Become a Member

ABOUT OUR MEMBERS

NEC is a network of 200+ member organizations working to build the solidarity economy movement in the US. NEC members are the incubators, basebuilders, networkers and practitioners of regional  solidarity economy ecosystems.

NEC is a member-led network and strives to have all important decisions be directly shaped by the needs of members. We do this through member votes and direct decision-making, member representation on the Board of directors, member leadership of working groups, and more.

>> Pictured: Collage of NEC staff visiting with members from Cooperation New Orleans in 2023. 

MEMBERSHIP AT A GLANCE

ELIGIBILITY

Membership is not currently open to individuals, sole proprietorships, or municipalities. NEC strives to develop a balanced membership based on location/ region, sectoral  focus, organization leadership and structure, etc. In order to be eligible for NEC membership, an organization must:

BENEFITS OF NEC MEMBERSHIP
  • Connect directly with 200+ members!
  • Engage in our listserv connect-NEC!
  • Submit news, jobs, and events  to The Roundup!
  • Attend and present on member Calls, trainings and events!
  • Apply for members-only resources!
  • Seek an network endorsement!
  • Set up a discounted merch store with Worx!
  • Join a Working Group!
  • Participate in the Annual Meeting!
  • Run for the Board!
  • Join a delegation or learning circle!
  • Attend a member convening, training or special event!
MEMBER EXPECTATIONS

Align with the values, vision, and mission of NEC. This includes actively practicing our shared values, such as embodying a culture of reparations and restoration, and supporting the leadership of communities that have been most harmed by our current economic system — namely Black, Indigenous, immigrant, working class, women, queer, trans, and disabled people.

Keep in touch. This includes maintaining a primary point of contact with NEC staff who will be the official rep for member business, filling out occasional member surveys, providing updates on changes in organization staff, and keeping at least one staff rep on Connect-NEC.

Pay dues annually (beginning the Jan 1 of calendar year after you join NEC). 

Participate in the NEC network! This can look many different ways – like joining or convening a working group, attending quarterly calls, voting in board elections, providing strategic feedback, and/or staying active on Connect-NEC. Note, we ask that all member orgs send at least one rep to the Annual Member Meeting.

MEMBER DUES

To move away from philanthropy, we’ve gotta fund us! As of 2023, NEC members voted to make dues mandatory. 

Dues range from .6%-1% of your organization’s annual budget with a cap of $2000.

Dues collected in one year will go directly towards the next year’s regranting activities.

New members are required to pay dues the first calendar year after joining. For example: the 2025 cohort of new members will not pay dues until 2026.

Art by Chiara Acu

For more information about member benefits and expectations, please email membership@neweconomy.net.

OUR APPLICATION PROCESS

NEC opens membership in our network annually and invites organizations to apply.

We are planning our next round of invitations for late 2025. If your organization is interested in membership, we encourage you to submit our interest form!

Completing this form does not guarantee an invitation to membership but will help us in identifying organizations to invite. Your responses will help us learn more about your work in relation to NEC’s core project of supporting regional/place-based solidarity economy organizing.

If you have any questions, please email membership@neweconomy.net.

Fill out the interest form