S2E10 Dancing With Capitalism Pt 3 | Co-op Alternatives

November 23, 2021

What can co-ops teach us about how to live and work outside of the capitalistic structure? Two Western-Massachusetts based Co-op Worker/ Owners Ruthy Woodring and Trenda Loftin reflect on how cooperatives and community-based initiatives can massively reframe the structures of capitalism to support social justice, housing equality, economic opportunity, and human dignity.

Our Guests

Trenda Loftin

Trenda Loftin (she/her) is a social justice consultant, theatre artist, worker-owner of The Compost Cooperative, and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Community Realtors. She works closely with theatre companies, organizations, and individuals to address inequity within programs, practices, and policies, utilizing interactive and creative approaches. Trenda recognizes the importance of cultivating home spaces- not just as spaces for living, but for dreaming and co-creating. Her real estate and consulting work is anchored in seeking ways to increase access for those who face barriers to securing safe and enriching home and work spaces.

Ruthy Woodring

Ruthy has been hauling trash by bicycle as part of Pedal People Cooperative for the past 19 years, in Northampton, MA. She dreamed of being a professional athlete and evangelist as a kid, and you could say those dreams came true – the sport is the biathlon (biking n trash slinging), and the message is car-freedom.

Resources

The following resources were referenced in today’s episode:

The Compost Cooperative
The Pedal People
United States Federation of Worker Cooperatives
Building Blocks of Emotional Intelligence: 12 Leadership Competency Primers
Personal Sustainability Index (online assessment)
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Episode Credits:

This show is brought to you by our co-hosts Daniel Goleman, Hanuman Goleman, and Elizabeth Solomon and is sponsored by Key Step Media, your source for personal and professional development materials focused on mindfulness leadership and emotional intelligence.

This episode was sponsored by Podcorn. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here.

Special thanks to Riley who you heard at the top of the show in our “Small People, big voices,” segment.
This episode was written and produced by Elizabeth Solomon and Gabriela Acosta.
Audio Production by Michele Zipkin.
Episode art and production support by Bryant Johnson.
Music includes Love Deep Sea by Frederic Lardon and theme music by Amber Ojeda.