthropic Leadership, where he facilitates its two signature programs: Leadership Gift School and the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Program. He is also the host of over 300 episodes of the podcast "Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership," and the author of a book by the same title. He leads the Mastermind Leadership Development Program, a signature coaching initiative designed to develop nonprofit leaders across the country. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education as a Morehead Scholar at UNC Chapel Hill, an MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens, and a Doctorate in Education (Organizational Change and Leadership) from the University of Southern California. Patton is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and a Master Trainer for AFP Global. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Wildacres Leadership Initiative and is an Executive in Residence at the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University.…

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amaha sellassie discusses Gem City Market and the Cooperative Agenda of 2025 54:33

8 weeks ago54:33

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January 23, 2025 amaha sellassie, the board president of Gem City Market and Vernon discuss the progression of of Gem City Market and the cooperative agenda of 2025, in the Year of the Co-op. amaha sellassie is a peace builder, social healer, freedom fighter, network weaver and lover of humanity. amaha is a practitioner scholar dedicated to building bridges of trust, healing historical wounds, and harnessing the unique gifts and talents of every human being as we press towards a just and equitable society. A dedicated community organizer, amaha champions the causes of marginalized groups, striving to amplify their voices in public policy. As a co-founder of the Gem City Market, amaha has been instrumental in a community-led initiative to address food apartheid by enhancing access to fresh produce in West Dayton. Additionally, amaha serves as the Director of the Center for Applied Social Issues, and is a Sociology professor at Sinclair Community College.…

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Malik Kenyatta Yakini, Discusses Food Sovereignty, and the Detroit People’s Food Co-op 56:19

8 weeks ago56:19

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January 16, 2025 Malik Kenyatta Yakini, Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network (DBCFSN). Vernon and Malik discuss the food sovereignty movement, and the Detroit Peoples Food Co-op's progress and challenges since its opening. Malik Kenyatta Yakini is an activist and educator who is committed to freedom and justice for African people in particular, and humanity in general. Yakini is a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, which operates a seven-acre farm in Detroit and spearheaded efforts to establish the Detroit Food Policy Council. He served as a member of the Michigan Food Policy Council from 2008 - 2010. From 2011 - 2013 he served on the steering committee of Uprooting Racism Planting Justice. He is a co-founder and on the leadership team of the National Black Food and Justice Alliance.…

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Ron Hantz, ED of the Network for Developing Conscious Communities, Discusses Growth Opportunities in the Co-op Movement 52:44

9 weeks ago52:44

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January 2, 2025 Ron Hantz, Executive Director of the Network Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC), offers insights into the growth required in the co-op movement within Black communities and outlines plans for NDCC for the forthcoming year. Ron Hantz has been instrumental in advocating a new community development paradigm based on “conscious community development” He is a former Adjunct Professor, in the Africana Studies Department, at the University Maryland Baltimore County, and founded the Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC) in 2014. He now leads the organization’s efforts on advocacy and building a sustainable ecosystem for Black governed community development organizations. Under his leadership, NDCC has emerged as a grass roots voice on promoting the use of principle-based practices to regenerate under-resourced Black communities. The Network for Developing Conscious Communities was founded 2014 as a 501 © (3) non-profit community development membership organization. Through implementing principles of conscious community development, the organization seeks to build economically cooperative and equitable communities through transparency, inclusiveness and collectivism. NDCC successfully works to improve financial sustainability, encourage business ownership and increase residential real estate ownership in Black neighborhoods.…

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Adrian Roman, Highlights Cooperative Consulting Services, a Selection from the 2024 Holiday List 57:15

12 weeks ago57:15

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December 26, 2024 Everything Co-op continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. This episode features an interview with Adrian Roman, co-owner of Colmenar Cooperative Consulting (Colmenar). Adrian discusses how the Colmenar team leverages their experiences as immigrants and their skills in navigating diverse cultures, languages, systems, and life challenges to promote democratic governance and civic participation. Adrian is a cooperative organizer and believes that prioritizing the culture of the team and relationship to the community leads to resilient organizations that can adapt and care for those involved. Adrián feels that art is a way to shift culture and speak clearly about the state of our times. He is a co-owner of Colmenar Consulting Cooperative, a co-owner of Dorchester Art Project, a certified mediator, an authorized teacher of Full Presence Mindfulness and currently sits on the board of the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives and the Greater Boston Chamber of Cooperatives. He is from Miami, FL, of Cuban and Chilean descent and his culture and family history informs his approach.…

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Alicia Simmons Highlights Frontier Co-op's Selections from Everything Co-op's 2024 Holiday List 55:01

13 weeks ago55:01

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December 19. 2024 The program continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. This episode includes an interview with Alicia Simmons, Senior Sustainability Manager at Frontier Co-op. Vernon and Alicia discuss Frontiers Co-op Market, Organic Certified Ceylon Cinnamon, and its Aura Cacia Relaxation Essential Oils Kit and Celestial Diffuser, all selections in the Holiday List. They also discuss other products and services provided by Frontier Co-op, and the many ways Frontier support its employees, partners and community. Alicia Simmons is the Senior Sustainability Manager at Frontier Co-op in Norway, Iowa. In this role, she leads environmental stewardship efforts across the cooperative, including managing the Zero Waste program and initiatives related to packaging, energy, emissions, and natural resource usage. Since joining Frontier Co-op in 2017, Alicia has also directed the co-op’s annual giving program, which exceeds $1 million, supporting community-building projects in sourcing regions, partnering with local nonprofits to reduce employment barriers, and managing two signature giving programs focused on women’s empowerment and food security. Alicia oversees the co-op’s global giving and community-based partnerships, including a three-year, $1 million project in rural India that established the region’s first farmer-owned tea collective. Additionally, she leads the co-op’s communications and public relations. Beyond her professional role, Alicia is a committed advocate for sustainability and social responsibility, holding leadership positions with organizations such as the Indian Creek Nature Center, Iowa Sustainable Business Forum, and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. She holds a BA from the University of Iowa, an MBA with a Quality Emphasis, and a Master of Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University.…

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Kevin O'Brien and Matthew Epperson Launch Everything Co-op's 2024 Holiday List Picks 53:23

15 weeks ago53:23

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December 5, 2024 "Everything Co-op" launches showcase of selected picks from its 2024 Holiday list. The premiere episode features an interview with Kevin O'Brien, founder and general manager of Worx Printing, and Matthew Epperson, Employee Ownership domain expert. Vernon and his guests will explore the "There's A Co-Op For That!" mug and delve into the workings of and benefits of the Co-op business Model. Kevin O'Brien is the founder and general manager of the worker-owned union cooperative Worx Printing in Worcester, MA. Worx is a third-generation evolution of the Union Co-Op Model codified in 1worker1vote by the United Steelworkers and the Mondragon Cooperative. For 29 years, Kevin has been dedicated to cooperating with others to advance anti-sweatshop movement policies and practices in the apparel industry. His experiences have helped thousands of Labor Unions, Nonprofits and Political Campaigns to lift awareness, advance campaigns and programs, and improve fundraising results using ethically manufactured branded merchandise. Matthew Epperson has a diverse and impressive background in cooperative movements and employee ownership. In 2017 he founded the Georgia Co-op Development Center, the only statewide technical assistance provider for co-op startups and conversions in Georgia. Matthew spent almost 10 years in the US consumer-owned grocery retail co-op movement before transitioning to finance and platform research co-ops. Currently, he is the Employee Ownership Domain Expert at Zolidar, a startup focused on helping small to medium enterprises convert to employee-owned businesses.…

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Alex Smith Highlights the Community Purchasing Alliance an Everything Co-op Holiday List Selection 54:36

15 weeks ago54:36

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December 12, 2024 Everything Co-op continues to highlight choices from its 2024 Holiday list. In this episode Vernon interviews Alex Keivahn Smith, the Senior Program Director at the Community Purchasing Alliance (CPA). Vernon and Alex explore how the CPA utilizes the collective purchasing power of community institutions to foster sustainability, equity, and justice. Alex’s professional journey reflects his passion for building relationships and driving change. He began in operations and strategy, solving complex problems for a national distributor. To enhance his quantitative skills, he studied data structures and algorithms. However, feeling a disconnect between his work and faith, he pursued theological studies and practical experiences as a hospital chaplain and tech start-up product manager. Now at CPA, Alex integrates his faith and professional expertise to support community institutions. Alex holds a master’s from Yale (Divinity), a master’s from UC Berkeley (Data Science), and a bachelor's from Princeton (Near Eastern Studies).…

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Pamela Standing, the ED of the MNIBA, Outlines Strategies to Link Indigenous Business Owners with Resources 54:18

15 weeks ago54:18

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November 21, 2024 In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Vernon interviews Pamela Standing, Co-Executive Director of the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance (MNIBA). Pamela shares strategies MNIBA employs to connect Indigenous business owners with resources. Pamela Standing's experience demonstrates that Indigenous-run organizations and businesses can thrive, achieve financial growth, and succeed within the mainstream business system without sacrificing cultural values. She is committed to bridging the disparity gap through cooperative efforts, collaboration, and establishing partnerships and alliances that lead to resource sharing. In 2019, through her partnership and contract status with Cooperative Development Services (CDS) she was able to participate in CooperationWorks’ co-op developer training series. It was through her participation in this program that inspired her exploration into how Indigenous language, Cultural Lifeways and practices aligned with Eurocentric cooperative practices. This was funded by the Native American Agriculture Fund.…

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Mike Houston discusses the Remodeling and Reopening of TPSS Food Co-op 53:49

19 weeks ago53:49