Despite thriving in various countries for over thirty years, social cooperatives remain relatively obscure in the United States. Blending the principles of cooperatives with a dedicated social purpose, these entities aim to foster public benefits and empower marginalized communities. Not only do they provide quality jobs in dignified environments for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, but they also represent a transformative model of social enterprise focused on community benefit.

This May, the Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center (RMEOC) is set to launch an innovative initiative, the Social Co-op Academy. This virtual series, starting Wednesday, May 1, comprises eight weekly sessions designed to explore and expand the knowledge of social cooperatives in the U.S. Co-hosted by an impressive consortium including the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, MEDLab (U. of Colorado), Rochdale Capital, Solidarity Hall, and Shareable, the academy promises a deep dive into the fabric of social cooperatives.

Participants will learn from international successes, particularly from northern Italy, Quebec, and South Korea, where social co-ops have made significant inroads into the care economy—including child care, elder care, and disabled care. The sessions will also cover the mechanics of social franchising, explore legal and corporate models, and tackle the pressing issue of financing these ventures.

An array of distinguished speakers such as John Restakis, Doug O’Brien, and Katrina Kazda, among others, will provide insights and lead discussions.

The Social Cooperative Academy is the culmination of extensive research aimed at defining and developing a robust infrastructure and supportive ecosystem for social cooperatives in the U.S., particularly within the care economy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to raise public awareness and advocate for the growth of social cooperatives.

Through education, advocacy, and policy development, RMEOC and its partners are dedicated to championing social cooperatives as a means to address economic and social injustices faced by marginalized communities. The ultimate goal is to foster a community of practice committed to advancing the social cooperative movement, encouraging active involvement, and creating a network of advocates passionate about making a significant impact.

Register for the Academy

For those interested in learning more about the Academy, contact Elias Crim at elias@rmeoc.org.