Building Cooperative Power

by Janelle Cornwell, Michael Johnson and Adam Trott with Julie Graham Building Co-operative Power explores strategies from the Connecticut River Valley as a guide and inspiration for developing a regional co-operative economy based on a vibrant and engaged worker co-op sector. It speaks directly to obstacles and opportunities for making worker co-operatives an increasingly important part of the U.S. economy. The authors relay practical insights on co-op governance, communication, conflict and inter-cooperation. These are highlighted by cautionary tales and sagas of personal transformation. “They explore the problems and triumphs of cooperatives, through practical, yet visionary eyes. … In the course of their exploration, they visit a great variety of co-ops in the Connecticut River Valley region, and discuss their successes and problems unflinchingly. This type of on-the-ground regional thinking is a key to developing cooperative networks that are deep and sustainable.” John Curl, author of For All the People: Uncovering the Hidden History of Cooperation, Cooperative Movements and Communalism in America “Building Cooperative Power is a must read for anyone who wants to take back the economy for people and the planet! … The diversity of cooperatives, the ingenuity of enterprise strategies, and the humane care for self, others and environments showcased in this book is impressive, instructive and visionary.” — J.K. Gibson-Graham, author of The End of Capitalism (as we knew it) and A Postcapitalist Politics “… the behind-the-scenes look into this organizing process they offer here is a valuable and rare resource for organizers and communities engaged in the work of democratizing wealth.” — Gar Alperovitz, author of What Then Must We Do? Democratizing Wealth and Building a Community Sustaining Economy from the Ground Up “A thoughtful, inspiring account of the nitty-gritty process of building a democratic economy from the bottom up. Read it and cooperate!” —Nancy Folbre, author of Greed, Lust and Gender: A History of Economic Ideas