Format: Hybrid Event (in-person and streamed simultaneously via Zoom)
Date: Tuesday, May 23rd, 7pm ADT.
Location: Glitter Bean Cafe, Halifax Nova Scotia
Presenters Hazel Corcoran: Executive Director CWCF, Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido: Black Women Professional Worker Co-op & Whole Woman Network, Janielle Maxwell: JEDDI Business Conversions Project Coordinator
The Canadian Worker Co-op Federation (CWCF) joined forces with Glitter Bean Cafe in Halifax, NS to facilitate a session on business conversions to Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) for members of Equity-Denied Groups (EDGs). Glitter Bean Cafe is a proudly Queer-centric worker owned co-op, that provides a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The presentation included an overview of CWCF’s JEDDI Business Conversion Project (including its objectives, initiatives and events) and a discussion on why a JEDDI-centered approach to Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) and the Canadian employment realm- is needed for true transformational change.
Hazel discussed CWCF’s history and mission within the co-operative and SPO sectors. Juliet ‘Kego Ume-Onyido tackled themes such as the cultural affinity of racialized EDGs to SPOs, challenges faced by EDGs in business conversions, and how business conversions to SPOs can benefit marginalized groups. She also shared insights on how mutual aid and co-operative economics have uplifted women and women identifying individuals facing domestic violence, financial trauma/challenges, and abuse. Janielle touched on the challenges various members of EDGs face in the workplace and financial spaces, and the subsequent need for reform. She also discussed the JEDDI Business Conversion Project, as it is situated to help combat the mainstream struggles EDGs experience in many traditional business realms. The session concluded with a vibrant Question & Answer period.
**Equity-Denied Groups include, but are not limited to: BIPOC people, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S+ communities, and youth.
