Howdy folks,
It is with great enthusiasm that I share that our guest for the Sept 26 2023 episode of Redneck Gone Green will be Emily Kawano, Co-Coordinator of the US Solidarity Economy Network and Co-Director of the Wellspring Cooperative Corporation in Western Massachusetts.
As usual, I have written a thought piece for folks who want to go deep on this topic. (Just scroll down).
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Onward to the world we deserve,
David Cobb (he/him)
Why I put my pronouns in my email signature
Introduction
Emily Kawano is a rare combination. She is a professionally trained economist, who has served in the academy as a professor. She is also a popular educator who can “break it down without dumbing it down.” As an example, she authored what I consider one of the seminal pieces of the movement: Solidarity Economy Building an Economy for People & Planet
But wait, there’s more! She has also spent decades in on-the-ground work putting the principles and practices of the Solidarity Economy into lived practice. As the Co-Director of Wellspring Cooperative, she is at the forefront of transformative change.
Emily has dedicated her life to fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy. Her insights and experiences offer a compelling narrative of hope, innovation, and the power of cooperative enterprises. An interview with Emily Kawano is a profound opportunity to understand and promote the vision of a more just and sustainable future.
Wellspring Cooperative: The Catalyst for Change
Before delving into the reasons for this interview's significance, it's essential to understand the Wellspring Cooperative itself. Founded in 2005, this pioneering organization has a clear mission: To create an inclusive economy that empowers disadvantaged communities. Emily has played a pivotal role in steering Wellspring's trajectory towards success.
Cooperative Enterprises as Catalysts for Social Change
I am confident that our conversation with Emily will shed light on the transformative potential of cooperative enterprises. By championing a model where workers are also owners, cooperatives foster economic empowerment, shared decision-making, and wealth distribution within marginalized communities. I hope that understanding this concept through the lens of Wellspring's work will inspire others to embrace cooperative ventures as a pathway towards a more equitable society.
Building Sustainable Economies
Wellspring Cooperative has been a trailblazer in weaving sustainability into the fabric of its operations, from local food production to solar energy initiatives. Through this interview, audiences will gain insights into the strategies and principles that enable sustainable economic growth while respecting our planet's finite resources.
Social Innovation and Community Resilience
One cannot discuss Wellspring Cooperative without addressing its impact on community resilience. We will undoubtedly touch on the organization's role in empowering marginalized communities, creating jobs, and reducing poverty. Emily's experiences will provide a roadmap for other communities looking to build their capacity and resilience.
Inspiration for Emerging Leaders
Emily's personal journey from academic to activist to Co-Director of Wellspring Cooperative is a story of unwavering dedication and leadership. Tune in, because I am confident that this interview will be inspiring. Emily’s story shows that one person can drive systemic change with vision, passion, and collaboration.
The Power of Collaboration
Wellspring Cooperative's success lies in its ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, from consumers to workers to local governments to financial institutions. This interview will highlight the importance of partnerships in achieving collective goals, making it a valuable resource for individuals and organizations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of social and economic change.
The Role of Education and Advocacy
Emily Kawano's expertise extends beyond her role at Wellspring Cooperative. She is also an accomplished author and educator, sharing her knowledge with the world. She is the co-founder of the US Solidarity Economy Network, and she has been at the forefront of helping ordinary folks understand economic principles. So this interview will undoubtedly delve into the vital role of education and advocacy in driving social and economic change/
About Emily
Emily Kawano is the founder and Co-Coordinator of the US Solidarity Economy Network and the Co-Director of the Wellspring Cooperative Corporation, which is seeking to create an engine for new, community-based job creation in Springfield, Massachusetts. Wellspring’s goal is to use anchor institution purchases to create a network of worker-owned businesses located in the inner city that will provide job training and entry-level jobs to unemployed and underemployed residents through worker-owned cooperatives. An economist by training, Kawano served as the Director of the Center for Popular Economics from 2004 to 2013. Prior to that, Kawano taught economics at Smith College, worked as the National Economic Justice Representative for the American Friends Service Committee and, in Northern Ireland, founded a popular economics program with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.