Business Ownership Key for Economic Recovery in U.S. Cities, New Report Shows

Oakland, Calif, May 20, 2021 — The National League of Cities (NLC) and the Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) released today new guidance for U.S. cities to pursue equitable post-COVID economic recovery through the use of employee ownership. The new report, titled “ Economic Recovery and Employee Ownership,” walks city leadership through the use of employee ownership—businesses owned completely or partially by their employees—as an essential tool in efforts to support small businesses, their employees, and local communities at a time of great need. Small businesses, which employ nearly half of the U.S. private workforce, have been impacted by COVID-19… more

A Message to Stop AAPI Hate

A rise in hatred against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has led to heartbreaking violence across the country. We are devastated at DAWI by the year-long increase in violence against AAPI elders, women, businesses, and workers. We stand in solidarity with our staff, family, friends, and neighbors against these violent manifestations of hatred and those whose silence enables them. From scapegoating AAPI communities throughout the pandemic to the racially motivated murder of six women in Atlanta this month, there is no room for racism in our communities. We must condemn hateful speech at every turn, as it leads—time… more

How Economic Democracy Impacts Workers, Firms, and Communities

Author(s) : Laura Hanson Schlachter, Olga Prushinskaya
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How Economic Democracy Impacts Workers, Firms, and Communities  presents findings from a national survey of 1,147 workers in 82 worker cooperatives and follow-up interviews with 15 participants—the first national survey of its kind. This novel data, collected in 2017, allows us to explore the impact of workplace democracy on individuals, firms, and communities across the United States. It also provides important opportunities for future research about how worker cooperatives can promote resilience and racial equity in this moment.

Democratic Management: A Practical Guide for Managers and Others

Author(s) : Rebecca Bauen
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Democratic Management: A Practical Guide for Managers and Others  is a best-of collection of democratic practices used by worker cooperative managers and taught by some of the leading consultants to democratic companies. The guide has been created to fill the void of materials available that take readers beyond the start-up or transition phase of democratic business operation to what actually needs to be done to ensure workplace democracy takes hold.

The Democracy at Work Institute Announces Equitable Economic Recovery Initiative

The Democracy at Work Institute Announces Equitable Economic Recovery Initiative OAKLAND, CALIF. — Equitable economic recovery requires strategic focus, innovation, and new partnerships, The Democracy at Work Institute (DAWI) says in announcing a new initiative helping communities address accelerating economic crises through worker ownership. Ownership Now for Equitable Recovery matches needs of workers locked out of good jobs and business ownership opportunities with the ambition and urgency demanded by the scale of our economic crisis. “Right now people are hurting, small businesses and local economies are on life support. A sustained effort to rebuild and recover lies ahead, but simply… more

Working With Small Business Cooperatives: A Guide for Public Sector, Private Sector, and Nonprofit Allies

Author(s) : Margaret Lund
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SPACING
 
Produced for public sector, private sector, and nonprofit allies of worker cooperatives, Working With Small Business Cooperatives is a guide for the use of worker cooperatives as a proven model for equitable economic development. The resource provides in-depth answers to foundational questions of starting and operating a small business cooperative, making connections to the benefits of cooperative business in regards to economic development.

Official Statement of Solidarity with Black Lives

Today, and every day, we at Democracy at Work Institute express our solidarity and support for Black people who are fighting racism on all fronts. Our team is heartbroken by the loss of George Floyd’s life -- and the lives of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless unnamed others. We are heartbroken by the violent pattern of disregard for black lives in America. Black lives matter. It is unequivocally wrong that people must march in the streets for the right not to be murdered. It is fundamentally unethical to have to petition repeatedly for your humanity to be recognized and… more

The Worker Co-op Conference Moves Online

As the historic effects of the nation’s COVID-19 outbreak continue to impact the businesses we know, love, and run, we anticipate this year’s national convening of worker cooperatives will be our most important conference to date. Responding to this crisis requires collective action capable of rebuilding an economy that values workers, honors collective fates, and centers equity. Therefore, we’re shifting to hosting a virtual 2020 Worker Co-op Conference, including online sessions and topical gatherings this September. The in-person Worker Co-op Conference will still be held in Philadelphia, in 2021. We will relish meeting up with event attendees in real life… more