February, 2022
Dear friends,
Happy Black History Month! We honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans, even as we strive to create a better future together.
This month’s newsletter includes upcoming workshops, co-op job postings, funding updates + other key co-opportunities that will help you unlock the power of your co-op community.
If you, or someone you know, can benefit from any of these resources, be sure to share!
We also encourage you to share your updates & ideas with us by emailing cfne@coopfund.coop
Co-op Curious?
We’ve got you covered. Check out these learning co-opportunities from CFNE & our partners.
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February 4th | 7-8:30pm EST | $10 | Scholarships available for BIPOC attendees
In this 90-minute panel, you will learn about a variety of global African diasporic intentional communities, and the challenges they face, through the Black people leading them. This panel discussion will address the following:
What have been some obstacles encountered as black intentional communities?
How have white intentional communities been in support or otherwise?
How can the larger intentional communities movement support black intentional communities?
Advice for black intentional communities forming within the US
BIPOC folx: Please contact the event organizers at events@ic.org to request a scholarship.
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Accepting applications on a rolling basis and recruiting for Q1 cohort.
The Business Equity Initiative (BEI) is accepting applications for our 2022 cohorts now!
The BEI is a program for Black and Latinx business owners committed to scaling and growing their enterprises. We are here to support business owners and help them reach their business goals. If you or someone you know would benefit from the BEI program, click here to learn more
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Feb 15-24th | Free
FCI Live is a three week series of LIVE video events where you get the chance to interact with some of the newest ideas and top experts in the startup food co-op community for FREE. This winter’s series will start February 15th and will end February 24th with 10 cutting edge, 1 hour sessions. Check out the lineup for the series below and mark your calendars:
Ready for Blastoff: Site Selection, Funding + Operational Readiness
w/ the Seven Roots Group
You Don't Need Volunteers: A Re-look at if Volunteers are Really What You Need
w/ JQ Hannah of Food Co-op Initiative
Resources & Support for Your GM Search
w/ Melanie Reid of Columinate
Co-ops As a Catalyst for Community: Transforming Recipients to Co-strategists
w/ Amaha Sellassie of Gem City Market
The Board Transition: Working to Governance
w/ Joel Kopischke of the seven roots group
The NEW New Normal: The Ongoing Affects of Covid on Operations
w/ Lori Burge and Chris Roland
What Do PMs Do Anyway?!
w/ Bonnie Hudspeth and Don Moffitt
Saying What You Mean: Creating Meaningful Messages & Impactful Calls to Action
w/ Jillian Jason
Kick Azz Boards: Creating and Sustaining a New Lens for Co-op Success
w/ Patrice Lockert Anthony of Black Label Consulting
Authentically Inclusive: Recognizing & Avoiding Ablism in the Current Co-op Culture
w/ Nikki Jackson of TenRhu Consulting
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Feb 16 @ 12:00 PM -1:30 PM EDT | Free
Creating a co-op concept & culture can seem complex and confusing but it doesn't have to be. Whether you are trying to onboard a new member, manage team projects or simply collaborate, there are lots of accessible ways to get started.
In this lunch-and-learn session, we've invited our friends @CollectivEffort to help you explore team building strategies and tools that will empower your co-op concepts + culture.
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In Case You Missed It!
Our 2021 workshops are all available for viewing on our Youtube channel. Click here to view.
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Co-op Community
Stay connected to our co-op community.
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Haymarket is seeking a part-time Communications Coordinator
Haymarket People’s Fund seeking a part-time communications person. This position offers great compensation and full benefits. They are seeking someone that has the qualifications below:
- Resides in New England;
- Has a sense of community;
- An understanding of systemic racism;
- Possesses communications skills and experience
Host a Cooperative Intern This Summer!
NASCO's Cooperative Internship Network connects talented cooperators and cooperative organizations. By hosting an intern, your co-op, non-profit, or business does more than meet project needs; you are building the skills and experience of the next generation of movement builders.
Unlike average internship applicant pools, NASCO members bring a wealth of cooperative experience, advanced democratic competencies, and a deep appreciation for the cooperative model. Through leadership positions in their co-ops, many applicants have honed valuable skills relating to nonprofit governance, financial literacy, personnel management, organizational development, conflict resolution, member education, maintenance, kitchen management, and community organizing.
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A Yard & A Half Seeking Cooperative & Communications Coordinator
A Yard & A Half Landscaping Cooperative in Waltham, MA, seeks a Cooperative & Communications Coordinator to join their bilingual (English/Spanish) team. This position is responsible for coordinating training and assistance for co-op members, managing the co-op’s social media presence, and facilitating internal and external communications. Full description and benefits here.
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Co-op Capital
Stay updated on relevant funding co-opportunities.
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Business + Employee funding opportunities
As another COVID surge winds down and many federal relief sources have closed, restaurants and food businesses continue to struggle. Here are some grant resources that may be useful. Note that these are all competitive national programs.
For Businesses:
For Employees:
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Johan Matthews
Community Engagement Facilitator
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Cooperative Fund of New England
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For CFNE news and
our Annual Report
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For co-op education
and resources
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