4TH UNION CO-OP SYMPOSIUM

Liberating Our Futures Together:

Building the Cooperative Ecosystem

The international Union Co-op Symposium is a two day conference that brings together over 250 practitioners, social entrepreneurs, labor organizers, co-op workers, community development practitioners, and people interested in practical tools on how to start and run union worker cooperatives. CUCI is building on the work of co-ops that have been present in this country for over 200 years, by using an international model from Mondragon, Spain. We wish to create a network of cooperatives in our society that serves the collective good by providing economic opportunities and goods and services with a purpose.

Since 2013, CUCI has been hosting an international biennial union co-op symposium to grow the union co-op movement. CUCI is one of the premier “living labs” for bringing this model to life in the US. To date, CUCI has created 5 cooperative entities/organizations, two cooperative support entities, and is the prototype union cooperative incubator for the country. The symposium provides practical tools on how to start and run union worker cooperatives. New this year, we will include how cities can support and incentivize worker ownership and cutting-edge business succession strategies through worker ownership.

WHAT SESSIONS ARE WE PREPARING FOR THIS YEAR?

We asked attendees and co-op network builders around the country what they wanted to see this year and have been busy putting together another practical, nuts-and-bolts schedule with plenty of space to learn and connect with others doing the work!

Panels & Sessions on these topics:

• education & culture building
• governance & management
• financing
• preparing for the future of work

Participatory Sessions where people can pick the brains of on-the-ground practitioners, like Rachel from Co-op Dayton, who have made great strides on their co-op projects. You will hear about:

• the lessons they’ve learned,
• their winning strategies, and
• what NOT to do while building your co-op networks.

Annual Celebration – The celebration will feature: Tapas buffet, Our Harvest Cooperative’s local and fresh produce, social time with co-op promoters from across the US, music, Split the Pot, inspiration and fun!

We have designed this program not only to inspire, but to build capacity for cooperatives and demonstrate the importance of building a network of cooperatives. Check out our schedule outline below!

Check out our full program schedule here!

Here is the link to the Event Page where you can also find these details.

Tickets:

Regular Admission: $279/person, through November 1st. Group rates starting at $215.
Late Registration: $325/person, November 2nd-15th. Group rates starting at $249.