CDI places article in Jewish Currents on Cooperatives

CDI Executive Director Noemi Giszpenc contributed an article to the Autumn 2012 issue of Jewish Currents, entitled "Cooperatives: The (Jewish) World's Best-Kept Secret". It has interviews with CFNE's Micha Josephy and Rebecca Dunn of Cooperative Fund of New England, Richard Dines of Credit Union National Association, Jenny Silverman of DotCommCoop (and lately of Red Sun Press), Yoni Landau and Dan Spitzer of CoFed (Cooperative Food Empowerment Directive), and Deanne Dworski-Riggs who interned with the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives. Thanks to all for participating!

Congratulations to the Old Creamery Co-op!

It was a long haul, but they did it -- the 550 members of the Old Creamery Cooperative became owners of the Old Creamery country store in Cummington, MA. See the Berkshire Eagle story and the mention in the Boston Globe.

CDI provided initial guidance and fiscal sponsorship to the years-long effort. This is the first example in our region of a conversion of an existing grocery store into a community-owned co-op through the creation of a new cooperative business, but we feel sure it won't be the last!

Op-Ed: Cooperatives could benefit Maine residents

Our own Rob Brown has written a great Op-Ed for the Bangor Daily News for Co-op Month, highlighting the benefits that Resident Ownership through cooperatives could bring to people living in manufactured home parks in Maine.
Check it out:
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/10/11/opinion/how-trailer-park-cooperatives-could-benefit-maine/

Apply for the Democracy at Work Network!

The US Federation of Worker Cooperatives/Democracy at Work Institute is now accepting applications for the 2013 DAWN Peer Advisor Training.

The Democracy at Work Network (DAWN) is a network of certified peer advisors, all with strong social and professional ties, who cooperate in training themselves and providing technical assistance services to worker cooperatives.

More about the peer advising training: http://dawn.coop/content/apply-be-dawn-peer-advisor.

DAWN apprentice training includes:

-          2 in-person training weekends

-          10 2-hourlong webinars

-          Internship with a cooperative development organization or in a guided peer advising project

-          Research project to build the DAWN models library

Cost of the training: $300 (scholarship funds are available upon application) + travel (travel subsidies are available). Apply for scholarship after acceptance.

Upon completion of the training, apprentices may become journeyperson Peer Advisors, offering peer advising to other worker cooperatives, startups, and cooperative development organizations through DAWN.

Application deadline: October 22, 2012.

Please apply and post widely!

Thank you,

Melissa

*********************************************

Melissa Hoover, Executive Director

US Federation of Worker Cooperatives

PO Box 170701

San Francisco, CA  94117

(415) 379-9201

www.usworker.coop

Job Posting: ROC-UNITED COLORS EVENTS AND PROJECT COORDINATOR

Hello friends!  I am hiring, please help circulate:    http://www.idealist.org/view/job/J4nX9T7H8b3p/

ROC-UNITED COLORS EVENTS AND PROJECT COORDINATOR JOB OPENING
The Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC-United) is a national restaurant workers’ organization dedicated to winning improved conditions for the nation's restaurant workers. Founded initially after 9/11 by restaurant workers displaced from the World Trade Center, ROC has grown into a national organization with over 9000 members in nine states. Over the last ten years ROC-United has won ten campaigns for restaurant workers against exploitative employers, winning over $5,000,000 in unpaid wages and discrimination payments for restaurant workers, as well as improvement in working conditions; published 15 reports on the industry; won a statewide minimum wage increase in New York; opened two worker-owned restaurants, COLORS of New York and Detroit, and much more. ROC affiliates in New York Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans, Miami, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Houston, and Philadelphia all engage in three areas of work: waging campaigns for justice against low-road employers; promoting responsible employers taking the ‘high road’ to profitability; and conducting research and policy work to lift conditions industry-wide.

ROC seeks a COLORS Events and Project Coordinator.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under direct supervision of the National High Road Coordinator of ROC-U, the COLORS Events and Project Coordinator will engage in the following:
1) Assist COLORS with building and maintaining relationships with local organizations, unions, firms, and other entities as one sees fit to establish COLORS in NY’s catering and events market,
2) Increase sales and revenue at COLORS within 3 month,
3) Lead COLORS to a balanced budget within 6 months,
4) Assist the National High Road Coordinator with developing, implementing, and evaluating a new concept for COLORS NY,
5) Provide technical assistance to local ROC affiliates on the design and implementation of new worker cooperative structures, particularly in New Orleans, LA, and DC,
6) Assist COLORS NY and COLORS Detroit in implementing their marketing concept and maximizing overall business activities,
7) Other responsibilities as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Restaurant management experience
- Familiarity with worker cooperative model structure, experience with worker cooperatives a major plus
- Events coordination experience
- Significant network of relationships nationwide within worker cooperative organizations
- Strong financial management skills
- Significant network of relationships with NY organizations, unions, wedding planners, and others who would use COLORS for events and catering

- Knowledge of menu development for parties and menu pricing
- Strong Guest Service & Front of the House Skills a plus
- Knowledge of workforce development and/or relevant adult teaching experience a plus
- Understanding of community/labor organizing
- Demonstrated commitment to racial, social, and economic justice

COMPENSATION Negotiable based on experience, plus benefits. Immigrants, women, and people of color encouraged to apply. Send cover letter and resume to cathy@rocunited.org

Help us make Co-opoly 2.0 Happen; Get Great Benefits in Return; Show off Your Co-op or Organization to 20,000 People

*Please forward widely!*

Dear friends and cooperators,

I wanted to reach out to you to let you know the exciting news that The Toolbox for Education and Social Action (TESA) is gearing up for Co-opoly 2.0. But, we need your help to make it happen. This game is entirely ethically produced (all in the US, primarily by other worker co-ops, and on sustainable materials), and so the cost is extremely high - as we're paving the road for ethical game production. Now, we’re turning to the co-op movement to help us raise funds for another run of Co-opoly, and we've lined up a bunch of amazing rewards for individuals and co-ops/allied organizations who make a tax-deductible contribution.

Our first pressing of Co-opoly is nearly gone; we’ve sold roughly 1,000 copies to people in 20 countries around the world. People who have played Co-opoly have given positive and enthusiastic feedback, confirming that Co-opoly is both a fun game and a powerful resource for building the cooperative community. That we have nearly sold out of Co-opoly in almost a year surpassed our wildest expectations, and having support from people like you made a sizable difference.

There are still many people who have yet to play Co-opoly, and so we plan to print 2,000 more games, which will reach 12,000 to 20,000 more people—from experienced cooperators to start-up co-op members, educators, families, organizers, and many others. Like when we launched, we are providing our individual supporters with amazing rewards. There's a whole other set of rewards for co-ops/allied organizations, too, such as being featured in the game, free copies of Co-opoly, your logo on the box, a custom version of the game designed for your co-op or community, being thanked in the instructions, and so much more. All of this could be seen by up to 20,000 people! And don't forget, thanks to CDI, all contributions are tax deductible!

Can you give today to take Co-opoly to the next level? Organizations can get these wonderful benefits, and individuals can receive these. Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions. Thank you so much for your continued support. 

In cooperation,
Brian Van Slyke

P.S. Haven't played Co-opoly yet but want to give it a shot? You can buy it here!

Job Opportunity: Equal Exchange Sales Reps

The positions will be based out of West Bridgewater.

******

Equal Exchange is seeking Sales Reps to join our team. 

Food Service Sales Rep:

This position is part of our café sales team, partnering with coffee-focused customers who brew and serve our coffee.  Sales reps are expected to excel in building meaningful relationships around quality coffee and in communicating Equal Exchange’s unique program, starting with our commitment to sourcing from small farmers.  Sales reps work with existing customers and are accountable for securing new customers.  Previous experience preferred in some of the following: coffee, sales, training.

Natural Foods Sales Rep:

This position is part of our natural foods sales team, partnering with customers focused on offering products that both taste great and create social change.  Sales reps are expected to excel in building meaningful relationships around fairly traded products – coffee, chocolate, tea and snacks – and in communicating Equal Exchange’s unique program, starting with our commitment to sourcing from small farmers.  Sales reps are accountable for deepening programs with current customers, as well as securing new customers.  Previous experience preferred in some of the following: coffee, sales, co-ops.

To apply, please email your resume, cover letter, and your answers to the application questions below to EEHire@equalexchange.coop.  Full job descriptions for both positions can be found at www.equalexchange.coop/careers.

Application questions:

1.      Equal Exchange works with small-scale coffee farmers in countries such as Peru and Nicaragua. What do these farmers want from a relationship with Equal Exchange? How can Equal Exchange effectively help them to develop the resources to solve their pressing problems? 

2.      A new Sales Representative’s goal is to sell an additional $120,000 worth of products – or about 17,000 pounds of coffee – in a year.  This goal includes sales growth in current customers’ coffee programs as well as sales to new customers that the Sales Representative secures.  How would you go about reaching this goal? Why should Equal Exchange feel confident that you can reach this goal?

3.      What would you do as a Sales Representative in the following situation? You are approaching a Food Co-op that sells and brews coffee from their local roaster.  While the buyer believes in Fair Trade, they think that their commitment to a local roaster better serves their community and provides a great avenue to discuss sustainability.  How would you convince them to consider Equal Exchange’s coffee program?

October is Co-op Month: Events in Maine

October is Co-op Month

Each October, cooperatives all across America celebrate the role, accomplishments and contributions of our nation's cooperatives. Cooperative Maine will once again be sponsoring events and raising awareness about co-ops.  

Cooperative Maine is a network of co-op advocates around the state,
promoting support for existing cooperatives and encouraging the
creation of new ones. These can be consumer (such as co-op food
stores), producer (farmer or craft), worker (such as Fedco Seeds),
housing (several in Maine and now the purchase of mobile home parks
by tenants), electric (Eastern Maine Electric Co-op), and credit unions.

The annual celebrations play a key role in promoting cooperatives to
co-op members, the public and policy makers. Through a combination of
media outreach, member education, and interaction with policy makers,
co-op month events help raise the visibility of cooperatives as a way
of creating democratic workplaces.

Research shows that when consumers know a business is a cooperative
or credit union (which are financial cooperatives), they are more
likely to do business with it. And with consumer trust in co-ops
topping investor-owned companies, promoting a business as a
cooperative is a win-win proposition.

In Maine, there will be a variety of events taking place during the
month and stretching into the beginning of November, including Credit
Union Week, October 14-20, film showings, forums, concerts, and more.

For more information about Co-op Month and a directory of Maine
cooperatives, email info@cooperativemaine.org or go to
www.cooperativemaine.org.

EVENTS:

October: Co-op Month, with events highlighting cooperatives in Maine
throughout the Month. Cooperative Maine, 525-7776.

October 14-20: Credit Union Week celebrated by credit unions
throughout Maine. Credit Union Day will be on October 18. For local
events for more info: Jon Paradise, Maine Credit Union League,
jparadise@mainecul.org.

October 18: ""I Am" film shown in conjunction with Co-op Month, time
TBA, Public Library, Rockland. Good Tern Cooperative, 594-8822 or
teishagoodtern@hotmail.com.

October 21: "Concert for Cooperatives" performance w/Emma's
Revolution, 7 PM, First Congregational Church, 22 Tenney Hill, Blue
Hill. Blue Hill Co-op, 441-2785 or hearme@natisp.com.

November 1: "Building a Stable Economy Right in Your Own Community"
presentation/discussion, 6:30 PM, Public Library, Bangor. Cooperative
Maine, deborahhawkins!@gmail.com.

Grants for Start-Up Food Co-ops Build Co-op Economy

Congratulations in particular to Northeast co-ops in Dorchester, MA, Barre, VT and Binghamton, NY!

---

Food Co-op Initiative is excited to announce the latest round of grants to startup food cooperatives. Full text of this press release is included below, attached, and available at http://www.foodcoopinitiative.coop/content/fci-grants-build-cooperative-economy

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Grants Build Co-op Economy

Today Food Co-op Initiative announced grants to ten new cooperative grocery stores. An additional four co-ops will receive scholarships for board and organizer training. All fourteen awardees will bring a focus on local economy, community building, and healthy food options to their communities.

Food Co-op Initiative is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to helping communities make their co-op vision into reality. They are the only national organization dedicated exclusively to helping startup food co-ops. Their grants, free consultations, and extensive library of educational resources have helped dozens of co-ops get their start since Food Co-op Initiative’s inception in 2010.

Among those receiving funding is Capital City Food Co-op in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau residents began organizing in May, 2012 to bring a co-op to their remote northern city, which is accessible only by boat or airplane. “People are individualistic here,” says organizer Evelyn Rousso, “But the frontier sense of looking out for one’s neighbors is also a strong bond. Not many people could identify the Rochdale Principles, but, openness to all, democracy, honest business practices, benefits to those who participate, cooperation with others, and the good of the community are all things that really do resonate here, and are reflected in many, many ways in the daily life of our city.”

Another grantee is Dorchester Community Food Co-op, located in one of Boston, Massachusetts’s largest and most diverse neighborhoods. More than just a grocery store, in the words of organizer Jenny Silverman, “Dorchester will be a community and worker-owned market and food hub that provides economic opportunity, healthy affordable food access, and education around healthy food choices.” The Dorchester Community Food Co-op hopes to be part of an network of social enterprises that reinvigorates their inner-city commercial district.

This is the second round of grants distributed by Food Co-op Initiative. In 2011, $50,000 was awarded to eight co-ops. This year, nearly $100,000 will be distributed. However, Food Co-op Initiative Executive Director Stuart Reid says the financial support is only part of the package. “More important is the one-on-one mentoring we give our grantees. Along with regular contact through email and telephone, Food Co-op Initiative development specialists will make personal visits to each startup to provide educational workshops and organizational support.”  Food Co-op Initiatives grants are funded in part by USDA Rural Development and Blooming Prairie Foundation.

Contact:

Stuart Reid

507-664-2034

stuart@foodcoopinitiative.coop

###

Complete list of 2012 grantees:

Capital City Market Co-op, Juneau, AK

Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Detroit, MI

Dorchester Community Food Co-op, Boston, MA

Fuquay-Varina Community Market, Fuquay-Varina, NC

Gateway Food Cooperative, St. Paul, MN

Granite City Co-op, Barre, VT

Green Top Grocery, Bloomington, IL

Hub City Co-op, Spartanburg, SC

Many Hands Food Cooperative, Binghamton, NY

Wasatch Cooperative Market, Salt Lake City, UT

Scholarship recipients:

Deerfield Community Co-op, Deerfield, WI

Ellensburg Food Co-op, Ellensburg, WA

Hudson Grocery Cooperative, Hudson, WI

Local Roots Food Co-op, Buffalo, MN

Accessing USDA Rural Development Programs for Cooperatives Webinar 9/20

Accessing USDA Rural Development Programs for Cooperatives Webinar 
September 20 • 2-3 pm, Eastern

Did you know cooperatives are eligible for over 15 different funding programs within the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)? In this webinar, NCBA Director of Public Policy R.L. Condra will host a panel of experts from USDA who will discuss a variety of funding opportunities available through USDA Rural Development. These officials and program staff will provide overviews of the agency’s programs and discuss other co-op-related funding opportunities.

Highlights

• Find out about USDA Rural Development funding programs available to cooperatives
• Understand the array of funding opportunities available, such as the Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Community Advancement Program and Rural Energy For America Program and other energy programs
• Hear the latest updates on the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program
• Opportunities to interact with USDA officials and get your questions answered

Panelists

• John Padalino, Administrator for USDA Rural Development, Rural Business-Cooperative Service
• Chad Parker, Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Programs, Rural Business and Cooperative Programs
• Additional USDA Program Staff (To Be Announced)

Who Should Participate?

• Senior leadership of credit unions, electric and utility co-ops, and other co-ops that could benefit from USDA funding
• Mayors and community leaders
• Economic and community development staff
• Cooperative developers, representatives and volunteers
• Grant writers
• Members of cooperatives

Co-opoly's Second Printing Needs Your Support!

Dear cooperators and cooperative allies,

We, the Toolbox for Education and Social Action (TESA), a co-op based in Northampton, MA, are preparing to print the second edition of the hit board game Co-opoly: The Game of Cooperatives, and we need your help! 

Last year, we launched Co-opoly, and in ten months we have sold nearly 1,000 copies of our independently produced and marketed game to people all over the world. We are almost out of stock and are seeking contributions to help us print the second edition. In return, we’ll give you amazing rewards, benefits, and publicity. All contributions are tax deductible! 

Co-opoly has reached thousands of people around the world and has proven to be both a fun game and a powerful resource for building the cooperative community. Our game is also the first of its kind that we know of to be manufactured in accordance with sustainable and ethical business practices. While the game’s popularity thus far has been great, we need support to print the second edition. 

Our goal is to print 2,000 games, which will reach 12,000 to 20,000 people—from experienced cooperators to start-up co-op members, educators, families, organizers, and beyond. In return for your tax-deductible contributions, you can receive an array of benefits, such as being featured in the game; your logo on the box; free copies of Co-opoly; free advertising for your organization; and so much more! By helping us make this game available to more people and communities, you will also be spreading the word about your organization and mission. 

Visit our website to download the information kit and find out more details about our campaign to fund the second printing of Co-opoly. You can reach us by phone at 617-252-8799 or by email at contact@toolboxfored.org. We look forward to talking with you about Co-opoly!

Job Opening: catering coordinator Local Sprouts worker co-op

Local Sprouts Cooperative, Portland, Maine's only worker co-op, is hiring for a catering coordinator/worker-owner.  If you ever thought of moving to Portland and you love catering, here's a great opportunity. 

Job Opening for Catering Coordinator at 
Local Sprouts Cooperative

Do you want to work in the local food movement? Do you want to work in a democratic workplace where your voice and ideas are respected?  Do you love catering and sharing food around Maine? 

Local Sprouts Cooperative, Maine's only worker-owned cafe and caterer is looking for a Catering Coordinator. Candidates should be able to provide detailed coordination of catering jobs from start to finish and feel comfortable both in kitchen and service roles. Duties to include meeting with prospective customers, menu planning and execution, details of service, delegation of staff on site, invoicing, and working with other coordinators to execute jobs. Must have flexibility in schedule, good communication skills, be able to work independently and with a team, be able to deal with stress, be able to work long hours, and want to work in a cooperative setting. Catering experience is necessary and job coordination or management experience is helpful.  

All regular workers at Local Sprouts Cooperative become worker-owners of our cooperative.  If you apply, you should want to become an owner of Local Sprouts and be prepared to put extra energy and commitment into your work.  All worker-owners are expected to invest time and money, and participate in at least one committee.  We have monthly worker-owner meetings where all worker-owners come together to discuss proposals and make decisions together.   If we have surplus revenue at the end of the year, all worker-owners share our profits.  Together we are building a great work environment where workers are respected, we practice positive communication and mutual support, and we cook and serve delicious local food for our community.

To read more about our cooperative go to www.localsprouts.coop or to read more about worker cooperatives you can go to www.usworker.coop.

Please apply by 9/14 and include a creative cover letter (it can be a picture, poem, song or a letter) and resume detailing your experience.
Please send emails to work@localsprouts.coop or drop-off at Local Sprouts Cafe, 649 Congress St. Portland, ME.

Course on "Creating a Cooperative Food Economy" at Greenfield Community College, MA

AGR114 "Creating a Cooperative Food Economy" at Greenfield Community College

Meets on *Thursdays, 6pm-7:30pm from 9/6 to 10/18 & Field trip Sun, 9/30 from 10am-2:30pm. *


AGR 114: Creating a Cooperative Food Economy 
(1-credit OR not-for-credit through Community Education) (15 hours total)

Course Description

Explores cooperative member-owned business models (co-ops) and their various forms of democratic ownership with a focus on the local food economy. Students form groups and receive mentorship in creating their own co-op enterprise with the goals of strengthening food security, sustainability, and/or food access. Interactive workshops and hands-on field trips to co-ops inform students' understanding of the local food economy in the Pioneer Valley. Field trips required. No pre-requisites.


Register here: www.gcc.mass.edu/farmandfoodsystems/classes

Creating a Cooperative Food Economy is being taught by next-generation co-op leaders from the worker cooperative Toolbox for Education and Social Action (TESA). The course is part of a broader national initiative
called Cooperative Teach-in, a component of the US program for the International Year of Cooperatives.


Email instructors with any questions: Brian Van Slyke--brian@toolboxfored.org or Andrew Stachiw--andrew@toolboxfored.org.

This course provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about our regional food system in the Pioneer Valley, gain professional development experience, explore co-operative business ideas, begin working on the foundations of a potential cooperative enterprise, and network with other cooperatively-minded students and entrepreneurs.

Job Opportunity: worker co-op in western MA

Local Food Delivery Collective-  Part time Customer Service & Logistics Coordinator

Valley Green Feast Collective is looking for a new part-time worker owner to join our team. VGF delivers fresh, local, and organic food to homes around the Pioneer Valley in an effort to support local agriculture and make healthy food more accessible in our community. We strive to create a just, equitable work environment that fosters growth, learning, and collaboration.  We are a worker owned collective business wherein decisions are made by consensus and all workers are part owners.  To learn more about the business visit www.valleygreenfeast.com.

Job Description:

• +/- 20 hours per week including Friday delivery shift (other hours flex)
• Customer service and logistics coordination.
• Compensation is $9.00/hr. to start plus mileage reimbursement @ $.56 cents per mile, surplus produce, and the ability to purchase local food at wholesale pricing.
• This position starts October 1st, 2012.
• We are asking for at least a two-year commitment

General tasks include picking up local products, packing boxes, delivering boxes in personal vehicle up to 100 miles per week, frequent email communication with other worker owners, and attending bimonthly meetings.  Specific tasks include answering phone calls, emails,  managing customer orders, designing routes, and coordinating weekly logistics.  There will be a one month training period, during which the current and new workers will work together to create a smooth transition.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of worker owned Collectives/Cooperatives
• Ability to communicate clearly and directly
• Commitment to working in a collectively run business
• Must be organized, reliable, good attention to detail
• Familiarity with Excel and Google docs
• Driver's license, car insurance, and a reliable car for weekly use in deliveries
• Clean Driving Record
• Availability on Fridays for a shift up to 10 hours 
• Regular internet access and computer literacy
• Must be self directed, motivated and energetic
• Interest in and enthusiasm about local food and agriculture
• Customer service experience

Preferred:

• Knowledge of local farms, farmers and farm products 
• Interest in Social Justice and Sustainability
• Interest in Cooperative economies and inter-cooperation

To apply, please email to greenfeast@gmail.com a letter of interest, resume, and two professional and two personal references by September 10^th.  No phone calls, please.

Job Opportunity: Cooperation Texas Education & Outreach Coordinator

http://cooperationtexas.coop/2012/08/were-hiring-an-education-outreach-coordinator/

EDUCATION & OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Position Summary
Cooperation Texas is seeking a full-time Education & Outreach Coordinator to build awareness and support for worker cooperatives in Texas.  While all small businesses face significant challenges, worker cooperatives confront additional obstacles as a result of widespread gaps in knowledge about the cooperative model and its benefits among workers, consumers, financial institutions and professional service providers. The Education & Outreach Coordinator creates a more hospitable environment for worker cooperatives to thrive through education, outreach and movement building — leveling the playing field for the development and support of a new economy based on democracy, sustainability and cooperation.

Background
Founded in October 2009 in response to growing economic inequality, Cooperation Texas is an Austin-based organization committed to the creation of sustainable jobs through the development, support and promotion of worker-owned cooperatives. We believe everyone deserves equal access to dignified employment, which is why we place those most directly affected by social and economic inequality at the center of our work. We provide education, training and technical assistance to existing and start-up worker cooperatives in all sectors of the economy, helping launch and strengthen businesses across Texas that put people and the planet first.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative educational materials on worker-owned cooperatives.
• Facilitate workshops on the worker cooperative model in schools, churches and other community-based organizations.
• Plan creative and engaging educational events throughout the year.
• Set annual outreach & education goals, along with objectives and activities to reach those goals.
• Coordinate a team of volunteers to support outreach & education efforts.
• Develop and foster relationships with community-based partners and allies.
• Write, edit and oversee the design of outreach materials, including brochures, newsletters, t-shirts, buttons, stickers, etc.
• Manage online communications, including our blog, Twitter and Facebook accounts.
• Assist in the coordination of fundraising events.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Computer literacy in Word, Excel, Email and Internet.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Commitment to social, economic and environmental justice.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with social media, including Facebook, Twitter and blogging.
• Sense of humor and cooperative attitude.

Desired Qualifications

• A commitment to grow with the organization.
• Spanish-language proficiency.
• Experience with community organizing or economic development.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with popular education.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with cooperatives and democratically-run organizations.
• Graphic design skills.

Compensation
    $29,000/year
    Health care stipend
    Paid Time Off
    Professional development opportunities

To apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and three references to info@cooperationtexas.coop.  We will accept applications until August 31, 2012, or until the position is filled.

News You Can Use: Co-ops Building Healthy Communities

Co-ops Building Healthy Communities

In This Issue Food Co-op Impacts Healthy Food Financing Co-op Job Openings Training Opportunities Cooperative Development Institute is growing!  A big welcome to our two new staff members, Matt Meyer and Rob Brown. They are both joining the New England Resident Owned Communities Program, Matt as a Southern New England organizer and Rob as the lead organizer in Maine. We're delighted to be bringing more top-notch services to aspiring and beginning resident-owners! Have you met with your Congressperson? Summer recess is a good time to meet with your Congressperson. They are looking to connect with constituents, so let your Representative know how much you love your co-op and what a difference it is making to you and your community. Get your Rep. to become a co-sponsor of HR 3677, the National Cooperative Development Act, by reminding them Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World. Now is the time to start planning for Co-op Month! October is right around the corner. Hurry over to the Co-op Month website to get loads of resources and ideas on how to celebrate and educate about cooperatives. And here you thought August was a time to relax... On the plus side: local watermelons at your food co-op! (Photo via River Valley Market Co-op) Cooperative Development Institute:  The Northeast's Center for Cooperative Business Dear Co-operator, What's to love about co-ops? So much! Healthy Foods, Healthy Communities The National Cooperative Grocers Association has just released a report, a result of a collaboration with the ICA Group, that details the many ways that consumer owned food co-ops out-perform their conventional counterparts in bringing healthy, local, organic foods to their shoppers, while recycling more, paying employees better, and contributing more to their local communities. Read the full report here. Millions of Dollars Available in Healthy Food Financing & More The Cooperative Fund of New England announced that the US Treasury’s CDFI Fund has awarded it $1.7 million as part of its Financial Assistance program, one of the largest awards made this year. Of this award, $1 million will support its healthy food finance  program with the balance supporting their general lending program.  Congratulations to other awardees in our region, includingGenesis Fund (CDI's collaborator in bringing Resident Owned Communities to Maine), Coastal Enterprises Inc. (a long-time community economic development fund helping many Maine co-ops), Local Enterprise Assistance Fund (mainly focused on employee-owned businesses), Vermont Community Loan Fund, New Hampshire Community Loan Fund and ROC USA Capital, and a whole lot of credit unions. Job Openings The Old Creamery Co-op has an immediate opening for a General Manager. They're looking for someone with senior management experience in a retail food business and strong skills in financial management, marketing, problem solving, communication, and community building. They seek an inspired leader who embraces challenge and who has vision, compassion, and a sense of humor. More information about the job posting is here, as well as a link to a detailed job description. Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, Brooklyn is looking for aCooperative Developer. Help this successful program continue to develop worker-owned cooperatives among a largely immigrant population. Apply by August 15! Green Worker Cooperatives in the South Bronx is looking for aVolunteer Coordinator.  A start-up Boston Recycling Cooperative is looking for a Business Manager. Apply by August 17! Training Opportunities Interested in being a co-op developer but need to upgrade your skills? Consider attending Session One of the Cooperation Works! professional development program in Madison, WI this September. Or stay on the lookout for the application to be part of the 2013 cohort of Democracy At Work Network (DAWN) peer technical advisors.  To be a stronger co-op manager, you can get your master's in co-op and credit union management at Saint Mary's.  For all co-operators: attend the NCBA Annual Meeting and Co-op Conference in Seattle, WA October 2-5 (youth scholarships available!), and Imagine 2012, the international conference on co-operative economics, and the International Summit of Cooperativesin Quebec, October 6-11.

Donate to 4 Aspiring Worker Co-ops

There are four amazing nascent worker cooperatives raising funds now to participate in the Green Worker Cooperatives Co-op Academy Fall 2012 session. Give them a boost! http://ioby.org/campaign/green-worker-cooperatives-coop-academy-fall-2012.

Advocacy 101 for Co-ops Webinar TODAY

Advocacy 101 for Co-ops Webinar Today, Tuesday, July 31, 3-4 p.m., Eastern There’s Still Time to Register! It’s not too late to attend this complimentary webinar, co-produced by the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) and the Campaign for Cooperation. It’s your opportunity to get: A comprehensive overview of the advocacy process Talking points for discussing co-ops with legislators Insights into the National Cooperative Development Act and its impact on jobs and the economy A Public Policy Toolkit for the 2012 International Year of Cooperatives The opportunity to interact with experts Moderated by Peter Frank, Cooperation Works!, expert panelists include R.L. Condra, NCBA; Amy Johnson, US Federation of Worker Cooperatives; Andrew McLeod, Cooperation Works! Urban Circle; Bob Noble, Philadelphia Area Cooperative Alliance; and Lisa Stolarski, NCBA. Who Should Participate? Cooperative developers, representatives and volunteers Members of community service organizations All who want to support the co-op movement