‘
In this week’s roundup, we’re talking about the Codfather, creating feminist foreign policy, and a new comedic web-series that tackles climate change and gentrification.
P.S. NEC is working with a coalition of groups to demand 91 of the world’s largest banks stop financing climate disasters and abusing indigenous lands and rights when they meet in Sao Paolo later this month. Join us.
Stories from the Field
Codfather Sentenced: In the last 20 years, efforts to transform oceans from a public resource to private property have increased. NEC member Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA) has worked to fight back against privatization and in the process made an enemy out of a large fleet owner in one of the most valuable ports in the U.S. The Codfather pledged $10 million to fight NAMA leading to an IRS investigation that exposed his corruption and monopolization. Read the story here.
STIR: Interested in diving deep into the co-operative movement, the global commons, solidarity economics and many other emerging political practices? STIR Magazine's newest issue is all about community wealth-building and explores why thinking of people and place over profit leads to vibrant cities. Check them out.
Resource Generation: In a recent piece in the New York Times, “What the Rich Won’t Tell You,” the author delves into the stories of the rich hiding their wealth to avoid judgement for their status. But that doesn’t have to be the case– in an open response to the piece, member Resource Generation lays out what the wealthy can do to better support movements for economic and racial justice, and redistribute wealth. Read it here.
Coffee Connections: When members of Kitikmeot Heritage Society in Nanuvut, Canada decided to launch a coffee company they wanted to do it in a way that supported the people growing the beans. So, they connected with a local Peruvian cafe owner to source beans from growers in Peru. Today, the cafe and Kitikmeot Heritage Society are helping to facilitate direct trade between the farmers and coffee companies. Read their story here.
Feminist Foreign Policy: In 2014, Sweden adopted the goal of creating a “feminist foreign policy.” This means all of Sweden’s decision-making is informed by its vision for women’s empowerment and asks questions like: Are resources being allocated fairly? Are women denied basic human rights? Are they represented in the peace-making process? Now they are helping 20 other countries develop similar approaches. Read about their policies here.
Rideshare Coop: London recently decided to revoke Uber’s license claiming the company had failed to abide by public safety rules. The New Economics Foundation (NEF) has been campaigning for “Khan’s Cars” in London–a mutually owned alternative to Uber. A similar model has seen success in places like Austin. Read more about the rideshare co-op initiative here.
WATCH: The North Pole
From NEC member Movement Generation, check out the absurdly funny (yet deadly serious) web series “The North Pole.” The show tells the story of three best friends born and raised in North Oakland, California — better known to locals as The North Pole — who fight, dream, and plot hilarious schemes to remain rooted as their neighborhood becomes a hostile environment.
Episodes are under 10 minutes and feature cameos from comedian W. Kamau Bell (CNN), Boots Riley (The Coup), and former Black Panther leader Ericka Huggins–you have the time to watch!
Movement News
- 91 of the World’s Biggest Banks are Meeting This Month. Demand They Stop Financing Climate Disasters and Respect Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
- The FBI’s New U.S. Terrorist Threat: Black Identity Extremists
- Puerto Rico Co-op Takes Care of Its Own
- We Can Finally Identify One of the Largest Holders of Puerto Rican Debt
- Ben & Jerry’s Strikes Deal to Improve Migrant Dairy Workers’ Conditions
- Jeremy Corbyn Unveils 'Right to Own' John Lewis-Style Employee Ownership Policy
- Comic: We Sent Our Illustrator to Activist Summer Camp. Here’s What Happened
Job Board
Trainings Coordinator, Powershift Network (Remote)
Organizational Director, Agrarian Trust (New Mexico)
Communications Associate, BYP100 (Chicago)
Multiple Positions, Lady Parts Justice League (Brooklyn, New York)
Trainings Coordinator, Power Shift Network (Remote)
Communications Director, Northern Plains Resource Council (Billings, Montana)
Upcoming Events
A two-day solutions focused gathering for leaders and community members engaged in accelerating a localizing movement in our region. We are working on systemic renewal in an age of climate crisis, economic injustice, and frayed democratic systems. We will learn from each other while bringing localization to the forefront of people's imagination in our work toward a more resilient planet. (Vermont, October 21-22)
Movement School For Revolutionaries: Jackson, MS
Attend a special Movement School For Revolutionaries in Jackson, MS on Saturday, October 21st from 9am-5pm, with an optional half-day strategy session on the morning of Sunday, October 22nd. We are excited that we will be hosted by the folks at the Chokwe Lumumba Center for Economic Democracy and Development, which is part of Cooperation Jackson. (Jackson, Mississippi, October 21)
Broadband Communities Conference
In addition to issues of local authority, the three-day conference will address a range of issues such as rural broadband solutions, gigabit connectivity in education and economic development, and serving MDUs. There will also be panelists from electric cooperatives, mobile broadband providers, and consultants sharing information and strategies. (Atlanta, November 7-9)
This four-day conference from NEC member Resource Generation aims to generate visions of a future in which land, wealth and power are equitably distributed. MMMC is a confidential space that uses workshops, storytelling and skill building to create a space for young people with class privilege and wealth to explore questions of identity, redistribution, and responsibility in a supportive environment. MMMC programming is dynamic and specific to young people with wealth who are interested in social justice. (New York, November 9-12)
The People’s Disruption: Platform Co-ops for Global Challenges
The first platform cooperativism event in 2015 popularized the idea, and the second event in 2016 brought together co-op and union leaders to push the model forward. This third event from member Platform Co-op Consortium will zero in on ways that platform cooperatives can help to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges. The fairer digital economy we need is already emerging everywhere around us. (New York, November 10-11)
View all NEC member events on our website »
‘