According to the United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives (USFWC), "Worker cooperatives are values-driven businesses that put worker and community benefit at the core of their purpose. Worker members…participate in the profits, oversight, and often management of the enterprise using democratic practices." If you are interested in opening a worker-owned co-op bookstore or transitioning to one, this conversation is for you. In this session, a representative from USFWC will talk about the benefits of a worker-owned model as well as the drawbacks. They will review legalities of incorporation, decision making, financial operations, and more. Leave this session with the knowledge you need to evaluate if this shift is the right fit for you.

Speakers

• Cullen Nawalkowsky, Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse - Baltimore, MD
• Talia Whyte, Rozzie Bound Books - Boston, MA
• Ellen Vera, Co-op Cincy - Cincinnati, OH

Files & Links

• Video Recording
• Slide Deck

Recorded February 13, 2024 at Winter Institute 2024 in Cincinnati, OH

Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.

Theme song by Constant Companion