If you’re trying to determine what the new economy means, author and attorney Janelle Orsi can do a lot to help. In her book Practicing Law in the Sharing Economy, Orsi gives compelling insight into the practical application of law to solve, or attempt to solve, the challenges of a new way to function economically. I’m inspired by this approach that Orsi puts on the shoulders of transactional law. Human interaction is the point at which Orsi sets her sights. (more…)
Co-operatives
Makers of Sharon
The MakerSpace Co-op of Sharon, Massachusetts, continues to make progress. See the latest video celebrating the creative people of the town. The group participated at a local event and continues build awareness and interest as a permanent location is sought for the makerspace. The MakerSpace Co-op of Sharon can be found on Facebook. (more…)
Slow Democracy and Co-ops
I recently read the book Slow Democracy by Susan Clark and Woden Teachout, published by Chelsea Green Press. Slow democracy empowers communities with inclusive, diverse, and locally based organizing. Central to the concept is deliberation on community decisions by community stakeholders. With broad representation, inclusive deliberation allows for participation, listening, understanding, and confrontation of difficult issues. Co-ops are a kind of slow democracy with well-developed deliberative processes that can contribute to, and learn from, the slow democracy movement. (more…)
The Co-operative Economy in the Pioneer Valley
“A recession? What is it?” said Philippe. We were meeting with Philippe Rigollaud from the worker-owned co-operative Pioneer Valley Photo Voltaics (PV)² in Greenfield MA. This co-op was one stop in a tour, my wife Ellen and I were on, of co-operatives in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. (more…)
Co-ops Explained in Sixty Seconds
A co-op can be difficult to explain. But KingBird Content has ventured to do it in sixty seconds. See the video below for the most essential aspects of co-operatives. Information collected in this video comes from the ICA definition of a co-op, and the ideas of Janelle Orsi, Marjorie Kelly, and Stacey Cordeiro. (more…)
